Ingredients
– 1 1/2 pounds tilapia or other white fish such as mahi mahi or cod
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Olive oil for brushing and spraying
– 2 1/2 cups coleslaw mix
– 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Tortillas
– Extra lime juice
Instructions
1-First Step: Get everything ready Start by gathering all ingredients and preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil so the fish is less likely to stick. If you are using thicker fillets, keep an instant-read thermometer nearby so you can check for doneness later.
2-Second Step: Mix the spice blend In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the seasoning is evenly distributed. This simple spice blend gives the fish that warm taco flavor without needing a long marinade.
3-Third Step: Season the fish Pat the fish dry with paper towels. This step matters because dry fish browns better and the seasoning sticks more easily. Place the fish in the air fryer basket, then brush the top lightly with olive oil. Cover the fish generously with the spice mix and press it gently into the surface so it sticks. Finish by spritzing the top with a little more oil. Do not overcrowd the basket. If the fillets overlap, they will steam instead of cooking up with that nice flaky texture.
4-Fourth Step: Air fry until flaky Cook the fish at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F internally. If your fillets are thicker, check them carefully near the end of cooking. You do not need to flip the fish, which helps prevent it from breaking apart.
5-Fifth Step: Make the cilantro lime slaw While the fish cooks, add the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, sugar if using, and salt to a medium bowl. Stir until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you like a tangier slaw, add a little more lime juice. If you want more freshness, add extra cilantro.
6-Sixth Step: Warm the tortillas Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or directly in the air fryer for a short time if you prefer. Warm tortillas are more flexible and help keep the tacos from cracking when you fill them.
7-Final Step: Assemble and serve Remove the fish from the air fryer and cut it into bite-size pieces. Layer the fish into each tortilla, top with a generous spoonful of cilantro lime slaw, and finish with extra lime juice. Serve right away while the fish is hot and the slaw is crisp.
Notes
🔥 No air fryer? Bake parchment 400°F/15 min.
🐟 Check thick fillets at 145°F; spritz oil prevents dry.
🌶️ Smoked paprika adds depth; cut cayenne for mild.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 256
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 488mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 89mg
