Air-Fryer Fish Tacos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Fish tacos are a delicious and healthy meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The air fryer allows you to achieve a crispy texture without having to deep-fry the fish, making it a quicker and healthier option. You can use a variety of white fish such as tilapia, cod, or halibut, and serve the tacos with a range of toppings and sides, such as slaw, lime crema, and guacamole. This versatile dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and can be tailored to your taste preferences.

Choosing your fish

Choosing the right fish is essential for making delicious fish tacos in an air fryer. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting the perfect fish:

Type of Fish

When it comes to fish tacos, white fish is the way to go. Mild-tasting and versatile, white fish can stand up to the high heat of air-frying. Some popular options include tilapia, cod, snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, flounder, halibut, and sole. These fish have a light flavour and a flaky texture, making them ideal for tacos.

Freshness

Whether you're using fresh or frozen fish, it's important to ensure it's fresh and of good quality. Fresh fish should not look slimy or wet, and it should have no fishy odour. If you're using frozen fish, it's best to thaw it completely before air frying. Frozen fish is a great option, as it's often frozen immediately after being caught, preserving its freshness.

Texture and Firmness

For fish tacos, it's best to choose a firm, flaky fish. This texture holds up well during cooking and results in a pleasant bite when eating the tacos. Avoid fish that is too soft or mushy, as it may fall apart during the air-frying process.

Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of the fish fillets will impact the cooking time. Thicker fillets will take longer to cook, so if you're in a hurry, opt for thinner fillets. However, be careful not to choose fillets that are too thin, as they may overcook easily.

Sustainability and Source

If possible, opt for wild-caught, local fish. This ensures the fish is fresh and supports local fisheries. Additionally, consider the sustainability of the fish you're choosing. Look for options that are sustainably sourced and not overfished.

Preparation

When preparing the fish for tacos, cut it into strips or smaller pieces. This ensures the fish cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer. You can also marinade the fish in lime juice and oil to add flavour and moisture before breading and air frying.

In summary, when choosing fish for air-fryer fish tacos, opt for fresh, mild-tasting white fish with a firm, flaky texture. Cut the fish into strips or smaller pieces for even cooking. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of white fish to find your favourite for tacos.

Preparing your fish

The type of fish you use is important. You want a firm, flaky, white fish with a mild flavour. Popular varieties include cod, tilapia, sole, snapper, sea bass, mahi mahi, grouper, flounder, and halibut. You can use fresh or frozen fish, but make sure to thaw it before coating and cooking. Frozen fish is more likely to be fresh, so don't be afraid to use it. Just make sure to pat it dry before seasoning and cooking. This will help the seasoning stick and ensure the fish cooks properly.

When it comes to seasoning, you have a lot of options. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also use a pre-made taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the flavours you like best.

To get that crispy texture, you'll need to coat the fish before air frying. One option is to use a combination of flour and breadcrumbs. Dip the fish in flour, then in an egg white, and finally in breadcrumbs. Another option is to use a cornmeal mixture. Dip the fish in a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and your chosen seasonings. You can also add mayonnaise to this mixture, as it helps the coating stick to the fish.

Once your fish is coated, it's time to cook it. Preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the fish in batches. Lightly spray the fish with oil or cooking spray to help it crisp up. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

Cooking your fish

The type of fish you use is important. You should opt for a firm, flaky, white fish with a mild flavour. Examples include cod, tilapia, pollock, haddock, halibut, sole, snapper, sea bass, grouper, flounder, and mahi mahi. Frozen fish can be used, but it should be thawed before cooking.

Before cooking, pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Brush the fish with olive oil and season generously with a spice rub. You can make your own spice rub by mixing together spices like chilli powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made taco seasoning.

Next, spritz the fish with oil to help the spices stick and prevent drying. Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 390-400°F for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. There is no need to flip the fish while it's cooking.

Once the fish is cooked, it should be flaky and opaque. Remove it from the air fryer and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Preparing your toppings

Toppings are an essential part of fish tacos, adding moisture, texture, and flavour to your meal. Here are some ideas for toppings to prepare while your fish is cooking in the air fryer:

• Cabbage slaw: Toss together a bag of coleslaw mix, or thinly shred cabbage and carrots yourself. You can also add red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice to taste.
• Salsa: Make a pineapple salsa or avocado corn salsa if you have extra time.
• Lime crema: Mix sour cream, Mexican crema, or crème fraîche with lime juice and garlic. You can prepare this up to 24 hours in advance, but be sure to stir it before serving.
• Cheese: Crumbed cheese, such as cotija, is a great addition to fish tacos.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado or guacamole adds a creamy texture to your tacos.
• Vegetables: In addition to the slaw, you can add chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, minced onion, or leftover roasted vegetables.
• Herbs: Garnish your tacos with fresh cilantro or other herbs.
• Spicy kick: Add a spicy kick to your tacos with hot sauce, jalapeno mayo, or cayenne pepper.
• Other toppings: Other toppings include corn, rice, beans, and radishes.

Remember, the beauty of fish tacos is that you can customise them to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different toppings and combinations!

Assembling your tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Firstly, you will need to cut the fish into bite-sized pieces. If you have cooked the fish in batches, ensure all the fish is ready before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

Warm your tortillas in the air fryer or on a skillet/stove burner. You can also pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm.

Step 3: Add the Fish to the Tortillas

Place a portion of fish onto each tortilla. You can tear the fish into smaller pieces if you prefer.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Now, you can add your desired toppings. Here are some suggestions:

• Slaw: You can make a simple slaw with cabbage, carrots, red onion, and lime juice. Some recipes also include cilantro, jalapeño, and mayonnaise.
• Sauce: A creamy, tangy sauce can be made by blending sour cream, chiles, cilantro, and lime juice. You can also add hot sauce or salsa for extra spice.
• Cheese: Crumbed cheese, such as cotija, can be added for a salty, savoury element.
• Vegetables: Shredded cabbage, carrots, lettuce, onion, and tomatoes can be added for extra texture and freshness.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado or guacamole can add a creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley can be sprinkled on top.

Step 5: Serve

Your air fryer fish tacos are now ready to serve! You can add a squeeze of lime on top for extra flavour and freshness.

Feel free to get creative and add your favourite toppings. You can also serve your tacos with sides such as rice, beans, or salad. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions