Air Fryer Fish Tacos

$- 1 lb white fish fillets (like tilapia or cod) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1 cup finely shredded cabbage - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - Fresh cilantro leaves Gathering the right ingredients is key to making tasty air fryer fish tacos. Start with fresh fish fillets. I prefer tilapia or cod for their mild flavor and nice texture. The panko breadcrumbs give the fish a great crunch. You will need only one cup, which is perfect for coating. For the seasoning, I mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, and chili powder. These spices add depth and warmth to the fish. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper finishes the mix. Next, you will need small corn tortillas. These hold everything together nicely. For toppings, I love using finely shredded cabbage for crunch, ripe avocado slices for creaminess, and a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang. Fresh lime juice brightens the whole dish. Finally, I garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in making these fish tacos a crunchy and flavorful delight. Start by patting the fish fillets dry. Use paper towels to soak up moisture. This step helps the coating stick well. Next, cut the fillets into strips. Aim for 1-2 inch wide pieces. This size cooks evenly and gives a good bite. In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with spices. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, and chili powder. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the mix. Use a fork to combine until it looks like damp sand. Now, take a fish strip and dip it into the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to coat evenly. Shake off any extra crumbs. Repeat this for all the fish strips. You want them all coated well for that crunchy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is key for crispy fish. Once hot, place the coated fish strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking. The fish should be golden brown and crispy when done. While the fish cooks, warm the corn tortillas. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fold. You can also heat them in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. To assemble, take a warm tortilla and add a handful of shredded cabbage. Place a few crispy fish strips on top. Add some avocado slices next. Now, for the sauce! Mix sour cream or Greek yogurt with fresh lime juice in a small bowl. Drizzle this tangy sauce over your tacos. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy every flavorful bite! To get that perfect crispy texture, start by drying the fish. Pat the fillets with paper towels. This step helps remove excess moisture. When the fish is dry, it will fry better. For coating, use panko breadcrumbs. Mix them with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Drizzle olive oil on the mixture. It should feel like damp sand. This ensures it sticks well to the fish. You can prepare some ingredients ahead of time. Cut the fish into strips and season them. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. You can also prep the toppings. Slice the avocado and shred the cabbage early. To keep the tacos fresh, warm the tortillas just before serving. This makes them soft and easy to fold. Pair your fish tacos with sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad. A cold drink like limeade or beer goes well with them. For presentation, arrange tacos on a colorful platter. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. This makes your dish look bright and inviting. Enjoy your crunchy and flavorful fish tacos! {{image_4}} You can switch up the fish in these tacos. Salmon, mahi-mahi, or shrimp work great. Each fish adds its own taste and texture. Salmon offers a rich flavor, while mahi-mahi is mild and flaky. Shrimp brings a sweet and juicy bite. You can use whatever fish you love most. Just keep the cooking time in mind, as each type may vary. You can choose different tortillas for your tacos. Corn tortillas are classic and add a nice flavor. Flour tortillas are soft and can hold more filling. If you want to cut carbs, look for low-carb tortillas. They still taste good and work well with the fish. Pick the one that suits your diet and taste. Toppings make tacos fun and flavorful. Consider adding spicy slaw, which gives a nice crunch and kick. Mango salsa adds sweetness and freshness, perfect with fish. Pico de gallo is another tasty option, packed with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Mix and match toppings to find your favorite combo. Each adds a unique twist to your crunchy fish tacos. To keep your fish tacos fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the tacos in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Use parchment paper to separate layers if you stack them. This helps keep them from getting soggy. Tacos can stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat your fish tacos in the air fryer for the best results. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the fish crispy. You can also use a skillet on medium heat. Heat each side for about 2-3 minutes. This helps to warm up the tortillas without making them tough. To freeze fish tacos, keep fish and tortillas separate. Wrap the fish strips in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. For tortillas, stack them with parchment paper in between. Seal in a freezer bag as well. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat the fish in the air fryer and warm the tortillas before serving. Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets. Thaw them first for best results. To thaw, place the fish in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, run cold water over the sealed fish for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid using hot water, as it can cook the fish. Once thawed, pat the fish dry with paper towels. This will help the coating stick better. If you don't have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs. Crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips also work. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or crushed nuts. Each substitute will give a different texture. Just keep in mind that panko adds extra crunch. To stop the fish from sticking, oil is key. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. You can also brush a little oil on the fish. This helps create a non-stick surface. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Leave space between fish strips for even cooking. Yes, you can easily add heat! Mix some cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture. You can also add sliced jalapeños as toppings. For more flavor, drizzle hot sauce over the assembled tacos. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy the extra kick! You learned how to make tasty fish tacos from scratch. We covered key ingredients and how to cook them perfectly. You can explore different fish and toppings to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers well and enjoy them later. These tacos are fresh and fun to make. Try out the tips to impress friends at your next meal. Now it’s time to delight in your homemade fish tacos!$

Savor the deliciousness of Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos with this simple recipe! Using fresh fish, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and zesty toppings, these tacos bring a burst of flavor to your table. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Click through to discover the step-by-step guide and create a meal that's sure to impress everyone. Get ready for taco night bliss!

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Ingredients

1 lb white fish fillets (like tilapia or cod)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup finely shredded cabbage

1 ripe avocado, sliced into thin wedges

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Fish: Begin by patting the fish fillets dry using paper towels. This step is important to ensure a crispy coating. Cut the fillets into strips, each approximately 1-2 inches wide for even cooking.

Season and Coat: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to thoroughly mix until it's well combined and resembles damp sand.

Dredge the Fish: Take one fish strip and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat. Shake off any excess. Repeat this process with all the fish strips until they are fully coated.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it's hot enough for a crispy finish.

Air Fry the Fish: Carefully arrange the coated fish strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through the cooking time until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring a crispy texture.

Heat the Tortillas: While the fish is cooking, take the corn tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Microwave them for 30 seconds to make them soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.

Assemble the Tacos: Take each warmed tortilla and add a small handful of shredded cabbage. Top with a few pieces of the crispy fish strips and add slices of avocado on top.

Garnish and Serve: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice for a tangy sauce. Drizzle this over the assembled tacos. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the tacos on a colorful platter and garnish with extra lime wedges and sprigs of cilantro for added visual appeal. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful fish tacos!