Description
These Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Fresh tilapia is seasoned with a vibrant blend of spices, air fried to juicy perfection, and served with a tangy, creamy cilantro lime slaw inside warm tortillas. The recipe combines healthy cooking methods and fresh ingredients for a delicious Mexican-inspired dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Spice Rub
- 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 (adjust for spiciness)
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- Olive oil spray or brushing oil
Cilantro Lime Slaw
- 2½ cups cole slaw mix
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ tsp sugar (optional)
- ¼ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
To Serve
- Tortillas
- Extra lime juice, for squeezing
Instructions
- Prepare Air Fryer and Spice Rub: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, cumin, sea salt, and cracked black pepper, mixing well to create the spice rub.
- Season the Fish: Pat the fish dry with paper towels and place it in the air fryer basket. Brush the fish generously with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice rub evenly over both sides, gently pressing it into the fish. Spritz a little more oil on top to keep the fish moist and help the seasoning adhere.
- Cook the Fish: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Cook the fish for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the fish 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, combine the cole slaw mix, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss well to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning or add more lime juice to taste.
- Assemble the Tacos: Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and cut into small pieces. Place fish pieces into warm tortillas and top with the cilantro lime slaw. Finish with an extra squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.
- Store and Reheat: Store leftover fish and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat fish, air fry at 400°F for 2-4 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- You can substitute tilapia with other white fish like cod, mahi mahi, or halibut.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper for milder or spicier tacos according to your preference.
- The slaw can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative.
- Warming tortillas before serving enhances the texture and flavor.
