As a mom and wife, I’m always searching for meals that feel special but don’t require a ton of prep, and these Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels have quickly become one of my favorites. They’re elegant enough to serve at a family dinner or casual get-together, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of flaky salmon, cream cheese, herbs, and a golden puff pastry swirl makes them look fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to make — and the air fryer does all the hard work for you.
I remember the first time I made these, my kids were a little skeptical about the “rolled up fish,” but the crispy pastry, creamy filling, and flavorful salmon won them over immediately. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile — you can use store-bought puff pastry to save time, season the filling however you like, and even make smaller pinwheels for appetizers. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but doesn’t stress me out as a busy mom trying to get dinner on the table.
The key is balancing flavors and textures: tender salmon, creamy filling, a little tang from lemon juice, and fresh herbs for brightness. The air fryer cooks them evenly, crisping the outside while keeping the salmon moist inside. Every bite feels indulgent but approachable — perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the pinwheels:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional for serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
- Mixed greens or steamed vegetables on the side
Instructions
- Prep the filling: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, dill, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth. I always taste the filling and adjust seasoning — a little extra lemon or dill goes a long way to brighten the flavors.
- Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Cut into thin strips or small pieces that will fit evenly across the puff pastry sheet.
- Roll out the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a rectangle roughly 12×9 inches. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about ½ inch border around the edges.
- Assemble the pinwheels: Lay the salmon pieces evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures the puff pastry cooks evenly and develops a golden color.
- Air fry the pinwheels: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with beaten egg. Place the pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Cook for 12–15 minutes, checking halfway through, until the pastry is golden and puffed and the salmon is cooked through.
- Serve: Let the pinwheels rest for a few minutes, then serve with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh dill or parsley. I like to pair them with a simple side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Thaw puff pastry properly: If it’s too cold, it can crack when rolling. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
- Even salmon pieces: Cutting salmon into evenly sized pieces ensures each pinwheel cooks evenly.
- Egg wash: Brushing with egg wash helps the puff pastry turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Crispy texture: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — the air needs to circulate for crisp, flaky pastry.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the pinwheels and store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Just add a few extra minutes to cook if cold from the fridge.
For more seafood cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Seafood Recipes Guide.
Serving Ideas
These salmon pinwheels are versatile. They’re perfect as a main dish for dinner with a side of roasted or air-fried vegetables. For brunch or a party, you can make smaller bite-sized pinwheels and serve them with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or a dill yogurt sauce. They also pair well with grains like quinoa, couscous, or rice for a more filling meal. Leftovers can be reheated gently in the air fryer or oven — the puff pastry stays flaky and the salmon moist.
One trick I like is squeezing a little fresh lemon juice over the pinwheels just before serving. The brightness of the lemon complements the creamy filling and salmon beautifully. I also love sprinkling extra fresh dill over the top for a pop of color and extra herbal flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels are one of those recipes that make me feel like I’ve made a restaurant-worthy meal at home without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flaky salmon, creamy herb filling, and golden puff pastry is irresistible, and the air fryer makes it almost effortless. As a mom and wife, I love that this recipe is approachable, kid-friendly, and versatile.
Once you try these Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels, I guarantee they’ll become a regular in your rotation. Every bite is savory, creamy, and satisfying — a little gourmet touch for a simple home-cooked meal.
