Description

Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos feature tender white fish coated in bold spices, cooked until flaky and lightly crisp, then tucked into warm tortillas with a fresh cilantro lime slaw. This easy air fryer recipe delivers vibrant flavor, satisfying texture, and a lighter cooking method perfect for weeknight meals.

Ingredients

For the fish

Tilapia or other mild white fish such as cod or mahi mahi, cut into even fillets

Chili powder

Dried oregano

Garlic powder

Paprika

Cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste

Onion powder

Ground cumin

Sea salt

Cracked black pepper

Olive oil

For the cilantro lime slaw

Coleslaw mix with green and purple cabbage

Mayonnaise

Fresh lime juice

Fresh garlic clove, finely minced

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Sugar, optional

Sea salt

Cracked black pepper

For serving

Soft taco tortillas made with simple ingredients

Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

1. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil and preheat the air fryer until hot

2. Combine chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and mix well

3. Pat the fish dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture

4. Brush the fish on both sides with olive oil and coat evenly with the spice mixture, gently pressing it into the surface

5. Arrange the fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each piece

6. Cook until the fish is opaque, flakes easily, and is lightly crisp on the outside

7. While the fish cooks, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, sugar if using, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl and toss until evenly coated

8. Taste the slaw and adjust seasoning with additional lime juice or salt as needed

9. Remove the fish from the air fryer and allow it to rest briefly before flaking into bite sized pieces

10. Warm the tortillas until soft and pliable

11. Fill tortillas with fish, top with cilantro lime slaw, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice

Notes

Patting the fish dry before seasoning helps achieve a better texture

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation

Adjust spice levels to match your heat preference

Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor balance

Store leftover fish and slaw separately for best texture

Reheat fish in the air fryer to maintain crisp edges

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American