If you've been searching for a new twist on a classic Mexican favorite, then these air fryer fish tacos will be perfect for you! I fell in love with this recipe because it's fast, incredibly easy, and the flavors are simply unbeatable.
Unlike traditional oven or skillet methods, using an air fryer ensures a crispy and delicious outcome without mess or fuss. The air fryer method takes the taste and texture to a whole new level.
In just a few short steps, you'll be savoring the best fish tacos you've ever tasted. Trust me; this is a recipe you'll come back to time and time again!
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Video Tutorial
Ingredients
Fish Marinade
- 2 tilapia fillets (10 oz/300g)
- 3 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon canned jalapeno
- 4 tablespoon fresh coriander
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- Zest of ½ lime
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Quick Pickled Cabbage
- 2 cups red cabbage
- 3 green onion stems
- 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Pink Taco Sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon fresh coriander
For Serving
- 4 small tortillas
- Lime juice
- Coriander leaves
Steps on How to Make Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Air Fried Fish
In a container, combine lime zest, lime juice, vegetable oil, finely chopped garlic, finely chopped pickled jalapeño pepper, finely chopped cilantro leaves, chipotle powder (if unavailable, use smoked paprika instead), salt and pepper. Mix them thoroughly.
Add the tilapia fillets and marinate for 20 to 40 minutes.
After marinating, preheat the air fryer (mine's the Instant Vortex XL) to 400ºF (200ºC) for a few minutes.
Place the marinated tilapia fillets on the bottom of the basket and cook for 8 minutes.
Once the fish fillets are cooked, transfer them to a separate plate and divide them into small pieces.
Pink Sauce
In a container, mix sour cream, Sriracha, and finely chopped cilantro leaves.
Pickled Cabbage
In a separate container, mix sliced red cabbage, sliced green onions, and salt.
Add red wine vinegar. Mix well and knead the cabbage slightly with your hands to soften it and release the juices.
Assembling the Fish Tacos
Toast your tortillas. You can do it in the air fryer while it's still warm, in a separate pan, or even in the microwave.
On the tortilla, spread the quick-pickled cabbage, air-fried fish fillets, and drizzle with lime juice.
Add a generous amount of the prepared taco sauce and a few fresh cilantro leaves. Season with pepper to taste.
Fold the tortilla in half, and your tacos are ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Recommendations
When serving these scrumptious air fryer fish tacos, presentation is key. A wedge of lime on the plate adds a touch of elegance and allows your guests to add an extra splash of citrus to their taco.
To add, these fish tacos are best served with a side of guacamole and salsa. However, you can also pair them with traditional Mexican sides, such as refried beans or rice, and include slices of avocado or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
As a simple snack, you can serve them with a refreshing drink such as iced tea or lemonade.
Substitutions
This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to make it your own!
- Fish: If you prefer, you can use other types of white fish, like cod or halibut, instead of tilapia.
- Cabbage: If you don’t have red cabbage on hand or prefer a milder flavor, you can swap it with white cabbage.
- Spice: If chipotle powder is too spicy, smoked paprika can be a milder substitute.
- Sauce: Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream if you want to make the pink taco sauce a little lighter.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based meat alternative or use grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, and vegan sour cream for a meat-free version of this dish.
Storage and Freezing
If you have any leftover fish tacos, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
You can freeze the cooked fish separately in a sealed container for up to one month. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Note: It's best to keep components like pickled cabbage and pink sauce separate and assemble when ready to eat to maintain the best texture.
Pro Tips for Success
- Marinating Time: Make sure to marinate the fish for at least 20 minutes to infuse the flavors but not more than 40 minutes to avoid the fish becoming too soft.
- Air Fryer Preheating: Don’t skip preheating the air fryer; this ensures a crispy finish to the fish.
- Tortilla Toasting: Warm the tortillas in the air fryer after the fish is cooked. It uses the residual heat and adds a delightful crisp.
- Serving Immediately: Serve the tacos immediately after assembling to enjoy the perfect combination of warm fish and cool, crunchy cabbage.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos FAQs
Tilapia, cod, or halibut are popular choices for fish tacos. They are mild in flavor and flake easily, making them ideal for this dish. However, any firm white fish should work well.
Fish tacos are often served with sides like refried beans, Mexican rice, avocado slices, or a fresh salad. Lime wedges and extra cilantro leaves are also common accompaniments.
To prevent soggy fish tacos, make sure to drain any excess marinade from the fish before cooking. Assemble the tacos just before serving, and avoid using too much sauce. Using freshly toasted or grilled tortillas can also help maintain crispness.
Fish tacos pair well with light and refreshing beverages. A cold Mexican lager, a tangy margarita, or a citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc are popular choices. For non-alcoholic options, try a chilled limeade or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.
In a nutshell, these quick and easy air fryer fish tacos are fast, flavorsome, and foolproof. I can't wait for you to taste the magic that happens when the succulent fish, tangy cabbage, and spicy pink sauce all come together.
Once you've given this recipe a whirl, be sure to drop a comment below. I'd love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you added.
Happy taco-making, my fellow home chefs!
More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes to Try
Air Fryer Halibut Recipe​​
Air Fryer Salmon Fillet Recipe
Recipe
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Ingredients
Fish Marinade
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 3 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon canned jalapeno
- 4 tablespoon fresh coriander
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ lime zest
- salt and pepper to taste
Quick Pickled Cabbage
- 2 cups red cabbage
- 3 green onion stems
- 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Pink Taco Sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon fresh coriander
For Serving
- 4 small tortillas
- lime juice
- coriander leaves
Instructions
Steps on How to Make Air Fryer Fish Tacos
- In a container, combine lime zest, lime juice, vegetable oil, finely chopped garlic, finely chopped pickled jalapeno pepper, finely chopped cilantro leaves, chipotle powder (if unavailable, use smoked paprika instead), salt and pepper. Mix them thoroughly.
- Add the tilapia fillets and marinate for 20 to 40 minutes.
- After marinating, preheat the air fryer to 400F (200ºC) for a few minutes.
- Place the marinated tilapia fillets on the bottom of the basket and cook for 8 minutes.
- Once the fish fillets are cooked, transfer them to a separate plate and divide them into small pieces.
Pink Sauce
- In a container, mix sour cream, Sriracha, and finely chopped cilantro leaves.
Pickled Cabbage
- In a separate container, mix sliced red cabbage, sliced green onions, and salt.
- Add red wine vinegar. Mix well and knead the cabbage slightly with your hands to soften it and release the juices.
Assembling the Fish Tacos
- Toast your tortillas. You can do it in the air fryer while it's still warm, in a separate pan, or even in the microwave.
- On the tortilla, spread the quick-pickled cabbage, air-fried fish fillets, and drizzle with lime juice.
- Add a generous amount of the prepared taco sauce and a few fresh cilantro leaves. Season with pepper to taste.
- Fold the tortilla in half, and your tacos are ready to be enjoyed!
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