Blackened Fish Tacos in Air Fryer (15 min)
Buy our air fryer e-cookbooks today Enjoy a healthy taco tuesday or thursday night by air frying white fish. Our super simple and flavorful blackened fish tacos in air fryer recipe is restaurant quality. We’re serious about the flavor of this tasty fish and love how quick it is to put together.
Spices for Air Fryer Blackened Fish Tacos
The fantastic flavors to this air fried fish is in the spices. Now you can use what ever pre-bought spices that you like that’s cajun or “blackened”. That’s super easy to use and there’s many delicious brands out there. But if you have some basic spices at home, then you can easily put our recommended recipe below and you’ll be closer to finishing this super quick dish. If you enjoy fish, check out all our air fryer fish recipes.
Video: How to Make Air Fryer Blackened Fish Tacos
Best Type of Fish for Tacos?
It would be a waste to use very expensive fish such as king salmon, coho salmon, sea bass, halibut or black cod. Save those tasty and premium fishes for roasting so you can taste the quality of each fish flavor and fillet. Instead, using budget friendly cuts of white fish is great! The seasoning really enhances the fish and thus, quality tilapia or frozen cod fillets work great. If you like the flavor of salmon, then you can use that too because salmon does have a richer flavor than white fish. Here’s an interesting article that talks about using all types of fish.
Can you frozen fish fillets?
Sure you can! Air frying frozen fish fillets work great but you should thaw them completely first. That way the seasonings and marinade can soak into the fish for ultimate flavor. After you thaw the fish, gently squeeze out any excess water and moisture from the fish before adding the seasoning.
Air Fryer Blackened Fish Tacos
Ingredients
For the Blacked Fish:
- 2 white fish fillets (6 oz./170g each tilapia, cod, etc.)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried herbs (oregano, thyme, marjoram, basil, parsley etc.)
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) chipotle or cayenne , or to spice preference
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt , or more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
- oil spray , for coating (you can also just brush the oil on)
For the Tacos
- 4-6 corn tortillas or flour tortillas (5-8" size for tacos)
- Topping/Serving Options: shredded cabbage, salsa, cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, lime wedges, etc.
For Salsa (optional):
- 1 cup (150 g) diced tomato
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) diced onion
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) minced cilantro
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh lime juice , or to taste
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) minced jalapeño or Serrano chili (optional)
- salt , to taste
Equipment
- Oil Sprayer optional
- Air Fryer Perforated Parchment Paper optional
- Perforated Silicone Mats optional
Instructions
- Make salsa (optional) – Combine all salsa ingredients (tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, minced chilies, and salt). Mix well.
- For crispier fish (optional) – Preheat air fryer at 400°F (205°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Make the blackened fish: In a bowl, mix together all the spices (1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried herbs, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) optional chipotle or cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper).
- Liberally season all sides of fish with spice mix.
- Liberally spray or brush with oil both sides of the seasoned fillets.
- Lay perforated parchment paper or perforated air fryer silicone mat inside basket/tray or spray the basket/tray with oil.
- Lay the seasoned fish in the air fryer basket/tray, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
- Air Fry at 400°F (205°C) for 8 minutes. Check the fish and continue to air fry for another 1-3 minutes or until cooked to your liking and fish flakes easily.
- Make the tacos: Warm the tortillas in the air fryer at 400°F (205°C) for about 1 minute.
- Layer the air fried fish, salsa, and any of your favorite toppings on warmed tortillas and enjoy!
If your air fryer is preheated or if you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce timing by a few minutes (unless preheating is called for in the recipe).
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
Create the Ultimate Taco Bar
If you’re having a pescatarian party menu for your friends, then having a fish taco bar is perfect. It’s ultimately a healthier option than beef or pork. But the flavors of the blackened fish tacos are so good, no one will miss the red meat. Here’s some different toppings to add to your bar to make it outstanding:
- Don’t forget the guacamole. Everyone loves guacamole.
- Hot sauces, salsas and pico de gallo.
- Shredded cabbage slaw
- Different types of cheeses
- Slices of jalapeno, chopped white onion and cilantro.
Best Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air fryer crispy fish sandwiches
- Crispy homemade fish sticks in the air fryer
- How to air fry frozen fish fillets straight from the freezer frozen
- Air fried fish fillets using fresh fillets of fish
- Instant pot shredded chicken tacos in pressure cooker
