Delicious Air Fryer Tilapia Fish Recipe

Discover the ultimate fusion of flavors with our mouthwatering Tilapia Fish Tacos made effortlessly in an air fryer. Get ready to savor crispy, golden fish fillets perfectly paired with a medley of fresh ingredients, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Experience the perfect balance of textures and tastes in every bite, as this quick and easy recipe brings a delightful twist to your taco nights.

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Air Fryer Tilapia Fish Tacos

Air fryer tilapia fish tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful tacos any day of the week. Tilapia is a mild and flaky fish that pairs perfectly with a parmesan lemon zest crust. The air fryer creates an irresistible crunch without the need for excessive frying oil.

To make these tacos, start by preparing the tangy jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw. Slice cabbage, red onion, carrots, and jalapeños into thin slices and combine them with sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Let the slaw sit in the fridge for a day to develop flavors.

For the tilapia fillets, coat them in flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Arrange the coated fillets in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper and cook at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Once cooked, break up the tilapia fillets into chunks and assemble your tacos on corn or flour tortillas. Top them with the jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw and additional toppings like avocado or hot sauce. Finish off with a drizzle of the reserved slaw dressing for added flavor.

The choice between corn or flour tortillas is personal preference. Corn tortillas are traditional and more fragile but have a distinct flavor. Flour tortillas are sturdier and can hold more fillings without cracking.

If you don’t have an air fryer recipe but want to convert it to one, you can use an air fryer calculator to adjust cooking times and temperatures. Additionally, check out some tips and tricks for using an air fryer if you’re new to this cooking method.

Aside from fish tacos, other delicious grilling recipes include marinated flank steak and smoked jalapeño mac and cheese. Both are perfect for outdoor gatherings and can be prepared with little effort.

Remember to prepare the jalapeño lime slaw in advance for optimal flavor. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure crispy fish tacos. Parchment paper can prevent sticking, and tilapia fillets cook quickly without the need for flipping.

Enjoy these air fryer tilapia fish tacos with your preferred toppings and tortilla choice.

Why these air fryer fish tacos are so good!

These air fryer fish tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy taco Tuesday. The tilapia fillets are coated in a parmesan lemon zest crust, which gives them a crispy and flavorful coating. The air fryer cooks the tilapia to perfection, making them extra crispy without the need for a lot of oil. The tangy jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw adds a refreshing and spicy kick to the tacos, while the reserved slaw dressing serves as a creamy sauce. These fish tacos are loaded with flavor and can be customized with your favorite toppings such as avocado or hot sauce.

Tilapia is an affordable fish that is often on sale, making it a great choice for these tacos. The mild flavor of tilapia pairs well with the bold flavors of the crust and slaw, creating a delicious combination. The recipe also includes tips for making your own tortillas or adapting recipes for the air fryer using an online calculator. Overall, these air fryer fish tacos are a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for taco night or any day of the week.

Helpful items for success

To make these air fryer tilapia fish tacos a success, here are some helpful items you may need:

Air fryer: The air fryer is essential for achieving the crispy texture of the tilapia without using too much oil. It’s a great investment for healthy and delicious cooking.

Parchment paper or reusable cooking mats: These will prevent the tilapia from sticking to the air fryer basket, ensuring easy removal and a perfect crust.
Food processor: You’ll need a food processor to blend the ingredients for the jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw dressing. It will give the slaw a smooth and creamy consistency.
Slicing tools: Use a potato skin peeler or cheese grater to get thin shavings of carrot for the slaw. This will add extra texture and flavor.

Dredging vessels: Prepare three separate dishes for dredging the tilapia fillets. One dish for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the parmesan cheese mixture. Make sure they are big enough to fit a fillet.
Tortillas: Choose between corn tortillas or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. Flour tortillas are sturdier and can hold more fillings, while corn tortillas have a traditional flavor.

By having these items on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to make these delicious air fryer tilapia fish tacos with ease!

Ingredients for your Taco Tuesday

These air fryer tilapia fish tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy taco Tuesday. Here’s what you’ll need:

- Tilapia fillets
- Flour
- Eggs
- Parmesan cheese
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon zest
- Cabbage
- Red onion
- Carrots
- Jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Honey

In addition to these ingredients, you’ll also need tortillas and any toppings or sauces you prefer for your fish tacos.

To make these delicious fish tacos, follow these simple steps:

- - 1. Prepare the jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw by slicing up cabbage, red onion, carrots, and jalapeños into thin slices. Combine sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Pour most of the dressing onto the veggies in a mixing bowl and reserve 1/4 cup for later.
    2. Dredge the tilapia fillets by coating them in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally a mixture of parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
    3. Air fry the coated tilapia fillets at 400°F for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
    4. Break up the cooked tilapia fillets into chunks.
    5. Build your tacos by placing a layer of the jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw on a tortilla, then adding chunks of tilapia. Add any additional toppings or sauces you desire, such as avocado or hot sauce.
    6. Drizzle the reserved slaw dressing over the tacos for added flavor.

Jalapeño Lime Cilantro Slaw

This tangy and refreshing slaw is the perfect topping for these air fryer tilapia fish tacos. The combination of jalapeño, lime, and cilantro adds a burst of flavor that complements the mild taste of the tilapia. To make the slaw, slice up cabbage, red onion, carrots, and jalapeños into thin slices. Use a potato skin peeler or cheese grater to get thin shavings of carrot. In a food processor, blend together sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour most of the dressing onto the veggies in a large mixing bowl and reserve 1/4 cup for later use as a sauce for the tacos. Allow the slaw to sit in the fridge for a full day to let the flavors develop.

Air Fryer Tilapia for the Fish Tacos

Air fryer tilapia is the star ingredient in these delicious fish tacos. Tilapia has a mild flavor and a flaky texture, making it the perfect choice for tacos. The tilapia fillets are coated in a parmesan lemon zest crust, which adds a crispy and flavorful element to the dish. The air fryer cooks the tilapia to perfection, achieving a crunchy exterior without the need for excess frying oil.

The secret to achieving an ultra-crispy tilapia is the parmesan crust. The combination of cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest creates a flavorful coating that enhances the taste of the fish. Despite its mild flavor, these fish tacos pack a punch with their delicious flavors.

One of the reasons why tilapia is my favorite fish for tacos is its affordability. Tilapia is often on sale and relatively inexpensive compared to other types of fish. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who want to enjoy tasty fish tacos without breaking the bank.

To complement the crispy tilapia, these fish tacos are topped with a tangy jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw. The slaw adds freshness and brightness to each bite, balancing out the richness of the fish. It can be customized according to personal preference – if you prefer a thicker slaw, you can substitute half of the sour cream with mayonnaise.

The jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw is made by combining cabbage, red onion, carrots, and jalapeños with sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a food processor. The resulting dressing has a beautiful green tint from the cilantro and provides a refreshing tanginess that pairs well with the spicy kick of jalapeños.

For those who enjoy corn tortillas’ authentic taste and fragility or flour tortillas’ sturdiness and ability to hold more fillings – both options work well for these fish tacos. The choice of tortilla depends on personal preference and desired taco-eating experience.

Overall, air fryer tilapia fish tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week, especially on taco Tuesday. The combination of crispy tilapia, tangy slaw, and choice of tortilla creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite.

Come on, lets make these tilapia fish tacos!

Come on, let’s make these tilapia fish tacos! These delicious air fryer tilapia fish tacos are the perfect way to enjoy taco Tuesday. The mild flavor and flakey texture of tilapia pairs perfectly with the parmesan lemon zest crust. The air fryer works its magic to make these fish tacos extra crispy without a ton of frying oil. And the tangy jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw adds a refreshing and flavorful punch to each bite.

To make the slaw, simply slice up cabbage, red onion, carrots, and jalapeños into thin slices. Blend together sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour most of the dressing onto the veggies in a large mixing bowl and reserve some for later as a sauce for the tacos.

For the tilapia fillets, coat them in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally in a mixture of parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Arrange the coated fillets in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cook at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Once cooked, break up the tilapia fillets into chunks and assemble your tacos. Start with a sturdy foundation of the jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw on a tortilla of your choice (corn or flour). Add chunks of tilapia on top and feel free to get creative with additional toppings like avocado or hot sauce. Finish it off with a drizzle of the reserved slaw dressing.

Whether you prefer corn or flour tortillas is up to you. Corn tortillas are more traditional and add a nice crunch but can be more fragile. Flour tortillas are sturdier and can hold up to generous fillings.

These air fryer tilapia fish tacos are packed with flavor and incredibly delicious. They’re also budget-friendly as tilapia is often on sale. So go ahead and stock up on tilapia fillets and enjoy these crispy and flavorful fish tacos any day of the week!

Step 1: Make the jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw

To start, slice up cabbage, red onion, carrots, and jalapeños into thin slices. You can use a potato skin peeler or cheese grater to get thin shavings of carrot. In a food processor, blend together sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour most of the dressing onto the veggies in a large mixing bowl and reserve 1/4 cup for later use as a sauce. Allow the slaw to sit in the fridge for a full day to develop flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the tilapia fillets

In three separate dishes, set up your dredging stations. In the first dish, place flour; in the second dish, beaten eggs; and in the third dish, combine parmesan cheese, paprika garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Coat each tilapia fillet in flour first, then eggs, and finally in the parmesan mixture. Be sure to coat thoroughly.

Step 3: Cook the tilapia in the air fryer

Arrange coated tilapia fillets into the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cook at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the outside. Use a fork to break up fillets into chunks.

Step 4: Assemble your fish tacos

Choose your preferred tortilla (corn or flour) and build your taco by placing a layer of jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw on top. Add chunks of cooked tilapia on top of the slaw. Customize with additional toppings like avocado or hot sauce if desired. Finish off with a drizzle of reserved slaw dressing.

Remember to experiment with different variations and additions according to your taste preferences! Enjoy these delicious air fryer tilapia fish tacos any day of the week, especially on taco Tuesday.

Step 2: Cook the tilapia

To cook the tilapia, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. While it’s heating up, prepare the tilapia fillets by coating them in a flavorful Parmesan crust. In three separate dishes, set up a dredging station. In the first dish, place flour; in the second dish, beaten eggs; and in the third dish, combine Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.

Coat each tilapia fillet in flour first, then dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally, coat it thoroughly with the Parmesan cheese mixture. Repeat this process for all the fillets.

Place one or two coated tilapia fillets into the air fryer basket at a time. To prevent sticking, use parchment paper cut specifically for an air fryer or reusable cooking mats. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket as this can result in soggy fish tacos.

Cook the tilapia at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until the outside is golden brown and crispy. Use a fork to break up the cooked fillets into bite-sized chunks.

Step 3: Assemble your fish tacos

Now that your tilapia is cooked to perfection, it’s time to assemble your fish tacos. Choose your preferred tortilla – corn or flour – and start building your taco.

Begin with a sturdy foundation of jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw on your tortilla. Place one or two chunks of cooked tilapia on top of the slaw. Feel free to get creative with additional toppings such as avocado or hot sauce.

Finish off your fish taco creation by drizzling it with some of the reserved slaw dressing for added flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Now that you’ve assembled your air fryer tilapia fish tacos, it’s time to dig in and enjoy! The crispy Parmesan crust, tangy jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw, and tender tilapia create a flavor combination that’s hard to resist.

Whether you prefer corn or flour tortillas, these fish tacos are sure to be a hit. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings and sauces for a truly personalized taco experience.

Remember to save some of the sour cream sauce from the slaw recipe to add an extra kick of flavor to your tacos. And don’t forget to share your delicious creation on social media using the hashtag #alicensetogrill!

So grab a plate of these air fryer tilapia fish tacos and savor every bite. They’re perfect for any day of the week, but especially Taco Tuesday!

Step 3: Build the tacos

To build the tacos, start by choosing your preferred tortilla. Whether you go for corn or flour, both options work well with these air fryer tilapia fish tacos. If you prefer a sturdier base for your taco, opt for flour tortillas as they can hold up to a heavier filling. Corn tortillas, on the other hand, are a classic choice and bring a traditional touch to the dish.

Next, layer on the jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw. This slaw is tangy and refreshing, with a hint of sweetness from the honey. It adds a perfect crunch and a burst of flavor to each bite.

Place one or two chunks of the crispy air-fried tilapia on top of the slaw. The tilapia fillets have been coated in a parmesan lemon zest crust that adds an irresistible crunch and enhances the mild flavor of the fish.

Now it’s time to get creative with your toppings. You can keep it simple by sticking with just the slaw and fish, or you can go all out by adding avocado slices, hot sauce, or salsa. The choice is yours!

To finish off your taco masterpiece, drizzle some of the reserved sour cream sauce on top. This creamy sauce adds another layer of tanginess and ensures that your tacos won’t be dry.

Enjoy these delicious air fryer tilapia fish tacos any day of the week, not just on Taco Tuesday! They are loaded with flavor and are sure to become a favorite in your household.

The best tortillas for fish tacos

Air fryer tilapia fish tacos are a delicious and crispy way to enjoy taco Tuesday. Tilapia is a mild-flavored fish that pairs perfectly with the parmesan lemon zest crust. The air fryer cooks the tilapia to perfection, giving it an irresistible crunch without using a lot of oil. These fish tacos are loaded with flavor, thanks to the tangy jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw on top. Tilapia is also an affordable option, making it a favorite choice for fish tacos.

To make the jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw, slice cabbage, red onion, carrots, and jalapeños into thin slices. Blend sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Pour most of the dressing onto the veggies and reserve some for later as a sauce for the tacos.

Once cooked, break up the tilapia fillets into chunks and assemble your tacos on corn or flour tortillas. Start with a layer of slaw followed by chunks of tilapia. Add toppings like avocado or hot sauce if desired and finish with a drizzle of the reserved slaw dressing.

Corn vs. Flour

These air fryer tilapia fish tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy tacos any day of the week. The mild flavor and flaky texture of tilapia pairs perfectly with the parmesan lemon zest crust, which is fried to perfection in the air fryer for a satisfying crunch. Top it off with some tangy jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw for a burst of flavor. The secret to making the tilapia extra crispy is the parmesan crust, which adds both flavor and texture. Plus, tilapia is an affordable option that often goes on sale, making it a great choice for these tacos.

To make the slaw, thinly slice cabbage, red onion, carrots, and jalapeños. Combine sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Pour most of the dressing onto the veggies in a large mixing bowl and reserve 1/4 cup for later. Let the slaw sit in the fridge for a day to develop flavors.

For the tilapia fillets, coat them in flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Arrange coated fillets in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cook at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Once cooked, break up the tilapia into chunks and assemble your tacos on corn or flour tortillas. Layer on the slaw and add any additional toppings like avocado or hot sauce. Finish it off with a drizzle of the reserved slaw dressing.

The choice between corn and flour tortillas comes down to personal preference. Corn tortillas are more traditional but can be fragile if overstuffed. Flour tortillas are sturdier and can hold more fillings.

If you’re new to air frying or need help converting recipes, there are resources available. Use an air fryer calculator to convert conventional oven recipes, and check out a tips and tricks guide for air frying.

In addition to these fish tacos, consider trying other grilled recipes like marinated flank steak or smoked jalapeño mac and cheese.

Expert Tips For The Best Fish Tacos

Expert Tips For The Best Fish Tacos:

1. The key to making ultra-crispy tilapia is the parmesan crust. Make sure to coat the fillets thoroughly in the cheese mixture for maximum flavor and crunch.

2. To make a thicker slaw, you can substitute half of the sour cream with mayonnaise. This will give it a creamier texture and add more richness to the overall dish.

3. For extra flavor, allow the jalapeño lime-cilantro slaw to sit in the fridge for a full day before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a more vibrant and tangy slaw.

4. When coating the tilapia fillets, be sure not to overcrowd them in the air fryer basket. If they are too close together, they will end up steaming instead of getting crispy.

5. Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent the cheese coating from sticking to the bottom. This will make cleanup much easier and ensure that your fish tacos turn out perfectly every time.

6. Tilapia fillets cook quickly because they are thin, so there is no need to flip them during cooking. However, if you are using a different type of fish that is thicker than 1/2 inch, you may need to flip them and cook them for an additional 4-5 minutes.

7. If using frozen fish fillets, be sure to completely thaw them before cooking. This will ensure that they cook evenly and have a crispy crust.

8. Customize your fish tacos with your favorite toppings such as avocado, hot sauce, or salsa. Get creative and make it your own!

By following these expert tips, you can create delicious air fryer tilapia fish tacos that are crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside, and perfect for any taco Tuesday celebration!

How to use your air fryer

Using an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to cook delicious and crispy meals. Here are some tips on how to use your air fryer for the best results:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Just like with a conventional oven, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. Most models have a preheat function or allow you to set the temperature and time manually.

2. Use parchment paper or cooking mats: To prevent food from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer basket, use parchment paper or reusable cooking mats. This will make cleanup much easier.

3. Don’t overcrowd the basket: It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent proper airflow and result in soggy food. Leave enough space between each piece of food for optimal crispiness.

4. Flip or shake halfway through cooking: Depending on the recipe, you may need to flip or shake the food halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.

5. Adjust cooking times and temperatures: Air fryers can vary in terms of temperature accuracy and heating power, so it may be necessary to adjust cooking times and temperatures based on your specific model.

6. Experiment with different recipes: One of the best things about an air fryer is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to try out different recipes and experiment with flavors and ingredients.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and crispy meals using your air fryer!

In conclusion, using an air fryer to make tilapia fish tacos offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried methods. The air fryer provides a crispy texture without the excess oil, resulting in a delicious and guilt-free meal.

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Chef David

Hey, I'm David Everett and I'm an Executive Chef/Owner of The Trellis. I took over the reins of The Trellis from Chef Marcel DeSaulniers, reenergizing and renovating the Williamsburg landmark, bringing updated modern American fare to the visitors on Duke of Gloucester Street. I'm here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and backyard BBQ! With almost 4 decades of manning the grill and helping over 25,000 aspiring grill masters, you're in great hands! I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. Because of that, I am here to help guide you to the best of the best and help you save time and money by avoiding the junk.