If you are after a quick and flavour-packed meal with a fiery twist, these Air Fryer Fish Tacos are just the ticket. They combine the bold, spicy heat of piri piri sauce with the rich, flaky texture of salmon. All tucked into soft taco shells for the ultimate fuss-free dinner.
Thanks to the speedy air fryer, the salmon cooks in just 10 to 12 minutes, developing a lightly crisp exterior while staying juicy and tender inside. The punchy marinade brings restaurant-style flavour without any of the effort, making these tacos perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend feast.
What makes this recipe really shine is its versatility. You can tailor the toppings to suit your mood or what you’ve got in the fridge. Like shredded cabbage, avocado slices, chopped tomatoes, or a drizzle of garlic yoghurt. You could even add a handful of crispy onions or a scattering of fresh coriander for an extra burst of flavour.
These tacos are ideal for sharing, too. Serve them family-style with a platter of toppings and let everyone build their own. It’s casual, fun, and guaranteed to be a hit. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or just a regular Thursday evening.
Whether you are a spice lover or just looking to mix up your taco night, these Piri Piri Salmon Tacos are a must-try. Quick to cook, easy to customise, and packed with flavour. What more could you want?
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 10 – 12 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, metal or wooden skewers and a toaster
Ingredients for Air Fryer Fish Tacos
2 fresh salmon fillets
1 tbs of piri piri seasoning
A spray of olive oil
1 red pepper, chopped and de-seeded
1 avocado, peeled and sliced
A little gem lettuce
4 mini tortillas
For the sauce:
2 tbs of mayonnaise
1 tsp of capers
The juice of 1 lemon
Method
So start by preparing your salmon. Take each salon fillet and cut it into four evenly sized chunks. So you want the pieces to be bite-sized but still substantial enough to hold their shape on the skewer and in the air fryer. Place all the salmon pieces into a large mixing bowl.
Next, prepare your red pepper by removing the stem and seeds, then chopping it into pieces roughly the same size as your salmon chunks. This helps everything cook evenly and looks great when threaded onto the skewers. Add the chopped pepper to the bowl with the salmon.
Spray the salmon and peppers with a little oil. Just enough to help the seasoning stick and to encourage a bit of caramelisation in the air-fryer. Sprinkle over your piri piri seasoning and give everything a gentle but thorough stir, making sure all the pieces are evenly coated in that fiery, flavourful mix.
Now, thread the salmon and peppers onto skewers, alternating between the two so that each skewer has an even mix. Then place the skewers into your air fryer basket, setting the temperature to 200°C (390°F). Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure the salmon cooks evenly and gets a lovely golden edge.
While the skewers are cooking, prepare your taco fillings. Separate the little gem lettuce leaves, rinse and pat dry. Slice your avocado into thin slices or wedges. For the lemon and caper mayo, simply mix mayonnaise with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a few finely chopped capers. It adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the spicy salmon.
To assemble, lay out your tortillas, add lettuce, a spoonful of lemon caper mayo, and slices of avocado. Top with the hot salmon and peppers straight from the skewers. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Getting great results every time with these air fryer fish tacos is easy, but a few simple tips can take it to the next level:
1. Use skinless salmon fillets:
So for the best texture and ease when threading onto skewers, use boneless, skinless salmon fillets. If your fillets have skin, you can easily remove it with a sharp knife before cutting into chunks.
2. Keep your pieces uniform:
Chop both the salmon and the pepper into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. So this also helps everything sit neatly on the skewers and cook at the same pace in the air fryer.
3. Don’t overcrowd the skewers:
Leave a little space between each piece of salmon and pepper to allow the hot air to circulate. So this helps the salmon cook evenly and get a lovely char on the edges.
4. Turn halfway for even cooking:
Be sure to flip the skewers halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are golden and cooked through. So if your air fryer has a rotating function or grill rack, feel free to use it!
5. Adjust the heat:
Piri piri seasoning can vary in heat level depending on the brand. If you’re spice-sensitive, start with a little less and build up next time. Fancy a kick? Add a sprinkle of chilli flakes or hot sauce.
6. Make ahead elements:
So you can prep the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. The lemon caper mayo can also be made in advance. It actually tastes better after the flavours have had time to mingle!
7. Warm your tortillas:
Warming the tortillas before serving makes a huge difference. Pop them in a dry pan or microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them soft, pliable, and extra delicious.
Related Recipes
So if these fiery Piri Piri Salmon Tacos really hit the spot, here are five more flavour-packed air fryer recipes from the blog to keep your mealtimes exciting:
Air Fryer Pork Meatballs
Juicy, savoury and packed with herbs, these pork meatballs are brilliant in wraps, pitta, or on a bed of greens. A great way to mix up your midweek meals while keeping things easy and wholesome.
Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken
Creamy, comforting and packed with flavour, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for date night or when you just want something extra special. But still quick and easy!
Air Fryer Halloumi Burger
Crispy, golden halloumi with a soft centre, served in a bun with your favourite toppings. This veggie-friendly option is a total winner. It’s a great one to serve alongside your salmon tacos for a mix-and-match taco night!
Air Fryer Salmon Noodles
This one’s perfect when you’re craving something fresh, fast, and full of flavour. Flaky air-fried salmon served over slurpable noodles with a tangy, punchy dressing. It’s a weeknight lifesaver.
Air Fryer Salmon Salad
Light yet satisfying, this vibrant salad features juicy chunks of air-fried salmon on a bed of crisp greens, with a zingy dressing to tie it all together. Great for lunch or a feel-good dinner.
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