Hey y’all! If you’re craving something crisp, zesty, and downright irresistible, these Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw will hit the spot. This recipe delivers golden, crunchy fish tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a tangy cilantro lime slaw—the ultimate combo for taco night, casual get-togethers, or a laid-back weeknight dinner. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Quick and easy—prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes!
Lighter than classic fried fish, thanks to the air Fryer.
Packed with fresh, vibrant flavors from the homemade slaw.
Perfectly crispy exterior with tender, flaky fish inside.
Great for family meals, parties, or a feast for two!

Ingredients

1 lb white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or haddock)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Spray oil (for air frying)
8 small corn or flour tortillas
For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 tsp honey
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Lime wedges, for serving
Optional toppings: sliced avocado, hot sauce, jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Slaw

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Add the green cabbage, red cabbage, and chopped cilantro.
Toss well to combine and set aside while you prepare the fish.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station for Fish

Pat dry the fish fillets and cut them into 1-inch wide strips.
Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
Beat the eggs in a second bowl.
In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
Coat each fish strip in flour, dip into the beaten egg, then dredge in the seasoned panko crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 3: Air Fry the Fish

Preheat your air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil.
Place the breaded fish strips in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed).
Spray the tops of the fish strips with a bit more oil.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and just cooked through. (Internal temp should reach 145°F/63°C.)

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

While the fish cooks, heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, about 30 seconds per side, until pliable and warm.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Fill each tortilla with a few crispy fish strips.
Top generously with cilantro lime slaw.
Add your favorite optional toppings and finish with a squeeze of lime. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

For extra crunch, double-coat the fish in breadcrumbs.
To save time, prep the slaw a few hours in advance—the flavors get even better.
If using frozen fish, thaw completely and pat dry before breading.

Variations

Spicy Baja Tacos: Add 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo to the slaw dressing for smoky heat.
Tropical Twist: Toss in diced pineapple or mango to the slaw for a sweet pop.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and tortillas for an allergy-friendly version.

Required Equipment

Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Shallow dredging bowls
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Tongs
Skillet (for warming tortillas)

Storage Instructions

Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; re-crisp briefly in the air fryer.
Slaw can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days. Assemble tacos just before serving for best texture.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with Mexican street corn, black bean salad, or chips and guac for a full meal.
Pair with a refreshing margarita, bubbly seltzer, or icy cold beer.

Pro Tips

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches for even crisping.
Let breaded fish rest for a few minutes before air frying; this helps the coating stick.
Always serve the tacos ASAP for the crispiest, freshest bite!

FAQ

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the fish completely and pat dry before breading for best results.

What kind of fish is best for air fryer tacos?

Firm, mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock work wonderfully for tacos and hold up well in the air fryer.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the slaw up to a day ahead; just give it a quick toss before serving.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients