This Panko breaded Air Fryer Fish Tacos recipe is easy! It's made with cod that's air fried until crispy and topped with Mexican crema.
These Air Fried Fish Tacos are battered in a coating of Panko breadcrumbs flavored with Mexican spices and air fried until crispy. They're topped with a tangy lime crema and anything else you like.
Kitchen gadgets like the Instant Pot and Air Fryer have become increasingly popular during the past four years and for good reason - They're convenient, cook food quickly, and allow you to create some darn tasty dishes like fish tacos.
These tacos are totally customizable.
They're fresh, the fish is crunchy, and there's no need for a pot of boiling oil on your stove top or a deep fryer. In only a couple of minutes you've got a light and healthy meal that's great to serve all year round.
And for those of us who live in the northern hemisphere but can't afford a beach vacation during the winter these fish tacos are just the ticket.
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What Is An Air Fryer?
What is an Air Fryer anyway and is it worth the cost? An Air Fryer is a contraption that cooks food by rapidly circulating hot air around it. It heats and cooks foods quickly. The browning and caramelization that occurs on the surface of the food is known as the maillard reaction.
This browning and caramelization is what makes the food crispy and crunchy. The same thing happens when food is dropped into hot oil - It's what makes deep-fried foods so delicious. That hot oil is also what makes deep-fried foods so unhealthy.
An Air Fryer is GREAT for those of use who don't or can't eat gluten. Most deep-fried items on a restaurant menu (even ones that don't naturally contain gluten like French fries) are fried with things that are battered in flour like onion rings and chicken tenders.
This results in cross-contamination and means a massive gluten hangover for those of us who struggle with it.
I would say that an Air Fryer is a great investment if you love crunchy things like onion rings or chicken tenders but aren't able to order them at a restaurant because of that cross-contamination. It is absolutely not a kitchen necessity but it is a nice addition.
I was able to find an inexpensive one at my local Aldi and you can find them in most superstores or online nowadays.
Looking for more air fryer recipes? Don't miss these!
- Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
- Air Fried Eggplant Parmesan Fries
- Crispy Air Fried Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
- Air Fryer Parsnips
- Turkey Burgers In Air Fryer
Which Fish Is Best For Fish Tacos?
The best fish to use for fish tacos is a variety of firm white fish such as cod, haddock, halibut, mahi mahi, pollock, tilapia, or walleye (if you're from Minnesota).
Any of these firm white fish varieties is also great for these Breaded Baked Walleye Fingers! And if you like cod be sure to check out this Pesto Cod and Potatoes and Baked Panko Cod.
It's important that the fish is relatively thick and firm. You want it to stand up to the coating and not fall apart as it cooks. Something like salmon or trout would be too oily for fish tacos.
Fresh fish is always best so I say go for that if you live on a coast or near a large body of water but for those of us who are land-locked frozen is the next best thing.
- This recipe calls for 1 lb. of fish. Simply thaw the fish if frozen and pat the fish dry with a paper towel. (The fish can become rubbery if it contains too much water).
- Cut the fish fillets into halves or thirds (depending on the size of the filet).
Ingredients For Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Here's what you'll need to make them.
- 1 lb. Firm White Fish such as Cod, Haddock, Pollock, Mahi Mahi, Halibut, Tilapia, or Walleye
- ¾ cup Gluten Free Flour Blend (or regular AP flour if not gluten free)
- 3 Eggs
- 1 cup Gluten Free Panko Breadcrumbs (or regular Panko breadcrumbs if not gluten free)
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1 tsp. Cumin
- 1 tsp. Lemon Pepper
- 1 tsp. Red Chili Flakes
- 1 ¼ tsp. Kosher Salt (split)
- ½ tsp. Pepper
- Non-Aerosol Cooking Spray
- 16 oz. Sour Cream
- Zest and Juice of 1-2 limes
- Toppings such as Tomatoes, Cabbage, Radishes, Lettuce, Jalapenos, Avocado, Hot Sauce
How To Season Air Fried Fish Tacos
- The first step is to place ¾ cup of gluten free flour blend in a bowl or on a plate.
- The second step is to crack 3 eggs in a bowl and whisk them with a fork.
- The third step is to place 1 cup of gluten free Panko breadcrumbs (or regular Panko breadcrumbs if not gluten free) into a third bowl. Add 1 tsp. each of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, lemon pepper, and red chili flakes. Add ½ tsp. kosher salt and pepper. Stir until completely combined.
- Dip each piece of fish first into the flour, then into the eggs, and lastly into the spiced breadcrumb mixture. Place the battered fish onto a plate and continue with the remainder of the fish.
You're fingers may become heavily coated in breadcrumbs during this process. Simply wash them before proceeding. Be sure to discard any leftover flour or breadcrumbs after it has touched the raw fish.
How To Make Fish Tacos In The Air Fryer
Once the fish is all battered it's time to fry it in the Air Fryer!
It's important to mist or baste the fish with cooking oil so that it won't stick as it cooks. The cooking oil will also help it get golden and crunchy.
Generously spray the basket and both sides of the fish before placing it in the basket. You may need to prepare the fish in batches depending on the size of your Air Fryer. My model is pretty small so it was prepared in batches.
- Generously spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Place the first batch of fish into the basket, making sure not to over-crowd it. Spray the top of the fish filets with more oil. This will help it to become golden brown as it cooks.
- Set the Temperature at 370 degrees Fahrenheit and the timer for 6 minutes.
- After 6 minutes flip the fish over and cook for another 6 minutes.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of kosher salt evenly over the fish filets.
- Remove the cooked fish and repeat the process until all the fish has finished cooking.
Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish and the model of your Air Fryer. Make sure that the fish is fully cooked through but be careful not to overcook it.
How To Make Mexican Crema
Fish tacos are always best served with a dressing or sauce and this Mexican Lime Crema is perfect. It's super easy to make and can be prepared as the fish is cooking!
- Simply place 16 oz. (or 2 cups) of sour cream in a small bowl.
- Zest 1 lime into the sour cream using a microplane or small grater. Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice of it into the bowl. You can use 1-2 limes depending on their size.
- Add ¼ tsp. kosher salt.
- Stir all of the ingredients together until combined using a small whisk or a fork.
I also love to serve Mexican Crema with these Skillet Chipotle Chicken Tacos!
What To Serve With Fish Tacos
There is no 'one way' to enjoy fish tacos - You can customize them any way you like!
I think that fish tacos lend themselves to all kinds of flavors and toppings. They definitely benefit from something tangy so the lime crema is a great addition.
Tomatoes or pickled onions also provide a great tangy flavor.
Other topping ideas include avocado or guacamole, Pico de Gallo, mango or pineapple salsa, cashew cilantro sauce, any type of coleslaw or this Kohlrabi Slaw, radishes, lettuce, cilantro, jalapenos, or hot sauce.
I do recommend topping them with something - Straight up fish on a corn tortilla may be a little dry.
Side dishes that are perfect with these Air Fryer Fish Tacos include this Cheesy One Pot Spanish Rice and Southwest Black Bean and Corn Salad.
Do you love dishes with Southwest flavors? Don't miss these!
- Southwest Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- Crockpot Tortilla Soup
- Guacamole Poblano Burgers
- Turkey Rice Stuffed Poblano Peppers
- Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
Can These Tacos Be Made Ahead Of Time?
This is one of those meals that's best served fresh. I generally don't recommend preparing fish of any kind ahead of time. It truly is a fresh dish that should be enjoyed right away.
You can save any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days but I wouldn't save it any longer than that.
Any leftover Mexican crema may be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Love tacos? Check out these recipes!
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos
- Sweet Potato Tacos
- Slow Cooker Barbacoa Tacos
- Instant Pot Carnitas
- Cajun Shrimp Tacos
- Cilantro Lime Fish Tacos
Looking For More Air Fryer Recipes? Don't Miss These!
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Air Fryer Parmesan Broccoli
Air Fryer Fish Tacos (Panko Breaded)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. firm white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, or walleye
- ¾ cup gluten free flour blend or AP flour if not gluten free
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup gluten free Panko breadcrumbs or regular Panko breadcrumbs if not gluten free
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. lemon pepper
- 1 tsp. red chili flakes
- 1 tsp. kosher salt split
- ½ tsp. pepper
- non-aerosol cooking oil spray such as avocado oil
- 1 package corn tortillas
- Toppings such as tomatoes, avocado, cabbage, radishes, jalapenos, salsa, or hot sauce optional
For The Lime Crema:
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1-2 limes zest and juice
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
- Thaw 1 lb. of firm white fish if frozen. Once the fish has thawed pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the fish into halves or thirds depending on the size of the fillets.Make sure to remove any bones if using freshly caught fish.
- Add ¾ cup gluten free flour blend (or regular AP flour if not gluten free) in a bowl. Crack 3 eggs into a second bowl and whisk them until combined. Place 1 cup of gluten free Panko breadcrumbs (or regular Panko breadcrumbs if not gluten free) in a third bowl. Add 1 tsp. each of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, lemon pepper, and red chili flakes. Add ½ tsp. each kosher salt and pepper. Stir until completely combined.
- Dip each fish filet into the flour, then the eggs, and lastly the spiced breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is totally coated. Place the battered fish on a plate. Repeat with the remainder of the fish. (Make sure to discard any excess flour or breadcrumbs).
- Turn the Air Fryer on and generously spray the basket to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Fry the fish in batches: Place enough fish to fit comfortably in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. Spray the top of the fish filets with cooking spray. This helps it to become golden brown as it cooks.Place the basket in the Air Fryer and set the Temperature for 370 degrees Fahrenheit and the Time for 6 minutes. Cook, remove the basket, flip the fish over and repeat for another 6 minutes. (Each batch should have 12 minutes of cooking time). Once the fish is cooked remove and set aside. Sprinkle a generous amount of kosher salt evenly over the fish.
- Repeat with the remainder of the fish spraying the basket each time. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fish and the model of Air Fryer. The fish should be crispy on the outside, cooked through on the inside but not overcooked.The safe internal temperature for fish is 145 degrees Fahrenheit and may be checked using a food thermometer.
For The Lime Crema:
- Place 2 cups of sour cream in a small bowl. Zest a lime into the sour cream using a microplane or small grater.
- Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl. You may need 2 limes depending on their size.
- Add ¼ tsp. kosher salt and stir everything together using a small whisk or fork.
- To Serve: Place the crispy fish on warmed tortillas. Top with lime crema and any additional toppings you like.
Gemma @ MakeupMuddle
I only very recently got an air fryer so I’ve been looking for some recipes to experiment with the fryer. These sound delicious, thank you for sharing xo
Christine
I hope you enjoy! You'll love your Air Fryer - It's fun to use and much healthier than a traditional deep fryer. 🙂
CAMILLA HAWKINS
These fish tacos look utterly yummy! Thank you for including my chicken thighs:-)
Christine
Thanks so much! 🙂