Fried Fish Tacos

FRIED FISH TACOS INGREDIENTS

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for battered fish tacos, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

You may have all of the ingredients for this best fish tacos recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts.

• White Fish Filets: We recommend using tilapia, cod or mahi mahi filets.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Use regular panko bread crumbs or substitute Italian bread crumbs. When using Italian bread crumbs, omit the Italian seasoning. 
• Parmesan Cheese: We recommend freshly shredded parmesan cheese for best flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: You can substitute plain oregano, or make your own Italian seasoning by mixing oregano, dried basil, and thyme.
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika
• Black Pepper
• Salt
• Oil: We like to use oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil or avocado oil.
• Air Fried Tortillas: Have you tried our quick and easy Air Fryer Taco shells recipe? But you can also use regular corn or flour tortillas or your favorite store bought taco shells.
• Fresh Cilantro
• Mango Habanero Salsa: You can also substitute pico de gallo, mango avocado salsa or your favorite store bought salsa for convenience.
• Queso Fresco: Or use any other crumbly Mexican cheese.
• Shredded Cabbage
• Cilantro Lime Sour Cream: You can substitute your favorite lime crema. For a healthier option, simply mix some greek yogurt with lime juice.
• Black Beans

INSTRUCTIONS

This section shows how to cook fried fish tacos in the air fryer, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full instructions, nutritional information, to print the recipe or to have the recipe scaled to double or triple, see the recipe card below.

MAKE BREADING: First, combine bread crumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika and black pepper in a shallow bowl.

🔴 TIP: Use Italian bread crumbs, instead of panko breadcrumbs. When using Italian bread crumbs, omit the Italian seasoning.

PREPARE FISH: After brushing the fish with 2 tablespoons of oil, gently roll it in the panko mixture to cover. Using your hands or a rolling pin, put gentle pressure on the fish to push the seasoning into the fish. It will stay on the fish better this way and less will fall off while cooking.

PLACE IN AIR FRYER: Spray your air fryer cooking basket/tray with cooking spray to prevent fish from sticking. Place fish into the air fryer cooking basket/tray. Make sure there is space in between each piece of fish. Do not overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook the fish in batches.

🔴 TIP: Use air fryer parchment paper, because it keeps the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket and therefore makes sure your breading stays in place.

AIR FRY: Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Cook time depends on the thickness and width of your fish pieces. Check on the fish intermittently. Internal temperature should be 145°F.

SERVE: Warm the tortillas in the microwave or a skillet, or air fry them to make crispy tacos. Place a piece of fish into your tortilla. Top with chopped cabbage, crumbled cheese, salsa, cilantro and any other toppings you choose!

🔴 TIP: Use homemade taco shells. Have you tried our quick and easy air fryer taco shells?

HOW TO MAKE FISH TACOS AHEAD

If you are in a time crunch, here are a couple of ways to pre-prep fried fish tacos.

You can prepare most taco toppings in advance, then store them individually in airtight containers in the fridge. Black beans and refried beans can easily be made a day ahead. Then simply reheat when you are ready to serve the tacos. Additionally you can shred the cabbage and crumble the cheese in advance.

Most Mexican condiments like salsa and guacamole are best made fresh. However, they can be prepared a couple of hours ahead of time. The added lemon and lime juice as well as storing them in the fridge will keep them fresh until ready to serve.

Air fried fish is ready in only 16 minutes, so there is no real need to make the tilapia ahead of time. Fried fish is definitely best when eaten fresh.

STORAGE TIPS

Refrigerate: We recommend storing all taco toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Let any air fryer fried fish leftovers cool completely. Then store them in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Already assembled fish tacos need to be eaten right away.

Reheating: Reheating air fried fish in the air fryer is super easy and beats reheating it in the microwave by miles. To bring your fried fish back to almost perfect crispiness, simply put your pre-cooked fish back into the air fryer and cook at 400ºF for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Your fish fingers should once again be crunchy on the outside and soft and flaky on the inside.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH FRIED FISH TACOS

Serve these yummy fish tacos inside our homemade air fryer taco shells with a side of mango avocado salsa, pico de gallo, cilantro lime sour cream, Instant Pot black beans or even Instant Pot refried beans. And don’t miss the guacamole!

Not in the mood to bread fish? Air fryer tilapia is another absolutely scrumptious, quick and easy option to make fish tacos with.

MORE MEXICAN RECIPES

If you love love fish tacos you’ll enjoy our Crock pot chipotle chicken tacos, air fryer taco stuffed pasta shells, sheet pan chicken fajitas, chipotle chicken burrito bowls, Instant Pot carnitas or Instant Pot chicken tortilla soup.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For perfect results every time, here are answers to the most common questions about cooking fish tacos.

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