Quick & Easy Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Craving crispy, flavorful fish tacos without the hassle of deep frying? These Air Fryer Fish Tacos are the perfect solution! They’re light, crunchy, and packed with fresh flavors, all made in under 20 minutes. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality tacos with minimal effort and healthier results.
With the air fryer, you’ll get crispy, golden fish without excess oil, making these tacos lighter yet incredibly delicious. Top them with a zesty slaw, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings, and you’ve got an irresistible meal.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Fish Tacos
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, with minimal prep.
✅ Healthier Alternative – Air-fried fish means less oil but still crispy perfection.
✅ Customizable – Use your favorite fish, toppings, and tortillas.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make extra fish for salads, bowls, or wraps later.
Best Fish for Tacos
For the best crispy air fryer fish tacos, choose white, flaky fish that holds up well in the air fryer:
Cod – Mild, flaky, and perfect for tacos.
Tilapia – Budget-friendly and easy to find.
Mahi-Mahi – Slightly firmer texture, great for grilling or frying.
Halibut – Firm and mild, ideal for crispy tacos.
Pro Tip: Avoid fish that’s too delicate (like sole) as it may fall apart during cooking
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Fish Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 1 lb white fish (cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (purple or green)
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo
- ½ tsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce (like sriracha or Cholula)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For Serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Fish
- Pat dry the fish with paper towels and cut it into 4-inch strips.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
- Coat the fish in the spice mixture, making sure each piece is evenly seasoned.
Step 2: Air Fry the Fish
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the fish pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden and flaky.
Step 3: Make the Slaw & Sauce
- In a bowl, mix cabbage, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, Greek yogurt, honey, and salt. Toss and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
- Add a layer of slaw on each tortilla.
- Top with crispy fish, then drizzle with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with avocado, jalapeños, and extra lime juice.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Enjoy these delicious air fryer fish tacos with a side of chips, salsa, or a fresh mango salad!
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover fish in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or warm in a skillet.
- Avoid Microwaving: It can make the fish soggy, reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Cooking & Timing Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Air Frying Time: 8-10 minutes
- Slaw & Sauce Prep: 5 minutes
- Tortilla Warming & Assembly: 5 minutes
- Total Time: ~20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per 2-Taco Serving)
(Based on 4 servings, using cod, Greek yogurt sauce, and corn tortillas)
- Calories: ~375 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fiber: ~6g
- Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~2g
- Cholesterol: ~55mg
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Sugars: ~5g
Notes:
✔ Using tilapia or mahi-mahi will slightly adjust the calories and protein.
✔ Flour tortillas add about 40-50 extra calories per taco compared to corn tortillas.
✔ Adding cheese, extra sauce, or avocado will slightly increase the fat and calorie count.
How to Make These Even Healthier
🥑 Swap mayo for extra Greek yogurt in the sauce.
🌮 Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas to cut carbs.
💪 Add more veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra fiber.
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 1 lb white fish cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage purple or green
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo
- ½ tsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce like sriracha or Cholula
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For Serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 jalapeño sliced (optional)
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Fish
- Pat dry the fish with paper towels and cut it into 4-inch strips.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
- Coat the fish in the spice mixture, making sure each piece is evenly seasoned.
Step 2: Air Fry the Fish
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the fish pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden and flaky.
Step 3: Make the Slaw & Sauce
- In a bowl, mix cabbage, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, Greek yogurt, honey, and salt. Toss and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
- Add a layer of slaw on each tortilla.
- Top with crispy fish, then drizzle with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with avocado, jalapeños, and extra lime juice.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Enjoy these delicious air fryer fish tacos with a side of chips, salsa, or a fresh mango salad!
Notes
✔ Using tilapia or mahi-mahi will slightly adjust the calories and protein.
✔ Flour tortillas add about 40-50 extra calories per taco compared to corn tortillas.
✔ Adding cheese, extra sauce, or avocado will slightly increase the fat and calorie count. How to Make These Even Healthier Swap mayo for extra Greek yogurt in the sauce.
Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas to cut carbs.
Add more veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra fiber.
