Description
These Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. The tilapia is seasoned with a vibrant spice rub and cooked to flaky perfection in the air fryer, while the fresh and tangy slaw with cilantro and lime adds a refreshing crunch. Ready in just 20 minutes, these tacos deliver a perfect balance of spicy, zesty, and creamy flavors all wrapped in warm tortillas.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 1 ½ lb tilapia or white fish (mahi mahi, cod, etc.)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne (adjust for spiciness)
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- Olive oil spray and brushing oil
Cilantro Lime Slaw
- 2½ cups cole slaw mix
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- â…“ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ tsp sugar (optional)
- ¼ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp cracked pepper
To Serve
- Tortillas
- Extra lime juice for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer and Spice Mix: Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, cumin, sea salt, and cracked pepper thoroughly for the spice rub.
- Season the Fish: Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Place the fish in the air fryer basket and brush with olive oil. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the fish, pressing it in gently to adhere. Lightly spritz the fish with oil to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Cook the Fish: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Cook the fish for 8 to 10 minutes or until it is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Make the Cilantro Lime Slaw: While the fish cooks, mix the cole slaw mix, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, sugar (if using), sea salt, and cracked pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning or add extra lime juice to taste.
- Assemble the Tacos: Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and cut it into small chunks. Divide the fish among tortillas and top generously with the cilantro lime slaw. Squeeze extra lime juice over the tacos for added brightness.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, place the fish chunks back in the air fryer for 2 to 4 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- You can substitute tilapia with other firm white fish like cod or mahi mahi based on availability or preference.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice rub to control the heat level according to your taste.
- For dairy-free or lighter slaw, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative.
- Use corn or flour tortillas depending on dietary preference.
- Cook fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
