What fish is best for fish tacos?

A firm, mild white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock or mahi-mahi.

Can I use frozen fish?

Yes. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before coating.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Crispy panko-crusted cod air fried and tucked into warm tortillas with lime cabbage slaw and a chipotle lime crema. Makes 8 tacos.

High-protein Budget-friendlyNo added sugar

Contains: milk, egg, fish, wheat. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

Prep 20 min
Cook 10 min
Total 30 min
Yield 4 servings (8 tacos)
Level Easy

Updated November 4, 2026

Air fryer fish tacos with crispy cod, cabbage slaw and chipotle crema

Beer-battered fish tacos without the fryer: cod strips coated in seasoned panko come out of the air fryer crisp in about 10 minutes.

The slaw and crema take minutes and can be made while the fish cooks.

Ingredients

Fish

1 1/2 pounds cod fillets, cut into 1-inch strips
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Cooking spray

Slaw and crema

3 cups shredded cabbage
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice, for the crema
Pinch of salt

For serving

8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
Lime wedges and sliced avocado, for serving

New to an ingredient? See Chipotles in adobo, Panko in our kitchen glossary.

What you’ll need

air fryer
3 shallow dishes
cooking spray

Instructions

Make the slaw and crema. Toss the cabbage with 2 tablespoons lime juice, the cilantro and a pinch of salt. Stir the sour cream, chipotle and 1 tablespoon lime juice together.
Coat the fish. Heat the air fryer to 400°F. Dredge the cod in flour, dip in beaten egg, then press into panko mixed with the chili powder and salt.
Air fry. Lay the fish in a single layer, mist with cooking spray and cook 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until golden and the fish flakes and reaches 145°F.
Assemble. Fill the warm tortillas with fish, slaw and a drizzle of crema. Serve with lime and avocado.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

580Calories

70 gCarbohydrates

6 gFiber

64 gNet carbs

45 gProtein

14 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

High-protein Budget-friendlyNo added sugar

Tips

Haddock, pollock or mahi-mahi work in place of cod.
Use corn tortillas and gluten-free panko for a gluten-free version.

Having trouble? See breading that falls off in our kitchen troubleshooting guide.

Printable: safe cooking temperatures chart (PDF).

Storage and leftovers

Store the fish, slaw and crema separately in the refrigerator, up to 2 days. Reheat the fish in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes and assemble fresh.

Questions about this recipe

What fish is best for fish tacos?: A firm, mild white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock or mahi-mahi.
Can I use frozen fish?: Yes. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before coating.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

Pairs with: a cold Mexican lager, or a Malbec or Zinfandel. Wine pairing guide

More air fryer recipes

All air fryer recipes | Seafood Recipes | All recipes | Cooking guide and safe temperatures