Air Fryer Fish Tacos

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Air Fryer Fish Tacos are simple to make and can be as diverse as the personality of the chef creating them. That’s what makes them so amazing! With fresh fish and a few simple ingredients, you will have the makings of tender and flavorful tilapia tacos that you can customize to your heart’s desire.

These air fryer fish tacos are seasoned to perfection using deep and warming spices, like chili powder, oregano and a pinch of cayenne.

Zesty lime, crunchy coleslaw and bright cilantro help to finish and elevate the tilapia tacos, so do not be afraid to season! Your tastebuds will thank you once they experience the fiesta of spices and tender, juicy tilapia. 

Cooking fish in the air fryer is incredibly easy, and you’ll have perfectly cooked, tender fish in just minutes. Just like my Air Fryer Fish and Chips and easy Air Fryer Salmon, this fish taco recipe is sure to become a favorite family meal!

Why Make This Fish Taco Air Fryer Recipe

• Fresh and Light – Air fryer fish tacos have a fresh and light flavor profile, making them a refreshing option on the menu.
• Healthy Option – When prepared thoughtfully, fish tacos can be a healthy meal. Fish is a good source of lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Grilling or air frying the fish instead of deep frying it can reduce the calorie and fat content.
• Quick and Easy – Air fryer tilapia fish tacos are relatively quick and easy to make, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The fish cooks quickly, and the toppings can be prepared in advance.

And what’s more, if you are missing a spice or two, it’s not a problem! The mildness of the fish pairs well with a variety of seasonings and toppings, allowing you to create a wide range of taste experiences.

Perfect for customizing! Don’t like cayenne? Leave it out. Missing chili powder? Grab the paprika! Fish tacos are incredibly versatile. 

Toppings for air fryer fish tacos, like my mango pineapple salsa, and homemade guacamole can add layers of flavor and textures to made-to-order tacos. One can load it up while another can pare it down to basics. Win-win! 

Want another tool to make cooking for the next MONTH as easy as this recipe? Get my full air fryer meal plan here–for free! You can cook up an entire month’s worth of meals using your air fryer!

Ingredient Notes

• Tilapia Filets – Tilapia is a mild and flaky white fish that is commonly used for fish tacos. It’s a popular choice because of its mild flavor and firm texture. You can substitute tilapia with other white fish varieties like cod, haddock, or catfish.
• Sea Salt – Sea salt enhances the flavor of the fish and other components of the taco. You can use regular table salt if you don’t have sea salt.
• Ground Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a hint of spiciness and depth of flavor to the fish. You can use white pepper or red pepper flakes if you prefer.
• Garlic Powder – Garlic powder provides a savory garlic flavor to the fish. You can use minced fresh garlic or garlic paste as a substitute.
• Cayenne Pepper – Cayenne pepper adds heat and a slight kick to the fish. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness. You can use paprika or red pepper flakes for a milder heat.

• Chili Powder – Chili powder adds a warm and smoky flavor to the fish. You can use a combination of paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a similar flavor.
• Onion Powder – Onion powder adds a mild onion flavor to the fish. You can use finely minced fresh onions or onion flakes as an alternative.
• Dried Oregano – Dried oregano adds an herbaceous and earthy flavor to the fish. You can use fresh oregano leaves or dried Italian seasoning as a replacement.
• Flour Tortillas – Flour tortillas serve as the taco shells for your fish tacos. Use corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option or want a different texture.
• Cooking Spray – Cooking spray is used to coat the fish before air frying to help achieve a crispy texture. You can use a small amount of vegetable oil or olive oil brushed onto the fish as an alternative.

• Lime – Lime wedges are commonly served with fish tacos to provide a fresh and tangy flavor.
• Coleslaw – Coleslaw adds a crunchy and creamy element to the tacos. Check out my slaw recipe for tacos for a tasty homemade option. 
• Cilantro – Cilantro leaves are used for garnish and add a fresh, citrusy flavor to the tacos.

How to Make Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Don’t forget to check out my best air fryer tips to get better results with every recipe.

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

1. Spray the air fryer with olive oil or cooking spray and preheat to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C.
2. Pat dry the fish filets with paper towels and use a sharp knife to cut each filet into 2 pieces. 
3. In a bowl, combine all spices and sprinkle them on both sides of the fish. 
4. Place the fish in the air fryer basket. Air fry fish on one side for 4 minutes then flip and air fry for another 2 minutes.
5. Warm tortillas in the air fryer and air fry them for a few seconds or warm in a non-stick skillet.
6. Assemble the fish taco with fish, coleslaw, cilantro and lime if desired.

Fish Internal Temp 

When you air fry fish you should aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees F / 62 degrees C when checked with a meat thermometer. Overcooking fish can cause it to dry out. 

Figuring out the right temperatures can be the hardest part of air fryer cooking. To avoid getting confused, use my FREE air fryer cooking time cheat sheet. Download it instantly right here! Plus, you’ll get immediate access to my full printable library.

Expert Tips

• Just like an oven, it’s essential to preheat air fryer. This helps the fish cook evenly and become crispy.
• Before seasoning the tilapia, pat it dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to adhere better and helps achieve a crispier texture.
• Consider marinating the tilapia for 15-20 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of lime juice, garlic, and your choice of seasonings can infuse the fish with more flavor.
• When you use cooking spray or oil to coat the fish, use it sparingly. A light coating is sufficient to help with browning and crispiness without making the dish overly greasy.
• Warm your tortillas briefly in the air fryer or a preheated oven before assembling the tacos. This makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.

• Keep a close eye on the fish while it’s in the air fryer. Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the filets and the model of the air fryer. It’s better to check for doneness a little earlier than the recommended time and add more time if needed.
• If your air fryer allows, flip the fish halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides. It also helps the fish not stick to the tray or basket.
• Fish tacos are best when served immediately after cooking. The crispy texture of the fish may start to soften if they sit too long.
• Offer a variety of toppings like sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or hot sauce so everyone can customize their tacos to their liking.
• While it’s tempting to load up your tacos with fillings, don’t overstuff them. It can make them challenging to eat and may result in ingredients falling out.
• Serve your fish tacos with a complementary sauce like a creamy lime-cilantro sauce, chipotle mayo, or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
• Check out how to clean an air fryer well after cooking to avoid transfer of food smells.

Delicious Variations 

• Fish Taco Bowl – Skip the tortillas and serve your air-fried fish over a bed of rice or quinoa. Top with your favorite taco toppings and drizzle with sauce. My kids love it!
• Avocado Crema – Instead of coleslaw, make a creamy avocado crema by blending ripe avocados with sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. Drizzle this over the fish or use it as a dipping sauce. Muah!
• Mango Salsa Tacos – Create a tropical twist with mango salsa. Dice ripe mangoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if you like heat). Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and spoon it onto your fish tacos. It’s even better if the salsa can sit for a while to meld together.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – While you can prep the fish ahead of time, it’s best prepared fresh. 
• Store – Store any leftover cooked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the coleslaw, salsa, and other toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 days.
• Freeze – Freezing air fryer fish tacos is not generally recommended, particularly if you want to maintain the best possible quality and texture. Fish can be sensitive to freezing and thawing, and the texture and flavor of the fish tend to change during the freezing process. 
• Reheat – To reheat the tilapia without losing its crispiness, it’s best to use the air fryer again. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C and place the leftover fish in the basket. Heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping once during cooking, until the fish is heated through and crispy. Warm the tortillas in the air fryer for a few seconds or in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are soft and pliable.

FAQs 

Air Fryer Fish Recipes

Looking for more EASY, delicious, and flavorful air fryer fish recipes? I’ve got you covered. Check out my full collection of air fryer recipes, or start a few of my most popular recipes:

• Air Fryer Fish and Chips.
• Air Fryer Cod.
• Air Fryer Tilapia.
• Air Fryer Salmon Patties.
• Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks.

Serve Air Fryer Tilapia Fish Tacos with:

• This easy Southern Coleslaw – an awesome fish taco topping.
• Make you own Homemade Corn Tortillas for this.
• A side of homemade Air Fryer Tortilla Chips and this Mexican cheese dip.
• And, you can’t go wrong with this classic pairing of Black Beans and this Mexican Rice.

Recommended Tools

• An awesome air fryer to easily cook your food to perfection.
• This instant-read meat thermometer ensures your food has reached the proper internal temp.
• Spices and seasonings add loads of great flavor.
• For the best tools to make your air fryer cooking even easier and more successful, check out my collection of air fryer essentials on Amazon!

Weight Watchers Points

There are 6 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my air fryer tilapia fish tacos recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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