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To make these crispy air fryer fish tacos, you will need: - 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Corn tortillas (8 small) - 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix - 1 avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving When choosing fish for your tacos, white fish works best. I recommend using cod or tilapia. Both types have a mild flavor and a tender texture. They cook well in the air fryer and get nice and crispy. Other options include haddock or catfish. Just make sure the fish is fresh and boneless for the best bite. The seasonings add flavor and depth to your fish. Here’s what each brings: - Garlic powder: It gives a nice aroma and rich taste. - Paprika: This adds a warm, smoky flavor and a lovely red color. - Cumin: It brings a slight earthiness and enhances the overall flavor. - Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for balancing all the tastes. Using these seasonings makes your fish more flavorful. They create a great base for the toppings that follow, like cabbage and avocado. Enjoy these tacos with lime for a bright finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy fish. While the air fryer heats, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb white fish fillets (cod or tilapia work well) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Corn tortillas (8 small) - 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix - 1 avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving Now, in a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This mix adds great flavor and helps the coating stick. Next, it's time to coat the fish. Start by beating the egg in a separate bowl. Then, place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl. Take each fish fillet and dip it in the flour mix first. Make sure it’s well-coated. Then, dip it in the egg, and finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs stick. This method gives your fish that perfect, crunchy texture. Once all your fish is coated, arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the fish for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They should turn golden brown and crispy. While the fish cooks, warm your corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are soft. This makes them easier to fold. Now, you are ready to assemble your tacos! Place a crispy fish piece on each tortilla, top with shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for that zesty finish. Enjoy your crispy air fryer fish tacos! To get the best crispiness from your air fryer fish tacos, follow these steps: - Use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and create a great crunch. - Make sure the fish is dry before coating. Pat it with paper towels. - Preheat the air fryer. This helps cook the fish evenly and crisply. - Spread the fish in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket. For extra crispiness, you can spray a little cooking oil over the fish before frying. This will help it brown nicely. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for: - Skipping the egg wash: The egg helps the breadcrumbs stick to the fish. - Not seasoning enough: A pinch of salt and pepper adds flavor to your fish. - Cooking too many pieces at once: This can lead to soggy fish. Cook in small batches for best results. - Overcooking the fish: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Aim for that golden brown color. If you notice your fish is not crisping up, check your air fryer settings. Adjust the time or temperature as needed. Cooking in batches can be key for crispy fish tacos. Here’s how to do it right: - Prepare all your fish first. Coat each piece and set them aside. - Preheat your air fryer before starting. This ensures even cooking. - Cook in small groups. This gives each piece enough space to fry well. - Keep cooked fish warm. Place them on a plate covered with foil while you finish the rest. By following these tips, you’ll ensure every taco is filled with crispy, delicious fish. Enjoy your cooking adventure! Pro Tips Fresh Fish is Best: Always choose the freshest fish fillets available for the best flavor and texture in your tacos. Double-Crunch Method: For extra crunch, try double-dipping the fish in the egg and panko breadcrumbs for a thicker coating. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as salsa, jalapeños, or a creamy sauce to enhance the flavor. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and to achieve that perfect crispy texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up the fish easily. Cod and tilapia are great, but feel free to try others. Salmon works well, giving a richer taste. Mahi-mahi also adds a nice touch with its meaty texture. Even shrimp can be a fun twist. Just remember to adjust cooking time based on the fish you choose. Toppings can change the whole vibe of your tacos. Try mango salsa for a sweet kick. A spicy chipotle sauce adds heat and flavor. You can also use fresh pico de gallo for a zesty touch. If you love crunch, consider radishes or pickled onions. They add a nice contrast to the tender fish. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. You can also use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko for the coating. These will still give you that crispy texture. Make sure to check labels for any hidden gluten in all your ingredients. Enjoy your tacos without worry! To keep leftover fish tacos fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the tacos cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you have extra ingredients, like cabbage or avocado, store them separately. This way, they won’t get soggy. Reheating fish tacos can be tricky. For the best results, use your air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the tacos for about 3-5 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use a skillet on medium heat. Just flip them to crisp each side. If you want to freeze fish tacos, it’s best to freeze the fish separately. Cook the fish and let it cool. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned for the best texture. The best fish for air fryer tacos is white fish. I love using cod or tilapia. They have a mild taste and cook well in the air fryer. You can also try haddock or catfish for a tasty change. These fish stay flaky and moist inside while getting crispy outside. Yes, you can! If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake or pan-fry the fish. For baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated fish on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. For pan-frying, heat oil in a skillet and cook the fish for 3-4 minutes on each side. Both methods will give you delicious results. To spice up your fish tacos, try adding more seasoning. You can increase the garlic powder and paprika. For heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mix. You can also add spicy toppings like jalapeños or a hot sauce drizzle. A zesty salsa can bring great flavor too! Crispy air fryer fish tacos are easy and fun to make. We covered key ingredients, seasoning options, and step-by-step cooking tips. I shared common mistakes to watch for and ways to customize your tacos. Don't forget storage and reheating tips for leftovers. Enjoy experimenting with different fish and toppings. With these ideas, you’ll craft tasty tacos every time.

Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Delicious and crispy fish tacos made in an air fryer, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 2 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • fresh cilantro for garnish
  • lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
  • Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.
  • Dip each fish fillet into the flour mixture first, coating it evenly, then into the egg, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Arrange the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches.
  • Air fry the fish for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • While the fish cooks, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  • Assemble the tacos by placing a crispy fish piece on each tortilla, followed by a generous helping of shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
  • Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword air fryer, fish tacos, quick meal