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Close-up of Air Fryer Fish Tacos on a blue plate topped with cilantro lime slaw and garnished with lime wedges

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

These Air Fryer Fish Tacos are a game-changer for taco night, taking just 20 minutes to prepare while delivering crispy, flaky fish and a healthy cilantro lime slaw.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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 clove garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ tsp sugar (optional)
  • ¼ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • Tortillas
  • Extra lime juice for serving

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, sea salt, and cracked pepper.
  3. 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.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the fish inside the basket, ensuring fillets aren't overlapping.
  5. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flaky, with an internal temperature of 145°F. No flipping needed!
  6. 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.
  7. Once the fish is cooked, remove it carefully from the basket and break into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with fish, topping with slaw, and adding an extra squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

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