Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These salmon tacos are everything you want in a meal — easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and packed with nutrition. The air fryer cooks the salmon beautifully with minimal oil, creating a golden crust and moist center. The slaw adds crunch and tang, complementing the spice-rubbed salmon perfectly. It’s a fresh, modern take on taco night that’s lighter than traditional versions yet full of flavor and texture.
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Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Slaw: A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Meal Made Easy
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 tacos
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Slaw are a light, flavorful, and easy meal that combines crispy, perfectly cooked salmon with a zesty lime slaw, all wrapped in warm tortillas. They’re fresh, tangy, and ready in under 20 minutes — perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
-
- 1 lb salmon fillets (skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
-
- For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices (optional)
- Hot sauce or creamy chipotle sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Drizzle lime juice over the top.
- Place the salmon in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until flaky and lightly crisp on the edges.
- Meanwhile, prepare the slaw: in a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded cabbage and cilantro, tossing to coat evenly.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the air fryer for 1 minute.
- Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the tacos: place slaw on each tortilla, top with salmon, and drizzle with hot sauce or creamy chipotle sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges and avocado slices.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the spice mix for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the slaw for a lighter version.
- These tacos also taste great with mango salsa or pineapple pico de gallo.
- Perfect for meal prep — cook the salmon ahead and assemble just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon Fillets: Use fresh, skinless salmon for best results. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the edges.
Olive Oil: Lightly coats the salmon to help the seasoning stick and ensures perfect browning.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the natural flavor of the fish.
Garlic Powder: Provides savory depth and complements the spices beautifully.
Cumin: Adds earthy warmth and a touch of taco-inspired flavor.
Chili Powder: Gives a mild heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweet richness of salmon.
Lime Juice: Brightens the dish and adds freshness to both the fish and the slaw.
Corn or Flour Tortillas: Choose your favorite — warm them before assembling for soft, pliable tacos.
Cabbage Slaw Mix: A crisp blend of shredded cabbage and carrots adds crunch and texture.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: The creamy base for the slaw dressing — Greek yogurt makes it lighter and tangier.
Honey: Balances the acidity of the lime juice and adds a hint of sweetness to the slaw.
Cilantro: Adds brightness and a burst of herby freshness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Directions
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Brush or rub the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down if applicable. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. (Cooking time may vary depending on thickness.) Once done, let the salmon rest for a few minutes, then break it into large flakes with a fork.
Meanwhile, prepare the slaw. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Add the slaw mix and chopped cilantro, tossing until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. To assemble, layer the flaked salmon into each tortilla, top generously with the creamy slaw, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Garnish with extra cilantro or a drizzle of yogurt sauce if desired. Serve immediately.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 tacos, serving 2 people generously or 4 as a light meal. Prep time takes 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 10 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes from start to finish.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover cooked salmon separately from the slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat salmon in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to keep it crisp. The slaw is best fresh but can be kept for up to 1 day in the fridge. Avoid freezing.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Chipotle Tacos
Add a teaspoon of chipotle powder or a spoonful of adobo sauce to the salmon seasoning for smoky heat.
Avocado Lime Slaw
Add diced avocado to the slaw for a creamy, luxurious twist.
Mango Salsa Topping
Top the tacos with fresh mango salsa for a sweet and spicy balance.
Asian-Inspired Fusion
Swap cumin for soy sauce and sesame oil in the slaw dressing for a flavor-packed Asian twist.
Blackened Salmon Tacos
Coat the salmon in Cajun or blackened seasoning before air frying for a spicier, deeper flavor.
Low-Carb Version
Skip the tortillas and serve the salmon and slaw in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning for best texture.
2. What temperature should salmon reach when cooked?
The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
3. Can I use pre-cooked salmon?
Yes, just warm it briefly in the air fryer or skillet before assembling.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayo for the slaw dressing.
5. What kind of tortillas work best?
Corn tortillas give a traditional flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold.
6. How do I keep the tortillas warm?
Wrap them in foil and keep them in a low oven until ready to serve.
7. Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes instead of air frying.
8. What toppings go well with these tacos?
Sliced avocado, pickled onions, jalapeños, or crumbled feta all work beautifully.
9. Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
You can make it up to a few hours in advance — just stir before serving.
10. Are these tacos healthy?
Yes! They’re high in protein, packed with omega-3s, and full of fresh veggies — a balanced, nutritious meal.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Slaw are the perfect mix of flavor, texture, and freshness — crispy, creamy, and tangy all in one bite. With the air fryer doing most of the work, you get restaurant-quality salmon with minimal effort. The crunchy slaw and zesty lime bring everything together, making each taco light yet satisfying. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a quick dinner after a long day, these salmon tacos deliver on both taste and ease — a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet refreshingly simple.
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