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Air Fryer Spicy Fish Tacos - Fast, Fresh, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Fish: 1 to 1.5 pounds white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, halibut, mahi-mahi, or pollock), cut into strips
  • Oil: 1–2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
  • Spice blend: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (more if you like it hot), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Lime: Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • Tortillas: 8–12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Simple slaw: 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple), 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1–2 tablespoons lime juice, pinch of salt
  • Spicy crema: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream, 1–2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce or sriracha, 1 teaspoon lime juice, pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: Diced avocado, pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, radishes, crumbled cotija, extra cilantro
  • Nonstick spray: For the air fryer basket

Method
 

  1. Prep the fish: Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Dry fish browns better and gets crisp in the air fryer.
  2. Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add lime zest.
  3. Season and oil: In a bowl, toss fish strips with oil, then sprinkle on the spice mixture. Add half the lime juice and toss again to coat evenly.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (205°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray.
  5. Air fry: Arrange fish in a single layer with a little space between pieces. Cook 6–9 minutes, flipping halfway, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Thicker pieces may need an extra minute.
  6. Make the slaw: Toss cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit while the fish cooks to soften slightly.
  7. Stir the crema: Mix yogurt (or sour cream), mayo, hot sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust heat and tang to taste.
  8. Warm the tortillas: Microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds, or air fry for 1–2 minutes at 325°F. Keep warm in a clean towel.
  9. Build the tacos: Layer tortillas with slaw, fish, a drizzle of spicy crema, and your favorite toppings. Finish with a squeeze of lime.
  10. Serve: Enjoy right away while the fish is still warm and crisp.