Easy 20 Minute Air Fryer Salmon Tacos (Gluten Free + Dairy Free)

If you're craving something bold, crispy, and ready in a flash, these Air Fryer Salmon Tacos are about to be your new weeknight go-to.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Substitutions
• Step by step
• Toppings
• FAQ
• Tips
• Storing, reheating, + meal prep
• Recipe

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a dinner that is super tasty but doesn’t totally wreck my kitchen or my schedule. These Air Fryer Salmon Tacos are my weeknight go-to! Crispy salmon, warm tortillas, all the toppings you can pile on, and dinner’s done in 20. No drama. No fancy ingredients. Just real food that tastes like you lowkey ordered takeout from a taco shack.

I did my first Whole30 back in 2017, and ever since then, I’ve been chasing that feeling of clean, simple food that still hits all the flavor notes, and these tacos deliver. The air fryer gives the salmon that golden crispy edge with zero mess, and the inside stays juicy and tender. Load them up with shredded cabbage, mango salsa, maybe a little avocado or chipotle drizzle, and you’re in for a treat. If tacos are your love language, like they are mine, check out my Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos too, or get cozy with this Pesto Crusted Salmon that makes weeknights feel like a win.

Oh, and did I mention these are gluten-free and dairy-free? You can even make them Whole30 or Paleo without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

Step by step

1. Pat your salmon dry using a paper towel. Getting rid of that excess moisture helps so you get that crisp on the salmon.
2. Drizzle with avocado or olive oil.
3. Evenly add the seasonings to the salmon.
4. Place the salmon in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 8 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd them.
5. While the salmon is cooking, prep your toppings and warm your tortillas.
6. Assemble with your favorite toppings or do what I love and make a taco bar, and let everyone build their own masterpieces.

Toppings

Let’s be real. Toppings make the taco. Go wild or keep it simple, it’s your call!

Here’s what I love putting out:

• Shredded cabbage or slaw mix 
• Lettuce or spinach 
• Mango salsa
• Avocado slices or guac
• Pickled red onions
• Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Pico de gallo or diced tomatoes
• Cilantro
• Hot sauce
• Cotija or shredded cheese (only if I’m not doing dairy)

FAQ

How long should I cook salmon in the air fryer for tacos?
Usually 8–12 minutes at 400°F, depending on the size of your salmon pieces. I go 8 and then check. You want the edges crispy and the center flaky, not dry.

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yep! Just thaw it first (cold water bath works great if you're in a rush). Then pat it dry really well and cook as usual.

Storing, reheating, + meal prep

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use separate containers for salmon, slaw, and sauces so the tacos don’t get soggy.
• Reheating: Toss the salmon back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring that crisp back. Skillet works too with a splash of oil. Microwave only if you’re okay with it being a little soft.
• Meal Prep:
  
  • Pre-mix your seasoning in a jar so it’s ready when you are
  • Cut and portion the salmon in advance
  • Prep toppings like shredded cabbage, jalapeños, and salsa ahead of time
    

Leftover hack: Turn everything into a taco bowl the next day. Add rice or greens, reheat your salmon, toss in the toppings, and go wild with the hot sauce. Boom. Lunch is handled.

Recipe