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 pepper; ¼ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp cumin; ½ tsp sea salt; ½ tsp cracked pepper; 2 ½ 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; ¼ tsp cracked pepper; Tortillas; Extra lime juice; Olive oil spray or brush for cooking

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 24 reviews

If you’re craving light, flavorful, and super satisfying tacos, you’ve got to try this Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe. Trust me, this isn’t just any fish taco—it’s the perfect balance of crispy, juicy fish paired with a fresh, zesty slaw that makes every bite a little celebration. I love how quick and easy this recipe is, plus the air fryer keeps everything wonderfully crispy without the mess of frying. You’re going to want to make this your go-to taco night treat!

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Easy Preparation: The air fryer cooks the fish in under 10 minutes, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
Perfect Texture: The spice rub and spritz of oil create a crispy crust while keeping the fish juicy and tender inside.
Refreshing Slaw: The cilantro lime slaw adds a vibrant, tangy crunch that complements the fish beautifully.
Versatile and Healthy: You can easily swap fish types or tweak the spices to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, Fish Tacos, Cilantro Lime Slaw, Air Fryer Fish Recipes, Easy Fish Tacos - 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

Let’s talk about ingredients—I always say the magic happens when you balance fresh, vibrant flavors with a good seasoning mix. The fish is seasoned with a blend of spices that packs a bit of heat and smokiness, while the creamy cilantro lime slaw provides a cool contrast. Plus, using fresh lime and cilantro in the slaw really elevates the whole dish.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, Fish Tacos, Cilantro Lime Slaw, Air Fryer Fish Recipes, Easy Fish Tacos - 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 a firm, flaky fish like mahi mahi or cod; tilapia works great and is budget-friendly.
Chili powder: Adds warmth and subtle heat, essential for that classic taco flavor.
Oregano: Gives a slightly earthy note that complements the chili and garlic.
Garlic powder: Brings in a mellow, savory depth without overpowering.
Paprika: Adds a smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
Cayenne: Adjustable heat—start small if you’re spice-sensitive.
Onion powder: Rounds out the spice blend with a gentle oniony flavor.
Cumin: Gives it that classic southwestern taco vibe.
Sea salt & cracked pepper: Enhances and balances every flavor.
Cole slaw mix: Thinly sliced cabbage provides crunch and freshness for the slaw.
Mayonnaise: Makes the slaw creamy without being heavy.
Lime juice: Brightens the slaw with citrusy tanginess.
Fresh garlic: Adds punchy aromatic flavor.
Chopped cilantro: Must-have fresh herb that lifts the slaw beautifully.
Sugar (optional): Balances acidity in the slaw if needed.
Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas hold everything together perfectly.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like it spicier, creamier, or need to switch things up for dietary reasons, I love tweaking mine to keep things fun and fresh.

Make it spicier: Add extra cayenne or a dash of chipotle powder—I’ve done this when I crave some heat, and it totally livens up the tacos.
Make it dairy-free: Swap mayo in the slaw for vegan mayo or Greek yogurt; I’ve tried both and they turn out delightfully creamy.
Swap the fish: Use shrimp or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist; shrimp cooks just as quickly in the air fryer!
Add some crunch: Toss a handful of sliced radishes or diced avocado on top for extra texture and flavor—I love this addition when I want something different.

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

Step 1: Prep the Fish and Spice Rub

First things first: pat your fish dry with paper towels. This step is super important because it helps the spices stick and promotes a crispy finish. In a small bowl, I mix together all the spices: chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Then I lay the fish flat in the air fryer basket (sprayed lightly with oil), brush it with a little olive oil on top, and coat it generously in the spice rub. I like to press the spices in gently to make sure they cling well. Before air frying, I spritz a bit more oil over the fish to keep it moist and flavorful while it crisps up.

Step 2: Air Fry the Fish

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (that’s crucial). Then pop the fish in and let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. I don’t flip or turn the fish during cooking — it tends to fall apart, and that’s less fun to clean up! The fish should be opaque and flake easily when done. I like to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer aiming for 145°F just to be safe. If your fish is thicker, add a few more minutes, but watch closely so it doesn’t dry out.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Slaw

While the fish is cooking, this is a great time to toss together your slaw. Just mix the cole slaw mix with mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, a pinch of sugar (if you want a bit of sweetness), salt, and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust accordingly; sometimes I like a little extra lime juice for more zing. This slaw is such a fresh counterbalance to the spices on the fish.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos and Serve

Once your fish is perfectly cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket and cut it into smaller pieces for easy taco assembly. Warm your tortillas (either in a skillet, microwave, or air fryer) and layer the fish in each one. Top generously with the cilantro lime slaw and add an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness. And voila—taco night magic on your plate!

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

Use a Thermometer: Checking for an internal temp of 145°F helps avoid overcooking thick fish while ensuring safety.
Don’t Flip the Fish: Letting the fish cook undisturbed prevents it from breaking apart in the air fryer basket.
Customize Your Heat: Start with less cayenne and add more after tasting, especially if sharing with kids or spice-sensitive friends.
Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice in the slaw and as a finishing touch brightens the whole dish like nothing else.

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

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, Fish Tacos, Cilantro Lime Slaw, Air Fryer Fish Recipes, Easy Fish Tacos - 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

When I serve these tacos, I love adding a handful of fresh chopped cilantro on top for extra herbaceousness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little crumbled cotija cheese for a creamy, salty kick. A few slices of avocado and a drizzle of spicy crema (or even plain Greek yogurt with a dash of hot sauce) take these tacos to another level. Don’t forget a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over just before eating!

Side Dishes

I usually pair these fish tacos with a simple Mexican street corn salad or some black beans and rice. For a lighter side, a quick mango salsa or fresh fruit salad works beautifully too. Whatever you choose, aim for something fresh and flavorful but not too heavy—you want the fish tacos to be the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve arranged the fish, slaw, tortillas, and garnishes as a build-your-own taco bar. Everyone gets to customize their tacos however they want—it’s a crowd-pleaser! Another time, I tried serving these tacos over a bed of greens as a taco salad, which made for a vibrant, satisfying dinner with less carb.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover fish and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the fish from getting soggy and allows me to assemble fresh tacos when I want. They usually stay tasty for 2-3 days, though I recommend eating sooner rather than later for best texture.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the assembled tacos, I’ve successfully frozen cooked, spiced fish pieces for later use. Just wrap them tightly in foil or vacuum seal and freeze for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Reheating

I love reheating leftover fish in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes at 350°F. It refreshes the crispy coating without drying it out. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the fish mushy. Once hot, just reassemble your tacos and sprinkle on some fresh slaw or toppings.

FAQs

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

Yes! You can absolutely use frozen fish, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and air frying. Excess moisture can prevent the fish from getting crispy and make the spices slide off.
What’s the best type of tortilla to use for these fish tacos?

I prefer soft corn tortillas for their authentic flavor and texture, but flour tortillas are equally delicious and handle the fillings well. Warm them up before assembling to make them more pliable.
Can I make the cilantro lime slaw ahead of time?

Definitely! The slaw actually tastes better after sitting for an hour or two, allowing the flavors to meld. Just store it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake the fish in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes on parchment paper until flaky. The texture will be slightly different than air frying but still delicious.
How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is moderate—you get warmth and a little heat from cayenne, which you can easily adjust up or down. I always taste as I go to make sure it suits everyone’s palate.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe has become a favorite in my house, especially on busy weeknights when I want something fresh, flavorful, and fast. I love how the air fryer keeps things crispy without the oiliness, and the slaw brightens up each bite with herbal and citrusy notes. If you make this recipe, I hope you get as hooked on it as I am—there’s nothing quite like biting into a homemade fish taco that feels this fresh and satisfying. So go ahead, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to taco night that’s worthy of a celebration.