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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Caribbean Recipes

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

Fish Recipes

Looking for other fish recipes like this? Try these:

Video

Don't Forget to Like, Subscribe and Share!

Recipe

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.

Have a Comment or Question?

If you have a question or comment about this air-fryer salmon recipe, please post it below. You will definitely get a quick response. It also helps our other readers to stay informed. Thanks!