Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, air fryer fish tacos bring restaurant-quality flavor to your weeknight dinner table in just 20 minutes. These family-friendly tacos combine the satisfying crunch of lightly breaded mahi mahi with fresh toppings for a meal that even picky eaters will love.
As a mom, I know the struggle of getting dinner on the table that’s both healthy and something the whole family will actually eat. That’s why I love that these fish tacos come together in just 20 minutes, and the crispy coating on the fish makes them totally kid-friendly.
The air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior without the mess and calories of deep frying. The fish cooks evenly and quickly, freeing you up to prep the toppings while dinner cooks.
If you’ve been hesitant about cooking fish at home, this recipe will change your mind. There’s no lingering fishy smell in your kitchen, and the simple seasoning blend works perfectly with mild white fish varieties that won’t break your grocery budget.
In the following sections, I’ll walk you through each simple step and share my favorite serving ideas. Once you try this recipe, it’ll be on regular rotation in your house, just like it is in mine!
Looking for more quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes? Try Thai basil beef, pizza bubble-up, or baked Italian subs!
🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Mahi Mahi: This firm white fish is perfect for tacos because it holds up well during cooking. You can substitute cod or halibut if mahi mahi isn’t available.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs.
- Chili Powder
- Fresh Mango: Choose a mango that yields slightly to pressure for the perfect ripeness.
- Cilantro
- Tortillas: Either corn or flour tortillas work fine.
- Garlic
- Garlic powder
- Lime juice
- Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
🥣How to Make Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 minutes.
- While the air fryer heats, combine the chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat your fish fillets dry. Then brush them with oil and dredge them in panko bread crumbs, coating all sides evenly.
- Place the coated fish in your preheated air fryer. Sprinkle the seasoning mix on top.
- Cook at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. It’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F and flakes easily with a fork.
- While the fish is cooking, prepare your mango salsa. Dice the mango into small chunks, then mix with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and minced garlic.
- Once your fish is done, let it rest for a minute, then gently flake it with a fork into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm your tortillas, add the flaked fish, top with generous spoonfuls of mango salsa, and finish with your favorite toppings.
🍴Serving Ideas
These air fryer fish tacos are perfect for a casual family dinner or when you’re hosting friends for taco night! I love setting up a DIY taco bar so everyone can customize their tacos exactly how they like them. Here are my favorite toppings:
- The fresh mango salsa (obviously!)
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce for crunch
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Extra lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños for heat lovers
My kids always reach for the sour cream first while I load up on the jalapeños! I like to warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave before serving.
💭How to Store
While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh, sometimes life happens, and you need to save leftovers. Store the cooked fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The breading will not be as crispy after refrigeration. Keep extra mango salsa in a separate container in the refrigerator. It is best if used within 2 days.
When reheating the fish, I recommend using your air fryer again—about 3-4 minutes at 350°F will help restore some of that original crispiness. If possible, avoid using the microwave since it makes the breading soggy.
⭐Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- While this recipe calls for mahi mahi, you can use any firm white fish, like cod or halibut.
- Make sure you pat the fish dry with paper towels so the coating sticks.
- Leave some space between the fish pieces in your air fryer basket. When I try to cook too much at once, the pieces don’t get that nice golden-brown crust.
- Start checking the internal temperature for around 10 minutes. Different air fryers can cook at slightly different rates.
- For the best taco experience, warm your tortillas briefly in the microwave or in a dry skillet. I like wrapping them in slightly damp paper towels and microwaving them for 30 seconds.
📝Reader Questions
Yes! The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Regular breadcrumbs will work, but the coating won’t be as crispy.
Yes, as long as you thaw it completely and pat it very dry before breading. I often use frozen fish – it’s often fresher than what’s at the seafood counter since it’s frozen right after catching.
You can easily add more heat by increasing the chili powder or adding cayenne pepper to the breading mixture. We also love adding sliced jalapeños or a spicy crema on top!
Brush the fish with oil before breading, and spray your air fryer basket with quick cooking oil. Using parchment paper to line the basket also works.
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Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds mahi mahi
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 8 tortillas
- Your favorite taco toppings
For the salsa:
- 1 mango
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ½ garlic clove minced
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 3 minutes.
- Mix the chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper
- Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Brush the fillet with oil and dip it in the panko bread crumbs.1 ½ pounds mahi mahi, 2 tablespoons oil, ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- Put the fish in the air fryer basket and sprinkle the spice mixture on top.
- Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8-12 minutes until the fish reaches 140 degrees F internally.
- While the fish cooks, dice the mango and combine it with the cilantro, lime juice, and minced garlic.1 mango, 2 tablespoons cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, ½ garlic clove
- Once the fish is cooked, flake it with a fork and add it to the tortillas. Top with mango salsa and any other toppings you like, such as sour cream, lime wedges, or jalapenos.8 tortillas, Your favorite taco toppings
Notes
- While this recipe calls for mahi mahi, you can use any firm white fish, like cod or halibut.
- Make sure you pat the fish dry with paper towels so the coating sticks.
- Leave some space between the fish pieces in your air fryer basket. When I try to cook too much at once, the pieces don’t get that nice golden-brown crust.
- Start checking the internal temperature for around 10 minutes. Different air fryers can cook at slightly different rates.
- For the best taco experience, warm your tortillas briefly in the microwave or in a dry skillet. I like wrapping them in slightly damp paper towels and microwaving them for 30 seconds.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
