About This Recipe
These crispy rice paper salmon tacos deliver crunch, creaminess, and bright lime in every bite—made fast in the air fryer. They’re protein-packed, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal-for-one in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 oz (115 g) salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 tsp olive oil, plus spray for rice paper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 lime (juice for slaw), plus extra wedges for serving
- 3 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1–2 tsp fresh lime juice (for the crema) + a little zest (optional)
- 2 rice paper wrappers
- Chopped cilantro, sliced scallions or jalapeño, sesame or pepitas (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Season salmon: rub with 1 tsp olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes.
- Air-fry the salmon for 6–8 minutes until opaque and it flakes easily; break into bite-size pieces. (Oven option: bake at 400°F/205°C for 10–12 minutes.)
- Make the avocado slaw: toss cabbage with diced avocado, juice of 1/2 lime, a pinch of salt, and cilantro if using.
- Stir the crema: mix Greek yogurt with 1–2 tsp lime juice, a little zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Crisp the shells: lightly mist 2 rice paper wrappers with water until just pliable (5–10 seconds). Drape each over an inverted wire rack or a foil “U”. Brush or spray lightly with olive oil. Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until crisp—watch closely to prevent over-browning.
- Assemble: fill each crisp shell with slaw, top with flaked salmon, and drizzle with yogurt crema.
- Finish with extra lime, scallions or jalapeño, and sesame or pepitas for crunch.
healthy Focus
- Air-fried, not deep-fried—minimal oil with maximum crunch.
- Greek yogurt crema replaces mayo for extra protein and fewer calories.
- Fiber-rich cabbage and avocado support fullness and nutrient density.
- Salmon provides omega-3s for heart and brain health.
- Naturally gluten-free with simple, whole-food ingredients.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 33g
- Fat: 29g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Net Carbs: 21g
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: add chipotle powder to the salmon or a few dashes of hot sauce to the crema.
- Swap the protein: use shrimp or tofu; cook times may vary (shrimp ~4–6 minutes).
- Add more veg: tuck in thinly sliced cucumber, radish, or mango for freshness.
- No air fryer? Bake rice paper shells over an inverted muffin tin at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes.
- Meal prep: cook salmon in advance and crisp shells just before serving to keep them snappy.