Make flavorful and crispy Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with perfectly cooked salmon, fresh toppings, and a tangy sauce for a quick and delicious meal.
Air Fryer Salmon Tacos are a delicious and quick way to enjoy crispy, perfectly cooked salmon wrapped in soft tortillas. The salmon is seasoned with a blend of spices and air-fried to achieve a golden, flaky texture that pairs wonderfully with fresh toppings like crunchy slaw, avocado, and a zesty lime crema.
These tacos are not only packed with flavor but are also a healthier alternative to traditional fried fish tacos, making them a great option for a light and satisfying meal. Whether for Taco Tuesday or any weeknight, these Air Fryer Salmon Tacos are sure to become a favorite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy Salmon: The air fryer makes the salmon perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside.
- Quick and Easy: These tacos come together in under 20 minutes, making them a fast and convenient meal for busy days.
- Healthy: Air frying the salmon reduces the amount of oil used, making these tacos a lighter option without compromising flavor.
- Flavorful Toppings: Fresh slaw, avocado, and a tangy lime crema add vibrant flavors and textures that elevate each bite.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning and toppings to suit your taste, making these tacos versatile and enjoyable for everyone.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun Taco Tuesday, Air Fryer Salmon Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Needed
- Salmon Filets: Provides a rich, flaky texture and healthy omega-3s.
- Naan Rounds: Serve as the perfect base for building flavorful tacos or wraps.
- Limes: Adds a tangy burst of citrus that brightens the salmon and complements the seasonings.
- Arugula Lettuce: Adds a fresh, slightly spicy crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy and savory elements.
- Sour Cream: Provides a cool, tangy layer to balance the spiced salmon.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, velvety texture to enhance the overall creaminess.
- Green Onions or Scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color
- Bell Peppers: Brings a vibrant crunch and a burst of natural sweetness.
- Red Onions: Offers a sharp, tangy flavor that contrasts perfectly with the creamy and savory components.
- White Vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Seasonings: A blend of black pepper, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, allspice, sea salt, and chili powder create a bold and flavorful seasoning for the salmon.
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon Tacos
Step One: Prepare pickled red onions. Add diced red onions and white vinegar to a bowl or mason jar and let sit for 1 hour to pickle.
Step Two: Heat a frying pan or skillet over high heat. Combine ingredients for blackened seasoning in a bowl and mix. Spread seasoning out onto a plate. Dredge both sides of the salmon in blackened seasoning. Add salmon to the hot pan and sear for 3 minutes per side. Once cooked, add to a bowl and flake/shred.
Step Three: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 3-5 minutes. Prepare the cream sauce. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, green onions, juice from one lime, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk well. Spread cream cheese mixture on top of naan and top with flaked salmon. Place into the air fryer and set cook time for 5 minutes.
Step Four: Top with arugula, diced bell pepper, pickled red onions, and cilantro. Serve with lime.
Air Fryer Salmon Tacos Recipe Tips
- Preheat for Crispiness: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to ensure the salmon cooks evenly and develops a crispy texture.
- Use Fresh Salmon: Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer with space around each piece to ensure proper air circulation.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to customize the blackened seasoning mix based on your spice preference.
- Rest After Cooking: Let the salmon rest for a minute after air frying to lock in juices before flaking.
- Prep Toppings Ahead: Chop veggies, pickle onions, and prepare the cream sauce in advance for a quick and seamless assembly.
- Warm the Naan or Tortillas: Heat naan or tortillas slightly in the air fryer or skillet for a soft, pliable base that enhances the dish.
- Serve Immediately: These tacos are best enjoyed fresh for the ultimate combination of crisp salmon and fresh toppings.
Storing
- Storing Air Fryer Salmon Tacos: Store leftover salmon and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep naan or tortillas in a sealed bag to maintain freshness.
- Freezing Air Fryer Salmon Tacos: Freeze cooked salmon in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling tacos.
- Reheating Air Fryer Salmon Tacos: Reheat the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. Warm naan or tortillas in a skillet or microwave before assembling with fresh toppings.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Salmon Tacos
Air Fryer Salmon Tacos pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. You can serve them alongside a refreshing mango salsa or a zesty cabbage slaw to add a burst of flavor and crunch. For a heartier side, try pairing the tacos with cilantro-lime rice or roasted sweet potatoes for a satisfying combination. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple mixed greens salad with avocado and a citrus vinaigrette complements the tacos perfectly. Don’t forget to add a wedge of lime to enhance the fresh flavors of the tacos!
Air Fryer Salmon Tacos Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Simply thaw them first before seasoning and cooking in the air fryer for the best results.
How do I know when the salmon is done? The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time? You can prep the salmon and toppings ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the tacos just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Can I use tortillas instead of naan? Yes, you can use soft corn or flour tortillas as an alternative to naan, depending on your preference.
How can I make the tacos spicier? To add more heat, try incorporating chili flakes, a spicy sauce, or extra chili powder in the seasoning for the salmon or in the cream sauce.
Can I use other fish instead of salmon? Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm fish like tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.
How can I store leftovers? Store the leftover salmon and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the salmon in the air fryer for best results.
Can I make the cream sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER BACON AND CRAB ROLLS
- EASY AIR FRYER CHILEAN SEA BASS
- AIR FRYER SUSHI BOWL
- AIR FRYER CRAB LEGS
- EASY AIR FRYER BOURBON GLAZED SALMON
Air Fryer Salmon Tacos
Description
Ingredients
Salmon Taco Ingredients:
- 1 pound salmon filets
- 8 mini naan rounds
- 2 large limes
- 1 cup arugula lettuce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, diced
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, smoked or sweet
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Pickled Red Onions:
- 1 large red onion, diced
- 2 cups white vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare pickled red onions. Add diced red onions and white vinegar to a bowl or mason jar and let sit for 1 hour to pickle.
- Heat a frying pan or skillet over high heat.
- Combine ingredients for blackened seasoning in a bowl and mix. Spread seasoning out onto a plate.
- Dredge both sides of the salmon in blackened seasoning
- Add salmon to the hot pan and sear for 3 minutes per side. Once cooked, add to a bowl and flake/shred
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 5 minutes.
- Prepare cream sauce. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, green onions, juice from one lime, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk well.
- Spread cream cheese mixture on top of naan and top with flaked salmon. Place into the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Top with arugula, diced bell pepper, pickled red onions, and cilantro. Serve with a lime.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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