Dinner

Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Slaw

Name: Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Slaw
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 small corn tortillas; 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded; 1 cup carrots, shredded; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lime; Sour cream or yogurt (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

These air fryer salmon tacos with slaw come together fast and taste fresh. The salmon cooks quickly in the air fryer and stays moist inside a crisp, spiced crust. The bright lime-cilantro slaw adds crunch and acidity. Warm corn tortillas hold flaky salmon and creamy yogurt or sour cream if you like. This meal smells bright, tastes smoky and tangy, and looks colorful on the plate.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 18–20 minutes
Servings: 4 (about 2 small tacos per person)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 350 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 400 mg

Why Make This Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Slaw

These tacos are fast, healthy, and full of bright flavors. The air fryer seals in the salmon’s natural juices while giving a light crust. The slaw adds crunch and a fresh citrus bite. You can make this on a weeknight or for a casual dinner with friends. It’s lighter than fried fish tacos but still satisfying. The recipe uses simple pantry spices and few steps, so it’s easy to repeat.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Slaw

The method is straightforward: season the salmon, air fry it until just cooked, toss a quick slaw, warm tortillas, and assemble. Keep the salmon slightly flaky and moist for best texture. Use fresh lime and cilantro to lift flavors. If you want a creamier taco, add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream when serving.

Ingredients:

2 salmon fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, shredded
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Sour cream or yogurt (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Mixing

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, and cumin. Brush or rub the spice-oil mixture over the salmon so both fillets are well coated.

Step 3: Cooking

Place the salmon in the air fryer basket skin-side down if it has skin. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 125–135°F for medium. The outside should look slightly crisp and seasoned.

Step 4: Finishing

While the salmon cooks, toss the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side or microwave them wrapped in a damp towel for 20–30 seconds. Once the salmon is done, use a fork to flake it into bite-sized pieces. Assemble tacos by placing salmon on tortillas, topping with slaw, and drizzling with sour cream or yogurt if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Slaw

Serve these tacos hot and fresh. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Offer sliced avocado or pickled onions on the side. For a weeknight meal, pair with black beans or a simple rice. For a party, set up a taco bar with extra toppings like hot sauce, chopped radish, cotija cheese, or a creamy chipotle sauce.

How to Store Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Slaw

Store components separately for best texture. Keep cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Store slaw in a sealed container for up to 3 days; toss again before serving.
Keep tortillas wrapped in foil or airtight bag at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Do not assemble and store cooked tacos, as tortillas will become soggy. Reheat salmon gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to warm.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Slaw

Use room-temperature salmon so it cooks evenly.
Pat fillets dry to help spices stick and to get a slight crust.
Do not overcook the salmon. It should flake easily and feel tender. Remove at 125–135°F and let carryover heat finish it.
Toss the slaw right before serving for crisp texture.
Warm tortillas briefly over heat for better foldability and flavor.
If your air fryer basket is crowded, cook in batches to keep the salmon crisp.
Swap lime for a splash of rice vinegar in the slaw if you want a tangier bite.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Chipotle: Add 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder to the spice mix and drizzle chipotle mayo on top.
Mango Salsa Tacos: Replace slaw with chopped mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime for a sweet-tangy topping.
Cilantro-Lime Yogurt: Mix yogurt with lime zest, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt for a bright sauce.
Baja Style: Add shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime for a classic Baja taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas (most are naturally gluten-free) and check seasonings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge overnight first. Pat dry and follow the same seasoning and cook times. If not fully thawed, add a couple of extra minutes.

Q: How do I know when salmon is done in the air fryer?
A: The flesh should flake with a fork and look opaque. For moist salmon, aim for 125–135°F internal temperature. Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Q: Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the slaw up to 8–24 hours ahead. Keep it chilled and drain any excess liquid before use. Toss again with a splash of lime before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A: You can bake the salmon at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes on a lined baking sheet. Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for a slight crust if you like.

Q: How do I prevent tortillas from breaking?
A: Warm them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel. Use fresh tortillas and fold gently. Slightly thicker corn tortillas hold fillings better.

Q: Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
A: Yes. Firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia work well. Reduce cook time for thinner fillets.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes. Keep spices mild and leave out hot sauces. Offer plain yogurt or avocado for kids who prefer simpler flavors.

Conclusion

These air fryer salmon tacos with slaw are quick, fresh, and full of bright flavors. They make a great weeknight dinner or a casual entertaining dish that looks and tastes like more work than it is. If you like fish tacos and want another simple air-fryer twist, check this related recipe for inspiration: 15 Minute Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw. Give these tacos a try—you’ll love the crunch of the slaw with the flaky salmon. Enjoy!