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

Fish tacos are a delicious, healthy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect option for a busy weeknight. This recipe uses an air fryer to cook the fish, a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and a great way to achieve a crispy texture without the oil. You can use a variety of white fish, such as cod, tilapia, or halibut, and serve with a range of toppings and sides.

Choosing your fish

When it comes to choosing your fish for air fryer fish tacos, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use a mild white fish, such as cod, tilapia, snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, flounder, halibut, or sole. White fish is versatile and can stand up to the high heat of air frying. It also pairs well with the other flavours in the tacos, such as the spice mixes and toppings.

When shopping for fresh fish, it is important to look for certain qualities to ensure its freshness. Avoid fish that looks slimy or wet, and always check that there is no fishy odour. Once you've purchased your fish, be sure to wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge, aiming to cook it within two days.

If you don't have access to fresh fish, frozen fish is a great alternative and often more budget-friendly. It's best to thaw frozen fish completely before air frying, but it can be a good option to have in your freezer for easy access.

When preparing the fish for the tacos, it is important to pat the fish dry before brushing it with olive oil and coating it with your chosen spice mix. This helps the seasoning stick to the fish and improves the cooking process.

Finally, when placing the fish in the air fryer, ensure that you don't overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the fish from cooking evenly. It is also recommended to cook the fish in batches if necessary, so that each piece can cook thoroughly and develop a crispy texture.

Preparing the fish

Firstly, select your fish. White fish such as tilapia, cod, mahi-mahi, snapper, halibut, or flounder work well due to their mild flavour and ability to withstand high temperatures. Ensure your fish is fresh, avoiding any slimy or wet-looking fillets, and it should be odourless. For this recipe, you'll want to use skinless and boneless fillets.

Next, create your spice rub. A combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper will add flavour and heat to your fish. You can adjust the spice level to your preference, and even add a little smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl.

Now, prepare your fish fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel, and then lay them in the basket of your air fryer. Brush each fillet with olive oil, or another cooking oil of your choice, to help the spices stick. Generously coat the fish with your spice rub, gently pressing it into the fillets. You can also spritz the fish with oil to keep the spices moist and prevent them from drying out during cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which can prevent even cooking. Place the seasoned fillets in a single layer in the basket, and spritz the tops with a little more oil.

Cook the fish for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Avoid flipping the fish during cooking, as this can cause the breading to come off.

Once cooked, remove the fish from the air fryer basket and cut it into bite-sized pieces. It will easily break apart, so you can use a spatula to gently separate it into pieces.

Your fish is now ready to be added to your tacos! Assemble your tacos by placing the fish into warmed tortillas and adding your chosen toppings and sauces.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy fish tacos!

Air-frying the fish

To start, you'll want to pat the fish dry and brush it with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick to the fish and ensures even cooking. You can use any mild white fish, such as tilapia, cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi. Cut the fish into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Next, prepare your seasoning. A simple combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper will add a kick of flavour to your tacos. You can also add cayenne pepper for some extra heat. Generously coat the fish with the spice rub, gently pressing it into the fish.

Now it's time to air-fry! Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned fish in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. This will ensure even cooking. Spray the top of the fish with a light coating of oil to help it crisp up.

Cook the fish for 8-10 minutes, or until it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fish, so keep an eye on it. There's no need to flip the fish during cooking, as the hot air in the air fryer will cook it evenly on both sides.

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and cut it into small pieces, if needed. It will easily break apart into bite-sized pieces, perfect for tacos.

Your air-fried fish is now ready to be assembled into tacos! Add your favourite toppings, such as slaw, cheese, avocado, or salsa, and enjoy the delicious, crispy goodness of your fish tacos.

Making toppings/sides

While the fish is cooking in the air fryer, you can prepare toppings and sides to add to your tacos.

A great option is a slaw, which can be made with a combination of cabbage and carrots. You can use a pre-made coleslaw mix or chop your own vegetables. For a colourful slaw, include purple cabbage. You can also add in some fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of sugar or honey for a subtle sweetness. For a spicier slaw, add in some minced garlic, jalapeno, and apple cider vinegar.

Other toppings you can add to your tacos include cheese, avocado, radishes, tomatoes, red onions, and extra cilantro.

If you want to add a sauce to your tacos, you can make a simple one by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, sriracha or chipotle, and lime juice. Add some water to get the right consistency for drizzling.

For sides, you can serve the tacos with Spanish rice, beans, or a Mexican side dish. Margaritas are a classic cocktail pairing!

Assembling the tacos

Once you have cooked the fish, it's time to assemble your tacos.

First, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet or on a stove burner on low heat for a few seconds.

Next, add the fish to the tortilla. Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces or thin slices. You can also flake the fish with a fork.

Now, add your toppings. This is where you can get creative and add your favourites. Some suggestions include:

• Slaw or shredded cabbage
• Cheese, such as crumbled cotija
• Sour cream or Greek yoghurt
• Hot sauce
• Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or chives
• Lime juice
• Spicy mayo
• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Shredded lettuce
• Minced or pickled onion
• Tomatoes

Finally, serve your tacos with a side of lime wedges and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions