Everyone loves these flavorful Air Fryer Fish Tacos without breading that makes for a satisfying and healthy meal. You can use tilapia or any type of white fish fillets you like. This delicious soft taco recipe only takes 30 minutes to make!

air fryer fish tacos served with avocado and salsa.

The air fryer is the perfect way to make crispy and tender tilapia with no breading for a healthy taco that tastes delish! Most crispy fish tacos are put in the deep fryer which is not healthy.

Top your tacos with shredded cabbage slaw, salsa, avocado crema, guacomole, lime juice, hot sauce, sour cream, or whatever you like.

Why You Need This Recipe

  • Air fryer fish tacos are done in under 30 minutes! It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight, especially Taco Tuesday.
  • Because these fresh fish tacos are made without breading, this easy recipe is also naturally gluten-free and healthier than ones made with panko bread crumbs.
  • Tacos are easy and totally customizable. You can use what you have for toppings or add your favorite taco toppings instead. I tried to make this a simple recipe, but you can adapt it however you like.

Key Ingredients

Ingredients for air fryer fish tacos.
  • Tilapia is an affordable mild and flaky white fish that goes perfectly on tacos. Feel free to substitute cod, halibut, sea bass, Mahi Mahi, or whatever type of white fish you like. You may also like my article about the nutrition benefits of trout.
  • White fish are the best fish to use for fish tacos as they are mild and flaky. See my list of the Best Substitutes for Halibut.
  • Avocado adds a creamy layer with little prep work.
  • Salsa is the perfect way to add a sauce without having to make one. Just buy your favorite brand or style.
  • Red Cabbage or purple cabbage adds a nice crunch to the tacos.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Steps

How to make air fryer tilapia.

Step One

Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Use paper towels to dry the fish on both sides. Discard the paper towel.

Step Two

In a small bowl, stir together the seasonings including chili powder and garlic powder. You can also use taco seasoning or onion powder. Sprinkle both sides of the fish with it.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Three

Place the fish evenly inside the air fryer basket without overlapping. This helps the fish to cook evenly.

Step Four

Cook the fish at 400 degrees for 6 minutes then flip the fish and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more.

Use tongs to remove the fish to a serving plate. Divide fish filets between the corn tortillas and add sliced avocado, salsa, cabbage and cilantro.

I hope your family agrees that these easy fish tacos are perfect for busy weeknights or any night!

air fryer tilapia served on a plate.

Recipe Tips

  • Some people like to chop or break up the cooked fish before adding them to the tacos. It is personal preference.
  • Feel free to use whatever type of warm tortillas you like for serving. If you aren’t on a gluten-free diet, you can use regular flour tortillas.
  • Store any leftover cooked fish in a covered container up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • You can use any flaky white fish for this recipe.

Recipe FAQs

How do I keep my tortillas from tearing?

Heating up the tortillas prevents them from tearing. You can microwave them for a few seconds if you’re in a pinch but I find heating them up in a dry skillet on medium heat until they’re warm works the best.

Can I change up the toppings for fish tacos?

Yep! You can pick up peach, mango, or corn salsa instead of regular salsa. You can also add cotija cheese, lettuce, guacamole, pickled jalapenos, red onion, or sliced radishes.

A fish taco with salsa and avocado.

More Healthy Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like

Or, if you’re looking for more air fryer recipes, then check out my entire index of Gluten-Free Air Fryer Recipes.

Don’t Miss These Air Fryer Resources!

Air Fryer Versus Deep Fryer (Full Comparison)

45+ Healthy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

Air Fryer Pros and Cons

8 Air Fryers Under $100 (Reviewed)

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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Fish tacos with salsa

Air Fryer Fish Tacos Without Breading

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5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

Everyone loves these flavorful Air Fryer Fish Tacos without breading that makes for a satisfying and healthy meal. You can use tilapia or any type of white fish fillets you like. This delicious soft taco recipe only takes 30 minutes to make!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 pound tilapia fish filets, or your choice of white fish
  • 12 corn tortillas, warmed
  • 2 ripe avocadoes, sliced
  • 1 cup prepared salsa
  • 1/2 red cabbage, sliced thinly
  • 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed and leaves chopped

Instructions

  1. Spray the inside or your air fryer basket lightly with the nonstick cooking spray. Set the basket aside while you prepare the fish.
  2. Place a double layer of dry paper towels on a cutting board or a large plate. Place the fish on top and then use another paper towel to pat dry the fish.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, and sea salt. Stir to combine.
  4. Sprinkle both sides of the fish with the seasoning mix.
  5. Then, place the fish inside your air fryer basket, making sure the fish filets do not overlap to ensure even cooking.
  6. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 6 minutes. Then, flip the fish and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
  7. Use tongs to remove the fish to a serving plate. Then, assemble the tacos.
  8. Divide the fish between the corn tortillas, and then top with sliced avocado, salsa, cabbage, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

  1. Some people like to chop or break up the cooked fish before adding them to the tacos. It is personal preference.
  2. Store any leftover cooked fish in a covered container up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 368
  • Sugar: 6.9 g
  • Sodium: 811.3 mg
  • Fat: 13.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54.6 g
  • Fiber: 12.2 g
  • Protein: 14.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 14.5 mg

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is a certified holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.