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    Published: Sep 22, 2022 · Modified: Sep 16, 2023 by Maika · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Air-Fryer Salmon with Pepper Cabbage Slaw and Yellow Rice

    Quick spice blend of turmeric, paprika, cumin, garlic, and onion powder to season air-fryer salmon with spiced yellow brown basmati rice and peas and topped with a hot citrusy pepper cabbage slaw.

    Yellow rice topped with spiced air fryer salmon and spicy pepper cabbage slow with chopped cilantro garnish on a white plate

    Mom's Home Cooking

    My mom used to make a similar version of this healthy meal that I loved. This is not a traditional Haitian dinner, but the flavors of our beloved island influence it.

    The spicy pepper cabbage slaw, Pikliz, a traditional Haitian spicy relish, is a noticeable Haitian influence, but this recipe uses a quicker version.

    Check out my recipes for Loaded Plantain Fries with Crispy Chicken Thighs and Spicy Slaw and Papaya Rum Coconut Nice CREAMi to get a brief history of Haitian Cuisine.

    Looking for more salmon recipes? Check out this traditional meal twisted for salmon: Smothered Salmon Salisbury Steaks. And for some more comforting meals, you have to try the Sesame Chili Salmon Rice Bowl.

    Jump to:
    • Mom's Home Cooking
    • Ingredients and Instruction
    • Serving Sides Suggestions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Cooking tip
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Caribbean Recipes
    • Fish Recipes
    • Video
    • Recipe
    • Food safety
    • Have a Comment or Question?

    Ingredients and Instruction

    The Spice Blend

    Start by making the spice blend, including garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, ground cloves, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. The spice blend is mixed before adding to keep it simple since it is used throughout this air fryer salmon recipe.

    The Rice

    Make the rice right after the seasoning blend since it takes longer to cook. To begin with, combine it with the broth, diced bell peppers, and peas; you can use fresh or frozen peas.

    Then, season it with a spice blend, scotch bonnet pepper sauce, turmeric, and chopped fresh cilantro. Even brown rice will turn yellow when using turmeric. You can also substitute the hot pepper sauce for other hot chilies; see substitutions.

    In addition, I used a rice cooker for this recipe, which cooks the rice perfectly every time. However, if you do not have a rice cooker, combine all ingredients on the stovetop with an air-tight lid and allow to simmer until done.

    Additionally, this is my favorite rice; it's fragrant and lets everyone know dinner is almost ready!

    See the air-fryer-salmon recipe card for quantities.

    Ingredients preparation for yellow rice on a pizza pan.

    The Spicy Cabbage Slaw

    Firstly, Haiti's "Pikliz" influences this quick spicy pepper cabbage slaw recipe. Which sounds like pickles, but that's what it is! Additionally, the carrot, green cabbage, bell pepper, and onion are thinly sliced.

    Subsequently, this helps ensure quick absorption of the pickle juice mixture. This liquid mixture has orange and lime juice, white distilled vinegar, honey, and scotch bonnet pepper.

    For quicker prep, you can shred it in the food processor. There is also no mayonnaise, which is much healthier and not needed.

    Marinating

    Some may use sugar instead of honey and apple cider vinegar instead of white distilled vinegar. Moreover, I like the sharp taste of white vinegar. In contrast, apple cider vinegar has strong characteristics that might influence the Pikliz flavor you are going for.

    Next, add the fresh garlic and spices. Yes, garlic is added in two ways: it carries their flavors and makes this super delicious. Afterward, place it in the fridge to marinate during the cooking process.

    See the air-fryer salmon recipe card for quantities.

    ingredients for spicy pepper slaw aka pikliz in containers on a black pizza pan

    The Salmon

    Finally, the quickest part is making the easy air-fryer salmon! This is also a simple salmon recipe that can be used in other dishes. Additionally, the air fryer is such a lifesaver. For instance, You are saving time to focus on other parts of your life.

    Mix the remaining spice blend with more turmeric, brush the salmon fillets with oil, sprinkle on the spice mix, and pat down. Then, place it in the air fryer skin-side-down in the basket for a fantastic spice-crusted salmon.

    You can also get restaurant fancy by garnishing this tender and juicy fish dish with more chopped fresh cilantro leaves during plate-up.

    See the air-fryer salmon recipe card for quantities.

    Preparation for salmon on a pizza pan.

    Busy Folks - Become a better home cook with cooking tips to help you cook more efficiently on Cook's Notebook tab.  In addition, some related detailed steps can be found there. Learn techniques on prepping fish and cooking rice, like the Easy Spiced Brown Rice and Quinoa recipe.

    Serving Sides Suggestions

    • Side of steamed vegetables
    • Steamed vegetables tossed in heated chopped garlic and olive oil
    • Salad greens with your favorite dressing
    Spiced Salmon with Pepper Cabbage Slaw and Yellow Rice on a round white plate on a round wooden board next to a container of spiced yellow rice and air fried salmon in the basket

    Substitutions

    • Seasoning Blend Quick Idea - Replace the seasoning blend recipe list with two tablespoons of Adobo seasoning blend. Most importantly, keep an eye on the salt that may be included.
    • Scotch Bonnet Sauce - Use fresh scotch bonnet pepper, habanero sauce, or fresh pepper. A quarter teaspoon of red pepper chili flakes can also work in this dish.
      • If you are dealing with fresh hot peppers, I highly suggest using gloves and a separate cutting board, then washing everything at the end with soap and water. Importantly, never touch your eyes.
      • You will slice the chili in half, remove the seeds, and cut them into thin strips. Supposedly, the heat is held in the pith more than the seeds; use it at your preferred heat level.

    Change Heat Level - Modify the air-fryer salmon recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.

    Variations

    • Chicken Dinner - Use chicken breast instead of salmon for a fantastic meal.
    • Fish Tacos - Omit the rice and serve with corn or flour tortillas.

    Equipment

    • Rice Cooker - An option to cook the rice. To develop this recipe, I used the Aroma Housewares Digital Rice Cooker. It's a simple rice cooker I've also had for years. Another popular, highly-rated rice cooker I've seen people talk about is the Zojirushi Rice Cooker. It's expensive, but I would love to try it one day.
    • Air Fryer - This air-fryer salmon recipe was developed using the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill. However, you can try roasting in the oven if you do not have an air fryer.
      • You have two options with different results, though: a sheet pan with parchment paper or a sheet pan with a sheet pan rack. For example, the parchment paper will produce a salmon roasted in its juices and caramelization at the bottom.
      • In contrast, the sheet pan rack will result in just roasting around the salmon due to the hot air flowing around it. Now, the trick is not to overcrowd in whatever method you choose.

    Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.

    Storage

    • Refrigerator
      • Place the pickled slaw in an air-tight, preferably glass container to store in the fridge.  This can also be a glass container with a plastic lid or, if possible, a mason jar with a metal lid.  In short, you can use mason jars for sauces, condiments, and relishes. 
      • The glass container is less likely to stain and regulates the temperature to allow food to last longer. The pickled slaw can last up to two weeks.
      • Then, place the rice and air-fryer salmon together or separately in a  shallow 2-inch container to cool down quickly. Then, store in an air-tight sealing container. The meal will last up to two days.
    • Freezer
      • I do not recommend freezing the pickled slaw; this will change the texture of the vegetables.
      • Follow the refrigeration process mentioned for the rice and salmon. Then, place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container.

    Air Tight Food Containers - I use Glass Food Storage Containers with a plastic clipping lid to store food.  For example, I always suggest glass storage containers since you can microwave and hold food without staining the container, and the glass keeps them at a more stable temperature, which keeps the food fresher longer.

    Cooking tip

    • Cooking Rice - Cook the rice first since it takes the longest, especially for brown rice (unless you already have cooked rice).
      • One cup of Brown rice can take 45 minutes in the rice cooker.
      • One cup of white rice can take 30 minutes in the rice cooker.
      • Stove Top Alternative: Add all ingredients for the rice, combine well, cover with an air-tight lid, and cook on low-medium heat. Add an addition of 5 to 10 minutes. Get more rice recipes and tips.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Should I use parchment paper or aluminum foil to keep my air-fryer clean?

    Aluminum foil in this situation will not be suitable since you will have to use oil to keep the salmon from not sticking, and hot air won't circulate as much as with parchment paper.

    How long does it take to air-fry salmon?

    Depending on the individual serving fillet's thickness, it can take 8 to 12 minutes.

    Should I even use an air fryer liner?

    It's great to prevent a mess from being cleaned later, but not to avoid sticking since most air fryer baskets are nonstick. Try these Air Fryer Disposable Paper Liners.

    Caribbean Recipes

    Looking for other Caribbean-inspired recipes like this? Try these:

    • 3 scoops of Mango cookies and cream ice cream in a small bowl with floral decorations.
      Mango Cookies and Cream No-Churn Ice Cream
    • Gnocchi with small chicken chunks, brown sliced mushrooms, spinach and red diced bell pepper in a bowl of yellow curry sauce with sprinkled cheese on top
      Curry Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach and Mushrooms
    • Air fried sliced chicken breast over hot honey glazed root vegetables on a round white plate
      Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Hot Honey Glazed Vegetables
    • curried lamb jobs on top of chickpea cucumber salad with avocado cream sauce on the bottom
      Curried Air Fryer Lamb Chops with Chickpea Cucumber Salad
    See more Caribbean →

    Fish Recipes

    Looking for other fish recipes like this? Try these:

    • tuna avocado salad topped with a poached egg that's split open with yolk dripping out surrounded by diced tomatoes, shredded red cabbage, sliced cucumbers, sliced radishes, sliced celery on a bed of mixed greens.
      Healthy Poached Egg Avocado Rainbow Tuna Salad
    • herbed mashed potatoes topped with a salmon patty topped with sauteed green smothered in red tomato sauce and mushrooms garnished with chopped parsley on a round white plate.
      Smothered Salmon Salisbury Steak with Tomato Mushroom Gravy
    • Blue and white bowl with salmon, vegetables, topped with egg and chili sauce
      Sesame Chili Salmon Rice Bowl
    • Air Fryer Branzino with Lemon Potatoes and Vegetables
    See more Fish →

    Video

    Don't Forget to Like, Subscribe and Share!

    Recipe

    air fryer, dinner, Ninja Foodi, dairy-free, gluten-free, summer, spicy, rice cooker, egg-free, 45 minute meal, pescatarian
    Seafood
    Caribbean, Haitian, Latin American
    Yield: 2
    Author: Maika Frederic
    Spiced Salmon with Pepper Cabbage Slaw and Yellow Rice

    Spiced Salmon with Pepper Cabbage Slaw and Yellow Rice

    Quick spice blend of turmeric, paprika, cumin, garlic, and onion powder to season air-fryer salmon and rice-cooker basmati rice and peas topped with a hot pepper citrusy cabbage slaw.
    Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 45 Min

    Ingredients

    Spice Blend
    Yellow Basmati Brown Rice with Peas
    Spicy Cabbage Slaw
    Spiced Air Fryer Salmon
    Garnish

    Instructions

    Notes

    Cooking Rice

    • Cook the rice first since it takes the longest, especially for brown rice (unless you already have cooked rice).
    • One cup of Brown rice can take about 45 minutes in the rice cooker.
    • One cup of white rice can take about 30 minutes in the rice cooker.
    • Stove Top Alternative: Add all ingredients for the rice, combine well, cover with an air-tight lid, and cook on low-medium heat. Add an addition of 5 to 10 minutes.

    Seasoning Blend Quick Idea

    • You can replace the seasoning blend recipe list with 5 teaspoons of Adobo seasoning blend. Just keep an eye on the salt that may be included.

    Serving Sides Suggestions

    • Side of steamed vegetables
    • Steamed vegetables tossed in heated chopped garlic and olive oil
    • Salad greens with your favorite dressing

    Scotch Bonnet Sauce Substitute

    • Try using the actual scotch bonnet pepper or habanero sauce or peppers.
    • ¼ teaspoon of red pepper chili flakes can also work in this dish.
    • I would highly suggest using gloves and a separate cutting board in addition to washing everything at the end with soap and water and never touching your eyes. You will slice it in half. Remove the seeds and slice them into thin strips. Supposedly the heat is held in the pith more than the seeds. Use at your discretion of preferred heat level.

    Leftover Storage

    • Place in an air-tight, preferably glass container.  This can be a glass container with a plastic lid or, if possible, a mason jar with a metal lid.  You can use mason jars for sauces, condiments, and relishes.  The glass container is less likely to stain and regulates the temperature to allow food to last longer.

    Storage: Refrigerator

    • To store in the refrigerator, place the pickled slaw in an air-tight, preferably glass container.  This can be a glass container with a plastic lid or, if possible, a mason jar with a metal lid.  You can use mason jars for sauces, condiments, and relishes.  The glass container is less likely to stain and regulates the temperature to allow food to last longer.
    • Place the rice and salmon together or separately in a  shallow 2-inch pan to cool down quickly.
    • Then store in an air-tight sealing container.
    • The meal will last up to two days.

    Storage: Freezer

    • I do not recommend freezing the pickled slaw; this will change the texture of the vegetables.
    • First, follow the refrigeration process mentioned above for the rice and salmon.
    • Then you can place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container.

    Reheat: Stove Top

    • Thaw it out entirely in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth if frozen.
    • I suggest heating the salmon and rice slowly in a saute pan on low heat, covering it with a lid with a small amount of broth for the rice, and occasionally stirring to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.

    Reheat: Microwave

    • Thaw it out entirely in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth if frozen.
    • Heat on a plate for two and a half minutes with a small amount of broth on the rice and a microwave cover.


    Recommended Products:

    Ninja AG301 Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake & Dehydrate, Black/Silver
    Cutting Board Mats Flexible Plastic Colored Mats with Food Icons, Fotouzy BPA-Free, Non-Porous, Anti-skid back and Dishwasher Safe, Set of 7
    Walkerswood Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce, Hot, 6 Ounce

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories

    591.87

    Fat

    10.77 g

    Sat. Fat

    1.73 g

    Carbs

    89.61 g

    Fiber

    5.42 g

    Net carbs

    84.2 g

    Sugar

    6.77 g

    Protein

    31.78 g

    Sodium

    1370.45 mg

    Cholesterol

    62.37 mg

    These are calculations based on search results of the ingredient's nutritional information.


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    Food safety

    • Cook chicken to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat to prevent foodborne illness from contaminated uncooked meats.
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
    • Don't leave food at room temperature for extended periods; this can breed bacteria.
    • Never leave cooking food unattended to prevent burns and fires.
    • Use oils with a high smoke point to avoid harmful compounds.
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    Welcome. I’m Maika, a former professional culinarian for over a decade. I’ve worked for major hotels such as the PGA National Resort, The Ritz-Carlon Hotel Company, Conrad Hilton, and W Hotel. And as a lifetime passionate cook, my blog is about exploring a world of flavors and experimenting with recipes to create restaurant-quality quick and easy dishes that will excite the taste buds.

    More about me →

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