Name: Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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 (more or less for spiciness); ¼ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp cumin; ½ tsp sea salt; ½ tsp cracked pepper; 2½ cups cole slaw mix; 3 Tbsp mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp lime juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; ⅓ cup chopped cilantro; ½ tsp sugar (optional); ¼ tsp sea salt, more or less to taste; ¼ tsp cracked pepper; Tortillas; Extra lime juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and downright delicious, let me introduce you to my Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a little fiesta in your mouth — light, zesty, and perfect for any night of the week. Plus, using the air fryer means you get crispy, juicy fish without the mess of deep frying. Trust me, you’re gonna want this in your regular rotation!

💚

Why This Recipe Works

Air Fryer Magic: Crispy edges with juicy flakes inside, all without deep frying or greasy cleanup.
Flavor Boost: The homemade spice rub balances warmth and brightness, making the fish irresistibly tasty.
Fresh Cilantro Lime Slaw: Adds a cool, tangy crunch that complements the warm fish perfectly.
Quick & Simple: Ready in about 20 minutes, ideal for busy nights but impressive enough for guests.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, fish tacos recipe, air fryer seafood tacos, healthy fish taco ideas, easy fish taco recipe - Three soft white tortillas are placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. Each tortilla holds a layer of golden-brown crispy fish pieces topped with a colorful mix of shredded purple and white cabbage, sliced carrots, and green herbs. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top and around the plate. Lime wedges are placed on the side of the plate and near it. A small white bowl with extra cabbage slaw and another with extra cilantro are also visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in the Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. I find that using fresh lime juice in the slaw really wakes up the dish, while the spice blend gives the fish a nice kick without overwhelming the delicate seafood.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, fish tacos recipe, air fryer seafood tacos, healthy fish taco ideas, easy fish taco recipe - Flat lay of a fresh whole tilapia fish fillet with natural skin texture, a small pile of chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and cumin spices each in separate small white ceramic bowls, a small bowl of sea salt, a small bowl of cracked black pepper, a crisp cole slaw mix of shredded green and purple cabbage and carrots in a simple white bowl, a small white bowl with mayonnaise, a small white bowl holding bright green chopped cilantro, a halved fresh lime showing the juicy pulp, a whole peeled garlic clove, a white ceramic bowl with lime juice, soft white corn tortillas stacked neatly, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and with realistic proportions, placed 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

Tilapia or white fish: Choose fresh, firm fillets—tilapia, mahi mahi, or cod work great for air frying without falling apart.
Chili powder: Adds mild heat and smoky depth to the fish rub.
Oregano: Brings an earthy herb note that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Garlic and onion powder: Essential for layering savory flavors in the spice rub.
Paprika & cayenne: Build warmth and a touch of spice—you can adjust the cayenne for your heat preference.
Cumin: Adds nuttiness and slight earthiness to round out the rub.
Sea salt & cracked pepper: Amplify all the flavors; don’t skimp here!
Cole slaw mix: The crunchy base for the slaw, it adds freshness and texture.
Mayonnaise: Gives the slaw a creamy coating that balances acidity.
Lime juice: Brightens and freshens the slaw—never underestimate the power of fresh lime.
Minced garlic: Packs a punch in the slaw dressing for extra zing.
Chopped cilantro: A must for that signature herby, citrusy note.
Sugar (optional): Helps tame acidity if your lime juice is especially sharp.
Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas are a personal preference here—I love corn for authenticity.

📝

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.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak the spice level depending on who I’m cooking for, and I encourage you to make it your own—whether it’s swapping fish types or trying a different slaw twist.

Spice it up: If my family is around, I add extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce—works wonders for those who love heat.
Fish choice: I’ve used cod, mahi mahi, and even halibut when feeling fancy; all air fry beautifully and soak up the spice rub.
Green goddess slaw: Sometimes I swap mayo for Greek yogurt and add avocado for a creamy, healthier option.
Shell swap: Corn tortillas are my go-to, but I’ve had great success with whole wheat or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Spice Mix and Prep

First, I grab a small bowl and whisk together all the spices, salt, and pepper—this rub gives the fish an undeniable flavor punch. Then, pat your fish dry with paper towels. Trust me, this step is key for crispy edges. Lay your fish fillets in the air fryer basket sprayed lightly with oil, brush them with olive oil, and then generously coat with the spice rub. Give it a gentle press so it sticks well. I always spritz a bit more oil over the top — this little trick keeps the fish moist and the spices bonded during air frying.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Pop the basket in and cook the fish for about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. You’re looking for opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork—no more than that or the fish dries out. I like to leave the fish undisturbed while cooking—flipping can cause breakage since these fillets are delicate. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; 145°F internal temperature is perfect.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Slaw

While the fish cooks, toss together your slaw ingredients: cole slaw mix, mayo, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper. I usually taste it a couple times here to get the balance just right—sometimes a little more lime or a pinch more salt to suit my mood. This slaw isn’t just a topping; it brightens and adds crunch, so don’t skimp!

Step 4: Assemble & Enjoy!

Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove it and cut into small pieces. Load your tortillas with fish, a generous scoop of cilantro lime slaw, and finish with an extra squeeze of fresh lime over the top. If you’re anything like me, these tacos disappear fast—so get ready to have seconds. Leftovers? No problem—I’ll show you how to keep and reheat them later.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Dry Fish is Crispy Fish: Make sure you pat your fish dry before applying the rub—moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Don’t Flip the Fish: Leaving fish undisturbed inside the air fryer keeps the fillet intact and browns evenly.
Adjust Spices to Your Heat Level: I start with less cayenne and work my way up after tasting once cooked.
Make Ahead Slaw: The cilantro lime slaw tastes even better when made an hour ahead, letting flavors meld.

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

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, fish tacos recipe, air fryer seafood tacos, healthy fish taco ideas, easy fish taco recipe - The image shows a white plate holding three soft tortillas at the bottom, each topped with golden-brown spiced fish pieces that have a slightly crispy texture. On top of the fish, there is a colorful coleslaw made of vibrant purple cabbage, white cabbage, and thin slices of carrot mixed with a creamy dressing. Green cilantro leaves are placed fresh on both the tortillas and plate edges. Two lime wedges are placed on the side of the plate for garnish. The setting includes a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of lime wedges in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these tacos with some extra chopped cilantro and thin lime wedges on the side. Sometimes, I’ll add sliced avocado or a dash of creamy chipotle sauce if I want something smoky and smooth. A sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese is a local favorite that’s absolutely delicious if you like a salty touch.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually serve these with black beans or Mexican rice. A fresh mango salsa is another bright companion that pairs well with the fish’s smoky flavors. On lazy days, a simple side of seasoned tortilla chips with guac and salsa works perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like setting up a taco bar with all the fixings—corn tortillas warmed on a skillet, the fish plated in a nice dish, and separate bowls of slaw, avocado, lime wedges, and various sauces. It’s fun, interactive, and everyone personalizes their own tacos. For a weeknight treat, stacking them on a vibrant serving plate with colorful garnishes makes the meal feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fish and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep the textures fresh. The fish keeps well for up to 2-3 days. Keeping slaw chilled separately prevents the tortillas from getting soggy if you’re not assembling right away.

Freezing

While I rarely freeze fully assembled tacos, I’ve frozen just the spiced fish fillets before cooking. Wrap each filet tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and air fry as usual. The slaw is best fresh, so I don’t recommend freezing it.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop the fish back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy again. The slaw is best served cold, so add it fresh after reheating the fish for that perfect texture contrast.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the fish completely and pat it dry before seasoning and air frying. This allows the spice rub to stick better and helps achieve a crisp texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake the fish instead?

Yes, you can bake the fish in an oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until cooked through and flaky. Use parchment paper on your baking tray to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
How do I prevent the fish from falling apart in the air fryer?

Pat the fish dry and handle it gently throughout prep. Avoid flipping the fillets mid-cooking—they’re delicate and can easily break. Using parchment paper in the basket can also help keep them intact while cooking.
Can I make the cilantro lime slaw ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors meld beautifully if you make the slaw an hour or two before serving. Just give it a quick toss before topping your tacos.
What kind of tortillas work best for these tacos?

I like soft corn tortillas for an authentic feel, but flour tortillas work great too, especially if you’re feeding picky eaters. Warm them slightly before assembling for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe is truly one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something quick, fresh, and seriously tasty. The combination of crispy-spiced fish and bright, creamy slaw hits every craving—and the air fryer makes it so hassle-free. I hope you’ll give this a try and find yourself making it on repeat just like I do. Here’s to easy, flavorful dinners that bring a little sunshine to your table!