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crispy fish tacos recipe

Crispy Fish Tacos

Olivier BrooksOlivia Brooks
Crispy fish tacos with a zesty sauce are a fantastic choice for taco night, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 tacos
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk

Ingredients
  

Fish

  • 1 lb white fish fillets cod, halibut, or tilapia
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Taco Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Hot sauce to taste optional

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cut the fish fillets into smaller pieces suitable for tacos. Pat dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Coat lightly with flour.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cooking the Fish

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the fish pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
  • Alternatively, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the fish pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy and cooked through.

Assembling the Tacos

  • Warm taco shells in the oven or on a skillet until pliable and lightly toasted.
  • Place a piece of crispy fish in each taco shell. Add cabbage, avocado slices, and cilantro. Drizzle with the prepared taco sauce and serve with lime wedges.

Serving and Storage

  • Serve the assembled tacos immediately while the fish is still crispy and the toppings are fresh.
  • Store any leftover fish and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fish in the air fryer or oven before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Ensure fish is dry before coating. Experiment with spices. Use an air fryer for a healthier option. Prepare sauce and toppings ahead for easy assembly.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Substitute flour with cornstarch for gluten-free.
How to Serve: Pair with Mexican rice or black beans.
Storage & Freshness: Store fish and toppings separately to maintain crispiness.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare sauce and slice toppings in advance.
Keyword air fryer fish tacos, crispy fish tacos, zesty fish tacos