Desert Flora & Crispy Salmon Tacos

Looking for a quick, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor? These Air Fryer Salmon Bite tacos paired with a floral craft beer, check every box.

From Wild-Caught Salmon to Crispy Taco Filling

I started with a beautiful piece of wild-caught silver salmon from Calder Mountain Lodge in Alaska. I cubed and seasoned the fish, then tossed them in the air fryer. The tacos were kept simple with some seasoned rice and shredded cheese. The full recipe is below.

Beer Pairing: Desert Flora by The Bruery

Enter the pairing hero: Desert Flora, a Belgian-style table beer brewed with hibiscus and prickly pear. At only 3.5% ABV, it’s light and sessionable, with a dry, clean finish. The Bruery excels at Belgian-style beers and I really enjoy this take on a table beer. It’s such a fun style that is eminently drinkable while still delivering a lot of unique flavors.

The beer’s floral, mildly tart character, and Saison-like notes are an ideal match for the salmon’s spice blend. It adds contrast without overwhelming the dish, and the hibiscus and cactus echo the citrus from the lemon that I added to the fish. This is a pairing that elevates rather than competes.

Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bite Tacos

Ingredients:

2 lbs skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ lemon, juiced

Instructions:

Mix salmon cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices in a large bowl.
Air fry in a single layer for 5 minutes, flip the salmon cubes, and air fry an additional 5 minutes.

I served the salmon on crispy corn tortillas, with seasoned rice and shredded cheese with a lemon wedge on the side.