Made in less than 15 minutes, this easy Air Fryer Fish Tacos recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender and juicy pieces of white fish wrapped in a tortilla and topped with all your favourite toppings, this air fried fish taco recipe is a healthy recipe that the whole family will love.
If you need a simple but delicious recipe to make on a busy weeknight, then you're going to want to make these air fryer fish tacos. This low-effort dinner is packed with flavor and it's always a crowd-pleaser as everyone can pick and choose their favourite toppings for their healthy air fryer tacos. They're crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and healthier than deep-fried fish tacos!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's quick and easy. It literally takes less than 15 minutes to put everything together. The fish cooks in the air fryer for around 10 minutes and as it air fries, I start warming up the tortillas as I prefer them warm, so they don't rip.
- It's made with simple everyday ingredients that you more than likely already have on hand.
- You get flaky, juicy fish without having to deep fry it or use a ton of oils, so it is on the healthier side. The fish is also naturally high in protein, making this a delicious, protein-packed meal!
- You can get restaurant-quality tacos at home thanks to the air fryer! Clean up is also minimal as the air fryer basket can just go in the dishwasher. A must as a busy (and exhausted) mom!
- You can use any white fish you have available! I'm using tilapia, but you can use sole, mahi mahi, cod, snapper, sea bass, flounder, and and halibut. You can just grab whatever that is on sale!
Ingredients You'll Need
- seasoning — the fish is seasoned with chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- tilapia — fresh or frozen, it's up to you. Just make sure the fillets are skinless and boneless.
- olive oil and oil spray — or a neutral oil of your choice.
- tortillas — use small corn or flour tortillas. It's up to you! You can even use shells if you prefer.
Best Fish Taco Topping Ideas:
- coleslaw or shredded cabbage adds a nice crunch.
- sliced red onions also adds a nice crunch whereas pickled red onions add a nice tangy flavor.
- guacamole or sliced avocado adds a creamy texture.
- lime wedges brightens the tacos with its juices.
- crumbled cheese such as cotija adds a lovely salty finish.
- crema or sour cream for a saucy finish.
- pico de gallo adds a fresh, crisp flavor.
- mango salsa adds a fresh, sweetness to the tacos.
- pineapple salsa adds a fresh, tangy favor to the flaky fish tacos.
- avocado corn salsa adds a richness and hearty component to the tacos.
How To Make This Recipe
- Combine the seasoning and set aside.
- Pat the fish dry and brush with some olive oil before generously coating the entire fish with the spice rub.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the seasoned fish in a single layer. Spray the top of the fish with some oil.
- Air fry the fish for 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F. Cook in two batches if all your fish doesn't fit into the air fryer basket.
- Roughly cut the fish into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm the taco shells in the air fryer or on a skillet and then add the pieces of fish and toppings to the tortillas to make these delicious, crispy fish tacos! Serve with your favorite fish taco sauce, if desired.
Recipes Variations
- Add ½ to 1 tsp of cayenne powder to the spice mix for a hint of spiciness.
- Don't have an air fryer? Pan fry the fish on the stovetop instead.
- You can also bake at 400°F for around 15 minutes or until cooked through on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- If you do not have all the spices for my fish taco seasoning, you can swap for the same amount of taco seasoning instead.
Tips and Notes
- The pictured air fryer is a 3.5 qt Power XL.
- Thicker fish will take longer to air fry.
- Always try to pat the fish dry before seasoning. This helps the seasoning stick on better and helps the fish cook better. If the fish has moisture on the outside, it'll steam in the air fryer and might be a little soggy.
- To warm the tortilla, simply place it on top of a stove's burner and heat on low for a few seconds. You can also do this in a dry skillet if you do not have a gas stove. Both corn or flour tortillas are delicious options!
FAQs
How to Tell if the Fish has Cooked Through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the fish. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C). If you do not have a meat thermometer, use a fork and see if the fish flakes easily.
Do I Have to Flip the Fish in the Air Fryer?
Nope! There's no need to flip the fish. The holes in the air fryer basket will allow the hot air to cook the bottom of the fish evenly.
Can I Use Frozen Tilapia?
You can definitely use frozen tilapia to make these healthy air fryer tilapia for the tacos! Frozen fish is more easily accessible and budget-friendly. It's also frozen almost immediately so it's just as fresh, if not more fresh, than the fish at the fish counter! I highly recommend thawing frozen fish before using it. This way the fish doesn't get overcooked as they'll cook evenly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep air fried fish in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Avoid storing the tacos with the toppings as they'll get soggy in the fridge.
How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
You can reheat the fish in the air fryer to keep them from getting soggy. I usually heat the fish at 400°F for 1 to 2 minutes. If you do not plan on enjoying all the fish at once, don't cut them up yet. It will dry out easier when reheating if you pre-cut the fish.
Common Mistakes
Ready for Taco Tuesday? Here are some common mistakes for making these healthy air fryer tacos that you should keep in mind so you have the best air fryer fish tacos.
Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket
Placing too many fish fillets in the air fryer basket prevents hot air from circulating properly, so the fish steams instead of becoming crispy. Cook in batches if needed!
Overcooking the Fish
Fish cooks quickly in an air fryer. Leaving it in too long can make it dry and tough. It's done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This is also why you should try to keep the fillets as whole as possible when cooking. Smaller pieces are easier to overcook.
Not Drying the Fish
This tip is worth repeating!!! Pat the fish dry with paper towels before seasoning. Excess moisture prevents the coating from browning properly and the oil and seasoning won't stick as well to the fish!
Skipping the Oil
Some oil will help create a crispy, golden exterior. While you don't need as much oil as deep frying, a coating of oil will go a long way.
Using the Wrong Type of Fish
Very delicate fish can fall apart during cooking. Firm white fish such as cod, mahi-mahi, halibut, haddock, or tilapia tend to hold up best in the air fryer and transferring the fish to serve.
Adding Toppings Too Early
Assemble the tacos just before serving. If you add moist toppings such as slaw, salsa, or sauce too early, the tortillas can become soggy and they'll fall apart as you try to take a bite!
Under Seasoning and Not Adjusting Cook Time for Thickness
The white fish isn't super strong in flavor, so don't under season your fish. If you have a bigger fillet, season it accordingly! You can always shake off any excess seasoning. You also will need to adjust the cook time if your fillets are larger and thicker than mine. It's easier to undercook the fish and add an extra minute or two afterwards than overcooking. If you have thinner pieces of fish mixed in, check them first and pull them out early!
Recipe
Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
- ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne powder, optional
- 1½ pound tilapia, or any white fish
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- oil spray
- 6 to 8 small flour tortilla, or corn tortillas
Instructions
- Combine the seasoning and set aside.
- Pat the fish dry and brush with some olive oil before generously coating the entire fish with the spice rub.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the seasoned fish in a single layer. Spray the top of the fish with some oil.
- Air fry the fish for 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F. Cook in two batches if all your fish doesn't fit into the air fryer basket.
- Roughly cut the fish into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm the tortillas in the air fryer or on a skillet and then add the pieces of fish and toppings to the tortillas.
Notes
- store-bought coleslaw or shredded cabbage
- sliced red onions
- guacamole or sliced avocado
- lime wedges
- crumbled cheese (ie cotija)
- crema or sour cream
Nutrition
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More places to find me: @onepotonlyrecipes on Instagram and One Pot Only on Pinterest.
Amy Liu Dong says
Wow! Another Air Fryer recipe to add to my collection. What I love about your recipe is that the ingredients are unique and the creativity you've done here is so great. From the finished product, it looks so delicious and yummy.