These air fryer fish tacos are packed with flavor and are ready to eat in just 15 minutes. All you need is white fish (tilapia) and your favorite taco seasoning.
The Easiest Fish Tacos Ever
Fish tacos are one of those meals I can whip up quickly because all I need is fish and my favorite taco seasoning to make these taste epic. And while the air fryer does its thing, I usually whip up a batch of my cilantro lime sauce in the blender in 2 minutes, which makes these tacos even better.
Ingredients
White fish, like tilapia, mahi mahi, or cod, is perfect for the air fryer because it cooks up quickly. Instead of marinating or measuring, you’ll season it well with taco seasoning, and you’re done. Build your tacos on your favorite tortillas, with or without slaw, and your favorite toppings.
How to Make Fish Tacos in the Air Fryer
- Prep the fish.
While the air fryer preheats, pat the fillets dry so they can absorb the taco seasoning. - Cook for 8 to 10 minutes.
After 5 minutes of cooking, flip the fillets. Thicker fish may take a little longer. - Serve.
Coarsely chop the fish, prep the tortillas, and assemble the tacos.
Laura’s Tips for Air Fryer Fish Tacos
For even cooking, place the fish fillets in the air fryer basket in one single layer. Cook in batches if needed.
Tilapia takes 8 to 10 minutes to cook fully. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork, and it’s white inside. Thicker fish like cod may take a few extra minutes.
I like to top this air fryer fish tacos with slaw mix and cilantro sauce. Other tasty ideas are avocado, Pico de Gallo, corn and black bean salsa, and my homemade fish taco sauce.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos (15-Minute Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs tilapia, or white fish, thawed if frozen
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 Lime
For serving:
- 2 ½ cups slaw mix
- Cilantro lime sauce
- Tortillas
Instructions
Prep:
- If making the cilantro-lime sauce, add the ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth, and refrigerate. If you bought some or just plan on using sour cream, that's good too!
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes.
- Place the fish on paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Pat the fillets dry. Season both sides generously with the taco seasoning.
Cook:
- Spray the pre-heated basket with oil, then place the seasoned fish pieces in a single layer in the air fryer.
- Air-fry at 400F for 8 to 10 minutes. After 5 minutes of cooking, open the air fryer and flip the fish pieces over to cook on the other side. If using cod, which is thicker, you might need an extra 2 minutes of cooking time. The fish is ready when it flakes easily, and it's white inside. Remove the cooked fish to a plate and coarsely chop it. Squeeze half a lime over the fish and save the other half for serving.
Assemble:
- Warm up your tortillas and top them with a layer of slaw, cooked fish, and a drizzle of cilantro lime sauce (if using) or your favorite toppings.
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Eloise says
Holy smokes. This was the easiest air fryer fish taco recipe ever. Thanks for keeping it simple with the taco mix, brilliant, I already have it and didn’t have to mix a bunch of spices. Quick 10minute lunch for my work from home today.
Emma says
Perfect recipe for taco night. Cooking fish in the air fryer is so simple!