Go Back
Fish tacos have surged in popularity over recent years, captivating food lovers with their delightful combination of crispy fish, fresh toppings, and zesty flavors. Originating from the coastal regions of Mexico, these tacos have evolved into a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. Their appeal lies not only in their delicious taste but also in their versatility; they can be customized with various toppings and sauces to suit individual preferences. Today, we’re elevating the traditional fish taco by preparing a healthier version using an air fryer, which allows us to achieve that coveted crispiness without the excess oil.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Slaw

Discover the joy of making crispy air fryer fish tacos with crunchy slaw, a healthier twist on a beloved classic. This dish features tender white fish, coated in panko for an irresistible crunch, topped with a vibrant slaw of cabbage and carrots. Customize your tacos with fresh ingredients like diced avocado and zesty dressings. Perfect for sharing, these delicious tacos bring a taste of coastal Mexico to your home while keeping it nutritious and enjoyable.

Ingredients
  

For the Fish:

1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

For the Slaw:

2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1 large carrot, grated

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp honey

Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

8 small corn or flour tortillas

Lime wedges for serving

Extra fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrot, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the fish.

    Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

      Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for extra heat.

        Breading Process: Set up a dredging station:

          - Place the flour in one shallow dish.

            - The beaten eggs in another.

              - The panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.

                Coat each fillet first in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs until well coated.

                  Air Fry the Fish: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded fish fillets in a single layer in the basket (you may need to do this in batches). Spray the tops of the fillets with olive oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F / 63°C).

                    Warm the Tortillas: While the fish is cooking, warm the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until pliable.

                      Assemble the Tacos: Place a piece of the crispy air-fried fish in the center of each tortilla. Top generously with the slaw mixture, and garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

                        Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | Serves 4