The juicy plump flavor of salmon nestled in a bed of butter lettuce and layered with salsa is epically delicious. Air fried salmon tacos wrapped in lettuce is a beautifully easy Ninja Foodi salmon recipe for at least three people with just a pound of salmon. Be filled to the tummy with bliss after because salmon feels that amazing in the body. For some. Every body is different and only you know yours.
When it comes to air fried meals I go for quick and easy so I can make them over and over again. We use the Ninja Foodi daily and because it is so blissing easy I eat well all of the time. For me that means be full on delicious fats and having some veg tossed in.
These lettuce shell salmon tacos hit that fresh, juicy meter and soar all the way up the meter to “I’m eating this weekly now” status. You really can’t eat just one 😉
Types of Salmon to Use for Air Fried Salmon Tacos
We used Norwegian Salmon which is plump with pink colors. If you use that wild red salmon then lower the cooking temp because it cooks faster. So instead of 390 go with 350 for 8 minutes then check with a meat thermometer.
Either way the flavor of this Ninja Foodi salmon recipe will be amazing, and you can even try it one time pink style then another time red to see your preference.
Skin On: We loooove skin on and with this recipe the skin will crisp up from the preheating of the air fryer. With your other toppings on the tacos it tastes amazing.
Skin Off: Skin off also works if you have an aversion to the skin.
Salmon Size
I used one pound of salmon cut into 4 fillets. This will easily give you four servings and allow all of the fish to fit without touching.
Toppings for Lettuce Shell Salmon Tacos
We went with the classic lime juice and cilantro for easy toppings. I have a personal love for the fresh salsa at Costco in the fridge section. We also used homemade mayo for a creamy lip dreamy flavor. You will want to use homemade mayo for this unless you already have a brand you love as it has a delicious tang from fresh lemon that keeps the flavors fresh. You can also use sour cream for a tangy cream.
Check out our 30 second mayo recipe here.
Step by Step Instructions
How to Air Fry the Salmon in the Ninja Foodi
The first step is to get the salmon going. Preheat the Foodi to 390 degrees for 8 minutes to get it extra hot with the black basket insert inside. While the Foodi is getting its heat on lay out the salmon on a plate and dry it reallly well with a paper towel. This will give you a crispy skin and prevent the salmon from steaming.
Tip: Do not add salt until the end to avoid drying the salmon.
Lay the fish on its belly with the skin up and rub a tablespoon of avocado oil into the skin.
Once the Foodi has preheated open the lid and quickly lay the fish in, skin side down to the basket. Lay the fish out in the basket with space between each fillet if you can. I did a little overlap and they still came out delicious.
Air fry the salmon for 8 minutes.
In the meantime lay out the bib lettuce, about four leaves per taco and get the salsa, limes and mayo handy. You can go ahead and spread the mayo onto the leaves, or sour cream, but wait on salsa or lime juice until the salmon is down so the leaves don’t wilt.
After 8 minutes check the temperature to make sure the salmon is fully cooked.
Remove the salmon to a plate and salt then squeeze lime juice over the salmon. Then shred the salmon.
Assemble the tacos then devour. Napkins recommended.
Ingredients
1 Pound of Salmon in 4 fillets
1 tsp Salt
1 Lime
1/2 Cup Salsa
4 Bibb Lettuce Leaves per taco (or feel free to use regular taco shells)
Mayo or Sour Cream (about a teaspoon per taco or more per your love of delicious fat)
Cilantro or Parsley for Garnish (for those that think cilantro tastes like soap)
Instructions
1 . Preheat the Ninja Foodi to air crisp on 390 degrees for 8 minutes with the black basket insert inside. Since we later air fry the salmon for 8 more minutes I usually set the Foodi to 6 minutes then put in the salmon at 8 minutes.
2. Lay the salmon out onto a plate and pat it dry. This will prevent the salmon form steaming so pat to your soul's content.
3. Once the salmon is dried up lay the salmon skin side up and rub a tablespoon of avocado oil into the salmon. If you aren't using salmon with skin rub either side with oil.
4. Once the Foodi is preheated add the salmon oiled side down to the basket and give the salmon as much room as possible. If they overlap a little that's okay.
5.Air fry the salmon for 8 minutes.
6. While the salmon cooks lay out your lettuce or taco shells as well as the salsa, sour cream (or mayo for dairy free), cilantro and limes.
7. Once the salmon is finished, check the temp with a thermometer for 145 degrees F.
8. Remove the salmon to a plate, add salt and then shred the salmon.
8. Make tacos to your taste buds desires and enjoy!
