Name: Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 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 for brushing and spraying; 2½ cups coleslaw 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); ¼ tsp cracked black pepper; Tortillas; Extra lime juice for serving

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a little fiesta in your mouth, I’ve got just the thing. This Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe is one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh, healthy, and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The spices on the fish paired with a bright, zesty slaw? Yum. Trust me, once you try this, these fish tacos will become a regular in your repertoire!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: Ready start to finish in about 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Flavorful: Using white fish and fresh cilantro lime slaw keeps it light yet packed with zest.
Versatile Fish Choices: Works beautifully with tilapia, mahi mahi, cod, or your favorite white fish.
Crispy Texture Without the Fuss: Air fryer magic means minimal oil but maximum crispness and juiciness.

Three tacos sit on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each taco has one soft tortilla as the base, filled with crispy dark brown spiced fish pieces. On top of the fish is a layer of creamy coleslaw made of shredded white and purple cabbage and thin orange carrot strips, giving a mix of creamy white, purple, and orange colors. Green cilantro leaves are scattered over the tacos and on the plate. Lime wedges are placed on the plate near the tacos, with additional lime wedges in a white bowl on the top left and fresh green cilantro leaves in a white bowl above the plate. There is a spoon in the bowl with remaining coleslaw at bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, easy fish tacos, healthy fish tacos, quick dinner recipes, seafood tacos

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together effortlessly—each plays its part layering flavor and texture without overwhelming your fridge or your prep time. Plus, you’ll find most of these are pantry staples or easy to grab from any grocery store.

Flat lay of fresh raw tilapia fillet with skin removed, a small mound of bright red chili powder, a pinch of dried oregano leaves, a small pile of pale garlic powder, a heap of deep red paprika, a tiny heap of cayenne powder, a small pile of onion powder, a spoonful of ground cumin, coarse sea salt crystals in a small white ceramic bowl, whole black cracked peppercorns in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh cole slaw mix of shredded cabbage and carrots, a small white bowl with creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl with freshly squeezed lime juice, a peeled garlic clove, a small heap of vibrant green chopped cilantro, whole uncracked brown corn tortillas arranged neatly, and a halved fresh lime resting nearby, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, easy fish tacos, healthy fish tacos, quick dinner recipes, seafood tacos

Tilapia or White Fish: Choose fresh or thawed fish like cod or mahi mahi; I find tilapia is tender and cooks perfectly in the air fryer.
Chili Powder: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky flavor that wakes up the fish.
Oregano: Earthy, slightly peppery note complements the chili powder nicely.
Garlic Powder: Gives depth—fresh garlic works, but powder saves prep time.
Paprika: For color and mild sweetness; smoked paprika works if you want a little extra smokiness.
Cayenne: Adjust according to your heat tolerance; I usually go light to keep these family-friendly.
Onion Powder: Mild and sweet, it rounds out the spice blend perfectly.
Cumin: Just a pinch adds that subtle earthiness typical to great taco seasoning.
Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper: Essential seasoning to make all the flavors pop.
Cole Slaw Mix: The base for the crispy slaw; the pre-shredded mix saves time and adds crunch.
Mayonnaise: Creations the creamy dressing that binds the slaw; you can swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Lime Juice: Key for the slaw and tacos—the zingy acidity brightens the whole dish.
Garlic Clove: Minced fresh for punchy flavor in the slaw.
Chopped Cilantro: My secret weapon—adds that fresh herbal lift that makes cilantro lime slaw irresistible.
Sugar (Optional): Balances the tang, especially if your lime is on the sour side.
Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas—toast them lightly if you like a little extra texture.
Extra Lime Juice: For squeezing over the final tacos—don’t be shy!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, so I encourage you to tweak this Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe to match your taste buds or whatever you have on hand. Over time, I discovered a few fun swaps that keep things exciting.

Fish Swap: When I can’t find tilapia, I’ve used shrimp or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist, adjusting cook time accordingly.
Spicy Upgrade: If you love heat, I add a pinch more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the slaw dressing—instant heat kick!
Dairy-Free Slaw: Try avocado mayo or skip the mayo altogether and mix slaw with a tangy vinaigrette for a fresher take.
Extra Crunch: Toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips on top add a satisfying crunch I discovered one night at a taco party.

How to Make Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Spice It Up

Start by grabbing a small bowl and mixing together your chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, cumin, sea salt, and cracked pepper. This spice blend is the heart of the flavor punch on your fish. Next, pat your fish dry with paper towels—this helps the spices stick better and ensures a nice crust when air fried. Lay your fish flat in the air fryer basket (sprayed lightly with oil to avoid sticking), then brush the fillets with olive oil so the spices stay moist and vibrant. Generously sprinkle your spice rub over the fish and gently press it in to seal those flavors.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. I love how fast these cook—usually 8 to 10 minutes is enough. You’ll want the fish to flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout. A quick internal temperature check should read 145°F for perfectly cooked seafood. Don’t forget, overcooking can dry it out, so keep an eye on the clock the first few times you try this.

Step 3: Toss Your Cilantro Lime Slaw

While your fish is cooking, whisk together mayo, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then toss in the cole slaw mix until everything’s coated in that bright, creamy dressing. I like to taste and adjust here: if you want it tangier, add more lime juice; more salt or pepper? Go for it. This slaw keeps the tacos fresh and crunchy, perfect for balancing the warm, spiced fish.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and cut into bite-sized pieces. Pile your tortillas high with fish and top with the cilantro lime slaw. For an extra burst of brightness, I always add an extra squeeze of lime juice. These tacos are best enjoyed immediately, but if you need to store leftovers, I have some tips below!

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

Dry Fish for Best Crisp: Patting your fish dry before spicing is key; it helps the crust form in the air fryer and prevents sogginess.
Oil Spritz for Moisture and Flavor: A light spray or brush of olive oil after adding spices keeps the fish juicy and flavorful during cooking.
Adjust Your Heat: Don’t be afraid to dial cayenne up or down depending on your tolerance; the slaw can also help mellow the spice.
Check Early to Avoid Dryness: Start checking the fish around 7 minutes to avoid overcooking—it’s delicate and fast!

How to Serve Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

Two tacos sit side by side on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each taco has a soft, light tan flatbread shell. Inside, there is a base layer of golden-brown fish fillets with a crispy texture. On top of the fish, there is a colorful coleslaw made of purple cabbage, white cabbage, thin orange carrot strips, and bits of green herbs, all mixed in a creamy dressing. Bright green cilantro leaves are scattered on the tacos and plate. Several lime wedges, light green with a textured surface, rest around the tacos as a garnish. In the background, there are small white bowls, one with green cilantro and the other with lime wedges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, easy fish tacos, healthy fish tacos, quick dinner recipes, seafood tacos

Garnishes

When I serve these tacos, I love sprinkling on some extra chopped cilantro and a few slices of fresh jalapeño for a little kick. A drizzle of a creamy avocado sauce or a tangy crema adds another layer of indulgence. Oh, and don’t forget the extra lime wedges on the side—never hurts to brighten up each bite!

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually pair these tacos with a simple black bean salad or Mexican street corn (elote). Sometimes I even whip up some cilantro-lime rice on the side. These sides complement the zesty slaw perfectly and keep the flavors consistent without overpowering the fish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when hosting friends, try setting up a taco bar with warm tortillas, slices of avocado, extra slaw, and a variety of salsas. I once served these fish tacos in mini skillet dishes lined with parchment paper for a rustic feel, and guests loved the casual vibe. Adding colorful plates and a bright tablecloth makes the whole experience festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I keep the slaw separate from the fish if possible, so the tortillas don’t get soggy when you’re ready to eat the rest. It helps keep the texture fresher.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the entire taco, you can freeze the seasoned fish fillets before air frying. Just wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and air fry as usual. The slaw, being fresh and creamy, is better made fresh to keep its crunch.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers and keep that crispiness, I pop the fish pieces back into the air fryer for about 2-4 minutes at 350°F. This refreshes the texture without drying them out. Just warm your tortillas separately, assemble, and add fresh slaw.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish for this Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the fish first and pat it very dry to ensure the spice rub sticks and the fish cooks properly. I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge for best results.
What tortillas work best for fish tacos?

I prefer soft corn tortillas because they hold up well and pair beautifully with the fresh ingredients. But flour tortillas are a great alternative, especially if you like them warmed and slightly toasted for extra flavor.
Can I make the cilantro lime slaw ahead of time?

You can make the slaw a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. It actually tastes better once the flavors meld, but I recommend adding any extra lime juice right before serving to keep it bright and fresh.
How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the balanced blend of chili powder and cayenne. You can always tweak the amount of cayenne to suit your heat preference or skip it altogether for a more mild taco.
Can I grill the fish instead of air frying?

Yes, grilling works well too! Just make sure to oil the grates and cook until the fish flakes easily, approximately 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. The spice rub tastes fantastic grilled as well.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe comes together so quickly without sacrificing any flavor or freshness. It’s my little shortcut to a meal that tastes like I spent hours perfecting it, but really only took minutes. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a fun weekend dinner, these tacos have become a favorite for my family and friends. I hope you give them a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to, too!