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These Air Fryer Fish Tacos are ready start to finish in about 15 minutes. Toss a simple Cilantro Lime Slaw together while the fish air fries and you will have the perfect taco dinner. Use your favorite white fish: tilapia, mahi mahi, cod, etc. A weeknight dinner that is so simple and one that everyone will love!
My husband is NOT a fan of fish tacos. And yet, after I made thia Air Fryer Fish Tacos recipe the first time, he asked for them on the weekly rotation. So yea, I think it’s safe to say they are that good.
Since we were married, tacos have been a weekly thing. Not always a Taco Tuesday kind of thing, but this recipe as well chicken bbq tacos, and easy shrimp tacos are my go to when I don’t feel much like thinking about the evening’s dinner menu.
And my 3 year old just wants cheese rolled up in a tortilla–seriously, that is what he thinks a taco is. Hey, it’s the easiest dinner ever when he is around! But now that this 15 minute meal is on the list, there is really not much I can complain about, right?
Whip up some spicy mango guacamole or this cauliflower black bean salad and make it a meal!
Why We love these Air Fryer Fish Tacos
- Quick and easy. Literally dinner is ready in under 20 minutes. And we are looking more at 15 minutes if you play your cards right. Air fryer recipes are the best!
- Amazing flavor combo. The combo of the spices in the fish and the cilantro lime slaw is unbelievable. A little heat and a little tang–the best!
- A delicious way to add fish to your meal. Trying to eat some more fish? We always start with tacos. Fish tacos on the menu? I am in! Try some shrimp in the air fryer too if you love this recipe!
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Best fish tacos I’ve had at home or in a restaurant! Love the spice rub and the cilantro lime sauce! It was a quick meal, too. I’m a huge fan! I used Mahi Mahi. My husband was also a fan! This recipe will be a weekly delight!” (Melinda B.)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Excellent recipe!! Loved the smoky flavor and the slaw was so easy and the perfect compliment! This is now in my menu rotation thank you!” (Nancy)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Best fish tacos 🌮 I’ve ever eaten! Super easy, super nutritious and super delicious! It will become a staple on our dinner menu. Thank you for sharing this great recipe😘.” (Sheila)
Ingredients and Substitutions
- tilapia: tilapia is my go to for fish tacos. It’s an affordable fish and has a light flavor. Any white fish should work if you prefer. Mahi Mahi is my other absolute favorite fish for these air fryer fish tacos.
- olive oil: the oil will help the spices stay on the fish as it air fries. I highly suggest it. You don’t have to use olive oil. Another cooking oil should work well. You could also use a spray oil.
- spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. We like the kick the cayenne gives these fish tacos, but it’s not for everyone. Feel free to cut the amount in half, or even more if you are concerned that the tacos will be too hot. You can always add hot sauce or more cayenne in the end.
- coleslaw mix: any combo of cabbage and carrots chopped is great here. I always love the color when purple cabbage is included in the mix, but it’s not in too many cole slaw mixes.
- mayonnaise: gives the perfect amount of tang to the slaw. Side note–I actually used vegan mayo when make this and didn’t even know it!
- cilantro: freshly chopped
- lime juice: fresh lime juice is always ideal. Save some lime wedges to squeeze over the tacos as well.
- garlic: garlic powder is great for the spice rub used on the fish, but minced works better in the cilantro lime slaw.
How to make these fish tacos
Step 1: Toss the spice mix together. Spray the basket of your air fryer with oil. Lay the fish in the basket. Brush the fish with olive oil and spread the spice blend over top generously and gently press into the fish. Spritz the top of the fish with oil to keep the spices from drying out when air frying.
Step 2: Air fry for about 8-10 minutes or until it easily flakes. Use a spatula to remove the fish. It will easily break apart into pieces for the tacos. I try to slice it long and thin, or at least the best I can. Some pieces are all over the place in size. We just want that spicy, delicious flavor!
Step 3: While the fish is cooking, toss together all of the ingredients for the cilantro lime slaw.
Step 4: A touch of sugar is optional but I like the subtle sweetness it adds. You could also use honey. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 5: When fish is cooked, remove from the air fryer basket. Cut or flake into small pieces.
Step 4: Add to tortillas and top with slaw. Add an extra squeeze of lime. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Recipe Tips
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the fish for this fish taco recipe. Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until cooked through and flaky. For best results, bake on parchment paper.
- Thicker fish will take longer to air fry. The tilapia I used here was just over half an inch in it’s thickest spot. You are looking for a 145°F internal temperature. This will be easier to test in a thicker fish filet. Add a couple extra minutes on at a time until fish is cooked through.
- Once the fish is in the air fryer basket, don’t turn or flip it. It is more likely to fall apart. You can lay parchment down in your air fryer basket if preferred.
- For best results, don’t overlap the fish in the air fryer. If it touches slightly, that is okay. My air fryer is pretty small–I have done this in batches, but that’s not ideal, just try your best to get the fish in a single layer. Not sure what size you need? Check this out.
- Swap smoked paprika for the regular paprika in these air fryer fish tacos for a delicious smokiness. It’s a great way to switch things up.
Check out these other Air Fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob with Cilantro Lime Butter
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
- Easy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- 3 Cheese Air Fryer Zucchini
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Buffalo Potatoes
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Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 1 ½ lb tilapia or white fish, (mahi mahi, cod, etc.)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (more or less for spiciness)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
- 2½ c cole slaw mix
- 3 T mayonnaise
- 1 T lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ⅓ c chopped cilantro
- ½ tsp sugar, optional
- ¼ sea salt, more or less to taste
- ¼ tsp cracked pepper
For Taco Assembly:
- tortillas
- extra lime juice
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil. In a small bowl, mix the spices, salt and pepper well to combine.
- Pat fish dry and then lay it in the air fryer basket. Brush with olive oil. Generously cover the fish with the spice rub and gently press it into the fish. Spritz over top of the fish with oil to help it all hold to the fish and stay moist.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Heat the fish for about 8-10 minutes or until opaque and easily flakes. Internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- While the fish cooks, toss together the ingredients for the cilantro lime slaw. Adjust the salt to taste or add more lime juice as desired.
- When fish is cooked, remove from the air fryer basket. Cut into small pieces and add to tortillas and top with slaw. Add an extra squeeze of lime. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- To reheat, air fry the fish for about 2-4 minutes until hot.
Video
Notes
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the fish for these tacos. Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until cooked through and flaky. For best results, bake on parchment paper.
- Thicker fish will take longer to air fry. The tilapia I used here was just over half an inch in it’s thickest spot. You are looking for a 145°F internal temperature. This will be easier to test in a thicker fish filet. Add a couple extra minutes on at a time until fish is cooked through.
- Once the fish is in the air fryer basket, don’t turn or flip it. It is more likely to fall apart. You can lay parchment down in your air fryer basket if preferred.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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What is the serving size per person? trying to match the nutrients info. Thank you!!!
Hi Alisha! So 6 oz of fish and about 2/3 cup of the slaw is one serving. I did not use the tortillas in nutrition info as there are so many varieties. Hope that helps!
It took nearly 27-30 mins. for thicker filets of tilapia.
Oh wow–how thick were they?? My tilapia is usually about 3/4 inch thick at most, so I imagine those were 1 1/2 inch thick or more?? Glad you enjoyed them though!
I love a good fish taco, and it happens to be my go-to at Mexican restaurants. I’ve even tried my hand at making my own fried fish tacos, but I come up short. Your healthy airfryer recipe plus a great sale on Pacific rockfish convinced me to try it again. I’m so glad I did because memories of road trips down to Ensenada, Mexico, where street tacos reign came flooding back! Can I just say the cilantro slaw recipe was delicious, and the rockfish in the airfryer turned out perfectly! Thanks so much for a fantastic recipe that will be in rotation all year round!
Oh my gosh–this comment made me smile so big! I appreciate you taking the time to share. These are my FAVORITE tacos of all time and glad they make others happy as well!
These were fabulous, I use smoked paprika because that’s my favorite spice instead of regular, and mahi-mahi fish. I also used the jicama wraps from Trader Joe’s to save on the carbs, and did the coleslaw as written except I did not use the sugar, I made it after I got home from the gym and it was ready to eat in less than 30 minutes, will definitely be making these on a regular basis
So good to hear this was a hit! Big fans in our house and make these quite regularly as well. Thanks Kathleen!
We absolutely love these fish tacos with the cilantro lime coleslaw! They have become a regular Friday dinner. We’ve used haddock, cod and tonight we even tried it with bass!
Yay!! Love that all the different kinds of fish work well!
So easy and super delicious!!!
So glad to hear it Katie! This is a fan fave in our house!
Great recipe! I added crushed pineapple and omitted the sugar for the slaw. Easy and quick yet very tasty meal!
Ohhhh, I need to add pineapple to mine next time. Thanks for the tip, Courtney!
Have you ever marinated the fish first? I’m trying this out for the first time, but I marinated the fish in lime juice and the spice mix! Let you know how it turns out! Super excited to try it!
Hi Courtney! I have let it sit in the spices ahead of time before and that was great. I have a feeling the lime juice will be amazing. Keep me posted!
Looking for quick, healthy and cheap recipes for college grandkids. I haven’t made these, but to eliminate the need for many different spices , I would suggest using Old Bay Seasoning on the fish. These look Good.
Made these tonight using King fish. They were delicious!
So happy to hear it! Love that these worked out for you!
How many tacos does this recipe make?
Hi! It will really depend on how large your tortillas are and how much fish you enjoy in each. If using small taco sized tortillas, you should easily get about 7-8 tacos. For a larger tortilla, 4-6 will be more likely. But the recipe very easily doubles if that helps!