15 Minute Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw | Lemons + Zest (2024)

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 these Air Fryer Fish Tacos 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 tacos, and especially tacos with fish or shrimp 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?

Why you will 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.
• 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!

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, 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.
• cole slaw 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: freshly squeezed is always ideal. Save some 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:

Toss the spice mix together to start along with the sea salt and pepper. Start light on the cayenne if you are worried about too much heat.

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 1)

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 2)

While the fish is cooking, toss together all of the ingredients for the cilantro lime slaw. A touch of sugar is optional but I like the subtle sweetness it adds. You could also use honey.

Assemble the tacos and add the slaw and any of your favorite taco toppings. You know I still have to add cheese to the tacos I serve to the family, but I am happy just with the fish and slaw.

Notes and Tips:

• 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.
• 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. 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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