Description
Crispy, golden Air Fryer Fish Tacos bring Mexican coastal flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Zesty lime, tender fish, and crunchy slaw combine in a quick meal that delights your taste buds and simplifies weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) cod, mahi mahi, or halibut (skin off, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Serving Components:
- 4 cups Little Leaf Farms Baby Crispy Green Leaf Lettuce
- Pineapple salsa
- Red cabbage slaw or pickled red onions
- Poblano crema
- 1 ripe avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Cotija or queso fresco
- Tortilla chips (corn tortillas if gluten-free)
Instructions
- Craft the vibrant accompaniments by meticulously preparing the zesty pineapple salsa, crisp red cabbage slaw, and creamy poblano crema, allocating approximately 30-40 minutes for this flavorful preparation.
- Pat the fish pieces completely dry using a clean kitchen towel, then transfer to a spacious mixing bowl. Lightly coat with olive oil for enhanced flavor and moisture retention.
- Create a robust spice blend by whisking together cumin, chili powder, salt, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes in a separate small container.
- Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over the fish, gently tossing to ensure every morsel is evenly and thoroughly coated with the aromatic seasoning.
- Activate the air fryer and preheat to 400°F, ensuring optimal cooking temperature. Line the basket with parchment paper and lightly mist with nonstick spray to prevent adhering.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned fish in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket, allowing proper air circulation for consistent cooking.
- Cook the fish for precisely 6 minutes, delicately flipping the pieces midway through to guarantee uniform golden-brown exterior and tender interior. Repeat in batches if necessary.
- Construct a vibrant base by layering crisp lettuce in a large serving bowl as the foundation for your culinary creation.
- Artfully arrange the perfectly cooked fish atop the lettuce, then embellish with refreshing pineapple salsa and crunchy red cabbage slaw.
- Enhance the dish with optional garnishes like creamy avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, or rich guacamole to elevate the flavor profile.
- Drizzle the Mexican crema generously across the assembled bowl, ensuring each ingredient is lovingly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Finish by scattering fresh cilantro leaves, squeezing a vibrant lime wedge, and serving alongside crisp tortilla chips for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.
Notes
- Ensure fish is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.
- Experiment with different white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut for varied flavor profiles and textures.
- Swap fish with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian/vegan-friendly version that maintains the recipe’s zesty Mexican-inspired essence.
- Use gluten-free tortillas or serve over cauliflower rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg