Air Fryer Fish Tacos is my twist on a classic dish that more commonly uses deep-fried fish. This delightful dish calls for a spicy seasoning of cod nuggets lightly coated in chickpea flour and air-fried to golden perfection. It is a healthy alternative to coating fish with breadcrumbs. Vibrant homemade salad, tomato salsa, crispy fish nuggets, and a tangy taco sauce are wrapped in warmed multigrain tortillas topped with cheese, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices. It is a shareable and satisfying meal ideal for weekend gatherings!
Origin:
Fish Tacos has a heritage going back at least several hundred years to the coastal areas of the Baja Peninsula. Fishermen there have long encased their fresh fire-roasted catch in stoneground tortillas. The traditional Spanish-inspired Baja fish taco is fried fish wrapped in a corn tortilla accompanied by tomato, chili, and herbs. The Fish Taco can be anything from grilled Hawaiian mahi-mahi to a Cajun tilapia.
The salsa can be traced back to pre-Spanish South America and has been used by the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans. I love using salsa in all its variety. Tomato with onions and chili peppers are low in calories and high in fiber-power foods that naturally help boost immunity.
I have elected to use tomato salsa because the fiber helps you stay full longer, and its sweetness contrasts the tangy, acidic flavors of the other ingredients. The taco is a simple, yet fantastic palate that allows me to experiment and express my creativity using colorful veggies.
My son loves the Air Fryer Fish Tacos every time he visits us. The crispy air-fried fish slathered with a healthy salsa and a crunchy salad is something that he perennially enjoys. My kids are my prime testers. Having grown up with a variety of cuisines at home, they seem to have developed a discretionary palate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How is the air fryer method a healthy option for the Fish Tacos?
The Air Fryer Fish Tacos is a healthy option since the fish is air-fried with very little oil resulting in a crispy exterior compared to its deep-fried counterparts. Fish is a high source of protein without the saturated fat of red meat and is low in calories making this lean protein an excellent choice for tacos.
2. Can I line the air fryer basket or tray with foil?
You can use a foil-lined tray or basket to air fry the fish. The foil must be weighted with fish pieces to prevent it from touching the heating element.
3. How do I cook frozen fish in the air fryer?
If using frozen fish, thaw them completely before marinating and air frying. You could thaw the frozen fish in the refrigerator the previous night.
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Ingredients:
For the fish fillets:
- Spices: cayenne, cumin, peppercorn
- Flour: chickpea flour; all-purpose flour is a good substitute
- Oil: avocado oil; olive oil or peanut oil can be used
- Fish: Cod; snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, flounder, or halibut can also be used.
For the tomato salsa:
- Ingredients: tomato, onion, jalapeno and cilantro
For the taco sauce:
- Ingredients: tomato, garlic, shallot, cumin and red chili
For the Air Fryer Fish Tacos assembly:
- Ingredients: multigrain or corn tortillas, lime wedges, avocado slices, Mexican cheese and a salad made with lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage.
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make this dish. Please refer to the recipe card below for the measurements.
How to make the Air Fryer Fish Tacos:
- Marinate and air fry the fish fillets:
Combine the ingredients for the marinade. Marinate the bite-size cod nuggets for 10 minutes. Air fry the cod nuggets (with a tablespoon of olive oil drizzled or sprayed) on a foil-lined baking tray at 400 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Make the tomato salsa:
Mix the ingredients in a bowl and keep aside.
3. Make the taco sauce:
Sauté the ingredients for the taco sauce in a pan with a teaspoon of avocado oil for 3-4 minutes. Cool the ingredients and grind them to a smooth consistency in a blender with 2 tablespoons of water or as needed for a sauce-like consistency.
4. Prepare the salad:
Mix the ingredients in a bowl and keep aside.
5. Assemble the Air Fryer Fish Tacos:
Warm the tortillas on a griddle or in the microwave. Place some salad and then the fish fillets. Spoon some of the tomato salsa and drizzle some taco sauce on top. Garnish with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, some grated Mexican cheese and a lime wedge.
- Spray or drizzle oil on the exterior of the fish nuggets for a crispy exterior.
- Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before placing the fish nuggets to promote even cooking.
- Allow some space between the nuggets for air circulation. Do not overcrowd the tray or basket with fish nuggets.
- Gently flip the fish nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are crispy.
Serving suggestion:
Warm the tortillas before putting the salad, air-fried fish nuggets, taco sauce, salsa and cilantro on top. Sprinkle some grated cheese and add a few slices of avocado and a lime wedge. Please feel free to add a dollop of sour cream and/or cabbage slaw. These Air Fryer Fish Tacos can be paired with Easy Mexican Corn Salad. You could try substituting the tomato salsa with Jicama Salsa.
Storage:
Air Fryer Fish Tacos must be assembled and served immediately or the tortillas will become soggy. The air-fried fish nuggets can be frozen in an airtight container for three months. The taco sauce can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. The salad will stay fresh when refrigerated for 1-2 days.
Other fish recipes that you might like:
Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
For the fish marinade:
- 1 lb cod fillet bite-size
- 1½ tsp cayenne powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 4 clove garlic paste
For the taco sauce:
- 1 tsp avocado oil
- 1 onion small
- 3 tomato
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ tsp cumin powder
- 4 red chili
- ¼ tsp salt
For the tomato salsa:
- 2 tomato diced
- 1 small red onion chopped fine
- 1 jalapeno pepper chopped
- 4 sprig cilantro chopped
- ½ tsp salt
For the salad:
- 4 leaf lettuce chopped
- 6 baby carrot shredded
- 1 leaf red cabbage
For the Air Fryer Fish Tacos assembly:
- 6 tortilla multigrain
- a few cilantro
- 1 lime wedges
- 1 avocado sliced
- ¼ cup Mexican cheese optional
Instructions
How to marinate the cod fillets:
- Prepare the ingredients. Combine the ingredients for the marinade. Marinate the bite-size cod fillets for 10 minutes.
- Air fry the cod fillets (with a tablespoon of olive oil drizzled or sprayed) on a foil-lined baking tray at 400 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the nuggets over halfway through cooking.
How to make the tomato salsa:
- Prepare the ingredients.
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl and keep aside.
How to make the taco sauce:
- Sauté the ingredients for the taco sauce in a pan with a tablespoon of avocado oil for 3-4 minutes. Cool the ingredients and grind them to a smooth consistency in a blender with 2 tablespoons of water or as needed for a sauce-like consistency.
How to make the salad:
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl and keep aside.
How to assemble the Air Fryer Fish Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas for a few seconds. Place some salad in the center and then the fish nuggets.
- Spoon some of the tomato salsa and drizzle some taco sauce on top. Garnish with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and a lime wedge.
Video
Notes
- I elected to use warm tortillas as a healthier alternative to the store-bought deep-fried hard taco shells. While the traditional Mexican tacos are open-faced sandwiches made from corn, I prefer to use multigrain tortillas because of the fiber content and the obvious heart-healthy benefits of mixed whole grains.
- Coleslaw is derived from the Dutch kool (cabbage) and sla (lettuce). While typically made with mayonnaise, any slaw consists of shredded vegetables dressed in a vinegar-based liquid. I sometimes use red cabbage and yogurt to make the cabbage slaw, but you can use anything from radishes to kohlrabi.
- While the taco pouch has many healthy vegetables, I like to use the salad as a palate cleanser.
Nutrition
Turned out great!
Thanks!
I prefer pan frying over other types of cooking. Thanks for sharing this recipe!