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A delicious plate of 15 Minute Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw | Lemons + Zest | Recipe | Air fryer recipes served as a quick and healthy dinner option.

15-Minute Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these vibrant, healthy, and lightning-fast fish tacos. Featuring perfectly flaky air-fried cod and a zesty cilantro lime slaw, this gourmet-quality meal comes together in just 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican Fusion
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Cod or Tilapia fillets, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 2 cups Shredded cabbage mix of purple and green
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 8 Small corn or flour tortillas
  • Optional: Sliced avocado, pickled red onions, or extra lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for spices
  • Paper towels
  • Skillet or cast iron pan for warming tortillas
  • Tongs
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Pat the fish chunks thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy crust.
  2. In a bowl, toss the fish chunks with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Arrange the fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between pieces for airflow.
  5. Air fry for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. While the fish cooks, prepare the slaw by combining shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and Greek yogurt in a medium bowl; mix well and season with a pinch of salt.
  7. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds per side.
  8. Assemble the tacos by placing the cooked fish onto the warm tortillas, topping with the creamy slaw, and adding optional garnishes like avocado or pickled onions.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. If you prefer a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the fish rub or finely diced jalapeño to the slaw. Leftover fish can be reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore the crunch, though the slaw is best served fresh.