Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 63 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together in a flash, you’re going to adore this Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe. Crisp, tender fish meets zesty, creamy slaw in a tortilla hug—it’s the kind of recipe I keep coming back to on busy weeknights or casual weekend get-togethers. Stick around because I’ll share all my best tips to make these tacos absolutely foolproof, even if you’re new to air frying fish!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Fast and Easy: The air fryer speeds up cooking time, making dinner ready in just about 20 minutes.
  • Balanced Flavors: The spice rub on the fish paired with tangy, creamy cilantro lime slaw creates an irresistible flavor combo.
  • Healthy & Light: Using white fish and fresh veggies keeps this meal light without skimping on satisfaction.
  • Versatile: You can swap in different fish or tweak the slaw to suit your tastes or what’s in your fridge.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, healthy fish tacos, quick fish taco recipe, crispy air fryer fish, easy seafood tacos - Three soft white tortillas are placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. Each tortilla holds a layer of golden-brown crispy fish pieces topped with a colorful mix of shredded purple and white cabbage, sliced carrots, and green herbs. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top and around the plate. Lime wedges are placed on the side of the plate and near it. A small white bowl with extra cabbage slaw and another with extra cilantro are also visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe plays a role in balancing texture and flavor—light flaky fish, a vibrant spice mix, and a creamy slaw that tangs with lime and freshness, all wrapped in soft tortillas. When shopping, look for the freshest white fish you can find and a good-quality cole slaw mix that’s crisp and fresh.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, healthy fish tacos, quick fish taco recipe, crispy air fryer fish, easy seafood tacos - Flat lay of a fresh whole tilapia fish fillet with natural skin texture, a small pile of chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and cumin spices each in separate small white ceramic bowls, a small bowl of sea salt, a small bowl of cracked black pepper, a crisp cole slaw mix of shredded green and purple cabbage and carrots in a simple white bowl, a small white bowl with mayonnaise, a small white bowl holding bright green chopped cilantro, a halved fresh lime showing the juicy pulp, a whole peeled garlic clove, a white ceramic bowl with lime juice, soft white corn tortillas stacked neatly, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and with realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Tilapia or White Fish: I love tilapia for its mild flavor and flaky texture, but mahi mahi or cod are excellent stand-ins depending on what’s freshest at your market.
  • Chili Powder: Adds a gentle smoky heat without overpowering the fish.
  • Oregano & Cumin: These cumin-forward herbs bring a subtle earthiness that’s classic in taco seasoning.
  • Garlic & Onion Powder: Convenient pantry staples that layer in savory depth effortlessly.
  • Paprika & Cayenne: Paprika adds mild sweetness and color, while cayenne gives you control over the heat punch—feel free to adjust to your preferred spice level.
  • Mayonnaise: It’s the creamy base of the slaw, helping to balance the acidity from lime juice.
  • Lime Juice: The star brightener that wakes up the whole dish with fresh citrus zing.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Essential for authentic flavor in the slaw—chop it freshly for best aroma.
  • Garlic Clove: Mincing fresh garlic gives the slaw a subtle pungency that blends beautifully with the creamy mayo and lime.
  • Cole Slaw Mix: Saves prep time and brings that perfect crunch to your slaw without fuss.
  • Tortillas: Whether corn or flour, warm and pliable tortillas are key to folding everything up perfectly.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe my own by switching up the spice level and slaw ingredients. Feel free to mess around with the basic formula to fit your mood or pantry staples — cooking should be fun, after all!

  • Spice it Up: When I want more heat, I bump up the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce to the slaw—delicious if you like your tacos with a little kick.
  • Slaw Swap: On occasion, I toss in shredded red cabbage or carrots to add more color and crunch.
  • Dairy Option: For a tangier slaw, swap some mayo for Greek yogurt—adds creaminess with a fresh taste.
  • Fish Variations: If seafood’s not your thing, I’ve had success using firm chicken breast strips, seasoned the same and air-fried until juicy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Spice the Fish

Start by patting your fish dry—that’s a little trick I always use to help the seasoning stick better and prevent steamy, soggy fish. Mix together the chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Brush the fish lightly with olive oil on both sides, then generously rub in the spice blend, pressing it gently into the flesh. Finally, give a quick mist of oil on top to lock in moisture once cooking starts.

Step 2: Air Frying Magic

Spray your air fryer basket with oil so the fish doesn’t stick—I learned this the hard way when my first batch almost shredded apart! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the fish calmly in the basket—don’t flip it mid-cook, or it might fall apart. Cook for 8-10 minutes depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily and reaches 145°F internally. That perfect flakiness is your green light!

Step 3: Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Slaw

While the fish cooks, toss together the cole slaw mix, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, a touch of sugar (optional), salt, and pepper in a bowl. I always taste here to adjust—if the lime isn’t bright enough, I splash in a little more. The goal is balance: creamy but zesty with fresh green notes. Set it aside so the flavors meld while your fish finishes cooking.

Step 4: Assemble and Enjoy

Remove the cooked fish from the air fryer and break it into bite-sized pieces—this helps with easy eating and nice taco stuffing. Warm your tortillas quickly in a dry pan or microwave, then layer fish and slaw inside, finishing with an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice. Trust me, that last bit of lime juice really brightens everything up.

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

  • Dry Fish is Key: I can’t stress enough how much drying your fish before seasoning helps achieve that crispy, well-coated crust.
  • Don’t Flip the Fish: Air frying the fish undisturbed prevents it from falling apart and keeps the seasoning intact.
  • Adjust Cook Time for Thickness: Thicker pieces might need a couple extra minutes—use a thermometer or check for flakiness to be sure.
  • Slaw Balancing Act: Taste and tweak your slaw before assembling; sometimes a pinch more salt or lime juice is just what it needs to pop.

How to Serve Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, healthy fish tacos, quick fish taco recipe, crispy air fryer fish, easy seafood tacos - The image shows a white plate holding three soft tortillas at the bottom, each topped with golden-brown spiced fish pieces that have a slightly crispy texture. On top of the fish, there is a colorful coleslaw made of vibrant purple cabbage, white cabbage, and thin slices of carrot mixed with a creamy dressing. Green cilantro leaves are placed fresh on both the tortillas and plate edges. Two lime wedges are placed on the side of the plate for garnish. The setting includes a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of lime wedges in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to top these tacos with extra fresh cilantro leaves and thin slices of radish for a peppery crunch. A drizzle of extra hot sauce or creamy avocado crema also makes for an incredibly indulgent bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your tacos with simple sides like Mexican street corn salad, black beans, or a fresh mango salsa. For a lighter meal, a crisp cucumber salad or garlic lime rice works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, I like to set up a taco bar with different toppings like shredded cheese, pickled onions, and assorted hot sauces so guests can assemble their own. Serving on small colorful plates with lime wedges makes the presentation pop every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fish and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep textures fresh. Combining them too soon makes the slaw soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen seasoned uncooked fish portions for later air frying, but I don’t recommend freezing the assembled tacos or slaw—it just won’t hold up well texture-wise.

Reheating

To reheat leftover fish, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes. It crisps up nicely without drying out. Refresh the slaw with a squeeze of lime before serving again.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen fish for this Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe?

    Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the fish dry before seasoning and air frying to avoid excess moisture and ensure a crispy, flavorful crust.

  2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

    No worries! You can bake the fish in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Lining your baking tray with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

  3. How spicy are the fish tacos?

    The level of heat is mild and adjustable depending on how much cayenne you add. I keep it subtle for family dinners but have no problem adding more for myself or guests who like it spicy.

  4. Can this slaw be made dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Simply swap the mayonnaise for a dairy-free mayo alternative or even plain avocado for a creamy, dairy-free slaw.

  5. What’s the best way to serve these tacos warm for a crowd?

    Cook the fish in batches and keep warm in a low oven while assembling tacos. Prepare the slaw ahead and keep chilled, then let everyone build their own tacos for a fun, interactive meal.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits that sweet spot of fresh, flavorful, and fast. I love how customizable it is, so you can easily make it your own. Trust me when I say once you try fish in the air fryer with this zesty slaw, you’ll have a new go-to weeknight meal that feels a little like a treat. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Low Lactose
Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy flavorful and crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos topped with a zesty cilantro lime slaw. This easy recipe features seasoned tilapia cooked to perfection in the air fryer, combined with a creamy, tangy slaw for a fresh and vibrant meal ready in 20 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

  • 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 pepper
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp cracked pepper

For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:

  • 2½ cups cole slaw mix
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ tsp sugar (optional)
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp cracked pepper

For Taco Assembly:

  • Tortillas
  • Extra lime juice for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Air Fryer and Spice Mix: Spray the air fryer basket with oil. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, cumin, sea salt, and cracked pepper to make the spice rub.
  2. Season the Fish: Pat the fish dry and place it in the air fryer basket. Brush it with olive oil. Generously sprinkle and press the spice rub evenly onto the fish. Spritz additional oil over the fish to keep it moist and help the seasoning adhere.
  3. Cook the Fish: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cook the fish for 10 minutes or until it is opaque, flakes easily, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  4. Make the Cilantro Lime Slaw: While the fish cooks, mix cole slaw mix, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, sugar (if using), sea salt, and cracked pepper in a bowl. Adjust salt and lime juice to taste.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket and cut into small pieces. Place the fish on tortillas and top with cilantro lime slaw. Add an extra squeeze of lime juice as desired.
  6. Store and Reheat: Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, air fry fish pieces for 2-4 minutes until hot.

Notes

  • If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the fish at 400°F on parchment paper for 15 minutes or until cooked through and flaky.
  • Thicker fish may require additional air frying time; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F and add a few extra minutes as needed.
  • Do not flip or turn the fish in the air fryer to avoid it falling apart; you can place parchment paper in the basket if preferred.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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