There is so much to love about these Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos! Tender whitefish is coated with gluten free breadcrumbs, and air fried for the perfect crunchy exterior. These are layered with a tangy cabbage salsa and creamy avocado.
Contents
The Best Fish Tacos, Made in the Air Fryer!
These are a Taco Tuesday dream! So simple to make, and honestly better than what you’ll get out.
Break out the air fryer, because it makes creating the perfect crispy exterior on tender white fish a snap. No messy oil, and made in less than 15 minutes!
When I think flavorful air fryer fish tacos, I think of a crisp cilantro lime slaw. I use this Mexican Cabbage Salsa recipe as the perfect addition. Layer in some creamy avocado slices (or guacamole!) and dinner is done.
See the notes below for additional salsa and serving recommendations. It’s hard to go wrong with this recipe!
What You’ll Need
Crispy Cod Pieces
- Flaky White Fish (like Cod, mahi mahi, or tilapia fillets)
- Almond Flour
- Sea Salt
- Gluten Free Breadcrumbs (I use brown rice crackers and blend them into breadcrumbs)
- Cajun Seasoning (or use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper)
- Egg
- Avocado Oil Spray (or Olive Oil spray)
Fish Tacos
- Corn Tortillas
- Mexican Cabbage Salsa (a mix of green and red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice!)
- Avocado Slices
- Creamy Dressing (like a favorite ranch dressing or a chipotle crema. We love Primal Kitchen’s Avocado Oil Ranch and the Cilantro Lime Dressing.)
- Optional: Cotija cheese or a sharp white cheddar
How to Make Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Step 1: Cut the pieces of white fish into 2 ounce strips.
Step 2: Lightly season the fish with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: In separate shallow bowls, add the eggs, the almond flour, and the breadcrumbs (or panko). Whisk the eggs. Season the almond flour with sea salt and mix together well. To the breadcrumbs, add the cajun seasoning and mix in well.
Step 4: Dip each piece of fish first in the almond flour, then in the egg, and last into the breadcrumbs or panko mixture. Move the fish gently to ensure an even coating all around the pieces of fish.
Step 5: Spray the uncooked fish pieces with avocado oil spray.
Step 6: Preheat air fryer to 390º F for 5 minutes.
Gently add the pieces of fish to an air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each for hot air to circulate. Not overcrowding the air-fryer basket is the key to making these golden brown and crisp! Air fry for 8 minutes, then use a metal spatula to gently pick up the fish and turn it over. Continue cooking for an additional 6 minutes.
Step 7: Add the crispy fish to toasted or warmed tortillas.
Step 8: Add desired toppings – I highly suggest making the Mexican Cabbage Salsa and using avocado slices. Use a creamy sauce, like a favorite ranch dressing or an spicy chipotle sauce to drizzle.
How to Serve Crispy Fish Tacos
Try Other Salsas: These crispy air fryer fish tacos would be amazing with a pico de gallo, this Avocado Salsa Verde, or this fun Mango Salsa recipe.
Fish Taco Bowls: Add rice or cauliflower rice to a bowl, optional black beans, and then top with pieces of crispy cod, some Mexican Cabbage Salsa, avocado or guacamole, cotija cheese, and a sauce of your choice. We love Salsa Verde on taco bowls! Add a lime wedge and some freshly chopped cilantro to serve.
Variations & Tips
How to Make Gluten Free Breadcrumbs: I use brown rice crackers and process them in my blender until a crumb texture is formed. These are already seasoned so not a lot of extra salt is needed. Gluten free panko breadcrumbs will also work but are difficult to find.
Save Time with Easy Air Fryer Fish Tacos: Instead of making the cabbage salsa, use a bag of coleslaw mix and a hefty squeeze of fresh lime juice. This adds flavor and crunch without the time of chopping all the veggies!
Air Fryer Fish Tacos without Breading: These tacos can be made lower carb by skipping the coating. Instead of using the egg, almond flour, and breadcrumbs, spray each piece of fish with avocado oil spray and then generously season with the cajun seasoning. The fish will cook in about 6 minutes at 390º F without the coating. Use low-carb tortillas in place of the corn tortillas if desired.
No Air Fryer? Preheat oven to 425º F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper, and then place the coated fish on the baking sheet. Bake the fish for 12 minutes, and then gently flip it over. Continue baking the fish for 4-6 minutes until it’s golden in color.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
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Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Equipment
Ingredients
Crispy Cod
- 1 pound white fish fillets cod, mahi mahi, halibut, or tilapia
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 eggs whisked
- 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs *see notes on how to make at home
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning optional, but gives these a spicy twist!
Fish Tacos
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups Mexican Cabbage Salsa *or sub shredded cabbage + fresh lime juice
- 1 avocado sliced
- creamy dressing or favorite hot sauce
Instructions
Crispy Fish
- Cut the pieces of white fish into 2 ounce strips.
- Lightly season the fish with salt and pepper.
- Prepare 3 bowls for the crispy coating. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, season the almond flour with sea salt. Mix together well. In a 3rd bowl, add the cajun seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture and mix in well.
- Dip each piece of fish first in the almond flour, then in the egg, and last into the breadcrumbs. Move the fish gently to ensure an even coating of each all around the pieces of fish.
- Spray the uncooked fish coated in breadcrumbs with avocado oil spray.
- Preheat air fryer to 390º F for 5 minutes.Gently add the pieces of fish to an air fryer basket, leaving space between each for hot air to circulate. Not overcrowding the air fryer basket is the key to making these golden brown and crisp! Air fry for 8 minutes, then use a metal spatula to gently pick up the fish and turn it over. Continue cooking for an additional 6 minutes.
- Add the crispy fish to toasted or warmed tortillas.
- Add desired toppings – I highly suggest making the Mexican Cabbage Salsa and using avocado slices. Use a creamy sauce, like a favorite ranch dressing or an spicy chipotle sauce to drizzle.
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