These Air Fryer Fish Tacos take just 20 minutes and deliver crisp, flaky fish every time. It’s my go-to air fryer recipe for busy weeknights—minimal prep, maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this shortcut recipe makes taco night ridiculously easy.

I started making these when I needed a fast dinner solution. Traditional fish tacos take more time and require frying or baking, but this air fryer version has the fish perfectly cooked with zero guesswork. Pair that with a quick homemade cilantro lime slaw, and you’ve got healthy, restaurant-quality tacos in record time.

Why This Air Fryer Fish Tacos Recipe Is a Game-Changer

Time-saving: Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish—compare that to traditional frying, which can take over 30 minutes.
Healthier: No heavy breading or deep frying, making these light yet satisfying.
Hands-off cooking: The air fryer does all the work while you prep the slaw or set the table.
Consistent results: The air fryer ensures even cooking and a crispy, flavorful exterior every single time.
Easy cleanup: Minimal mess thanks to the air fryer’s contained space—no oil splatters here!

Equipment You’ll Need for These Air Fryer Fish Tacos

The star of this recipe is, of course, the air fryer. If you’re new to air fryer cooking, don’t worry—it’s incredibly user-friendly. Here’s what you’ll need to make these tacos:

Air fryer: I recommend a model with a 3.5-quart basket or larger to fit the fish fillets comfortably without overcrowding. Preheat it to 400°F for best results.
Meat thermometer: To ensure the fish reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F without overcooking.
Mixing bowls: One for your spice rub and another for the cilantro lime slaw.

If you’re in the market for an air fryer, look for one with a nonstick basket to make cleanup even easier. Trust me, you’ll use it for way more than just tacos!

Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Fish Tacos

You only need a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients to pull this recipe together. Here’s what makes it special:

Tilapia or white fish: Tilapia, mahi mahi, or cod all work beautifully—choose what’s fresh or on sale. Pat it dry before seasoning to keep it crisp.
Spice rub: A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika adds bold, smoky flavor in seconds.
Cole slaw mix: Pre-shredded coleslaw saves time without sacrificing crunch. You can grab it straight from the bag.
Lime juice and cilantro: These two are key for the slaw’s bright, zippy flavor—fresh is best!

Optional swap: If you’re out of tilapia, try frozen breaded fish fillets as a shortcut. Just adjust cooking time if needed.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos Recipe Details

Servings: 4
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Air Fryer Fish Tacos Ingredients

1 ½ lb tilapia or white fish (mahi mahi, cod, etc.)
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne (optional for spiciness)
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cumin
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp cracked pepper
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 (adjust to taste)
Tortillas
Extra lime juice for serving

How to Make Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil.
In a small bowl, mix chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, sea salt, and cracked pepper.
Pat the fish fillets dry and brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice rub generously over both sides of the fish, pressing it in gently.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the fish inside the basket, ensuring fillets aren’t overlapping.
Cook for 8-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flaky, with an internal temperature of 145°F. No flipping needed!
While the fish cooks, prepare the cilantro lime slaw. Combine cole slaw mix, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, sea salt, and sugar (if using). Toss well and adjust seasoning as needed.
Once the fish is cooked, remove it carefully from the basket and break into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with fish, topping with slaw, and adding an extra squeeze of lime juice.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—give the fish space to crisp up evenly.
If you’re short on time, pre-make the slaw up to a day in advance and store in the fridge.
Use parchment paper in your air fryer basket if you’re nervous about sticking.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes—it makes all the difference!
Prefer corn tortillas? Warm them slightly in a dry skillet for extra flavor and pliability.

Easy Air Fryer Fish Tacos Variations

Spicy Baja Tacos: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Carb-Free: Swap tortillas for crunchy romaine lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Mango Twist: Add thinly sliced fresh mango to the slaw for a sweet and tangy balance.
Sheet Pan Alternative: No air fryer? Bake the fish at 400°F for roughly 15 minutes on a lined baking sheet.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?

Yes! Thaw the fish fillets completely and pat them dry before following the recipe. This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store the cooked fish and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat fish in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes before assembling tacos.

How do I know the fish is fully cooked?

The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, or bake the fish on a large sheet pan instead.

What tortillas work best for these tacos?

Flour tortillas are soft and fold beautifully, while corn tortillas add an authentic flavor and slight chew. Go with your preference!

These Air Fryer Fish Tacos are perfect for busy nights or even lazy weekends. Who needs takeout when you can whip these up so effortlessly? What’s your favorite way to top fish tacos? Let me know in the comments!