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Air Fryer Fish Tacos: A Crispy Delight

Fish tacos have emerged as a beloved dish across many dining tables, offering a delightful combination of flavour, texture, and nutrition. Traditionally, these tacos feature battered and fried fish served in soft tortillas, adorned with fresh toppings. However, with the advent of the air fryer, we can now enjoy this classic dish with a much healthier twist. Air fryer fish tacos are not only crispy and delicious but also significantly lower in fat than their deep-fried counterparts.

The Appeal of Air Frying

The air fryer has taken the culinary world by storm, boasting the ability to replicate the crunchiness of fried food without all the oil. By circulating hot air around the food, the air fryer delivers an even cook and a satisfying texture. This cooking method is particularly well-suited for fish, as it keeps the seafood moist while creating a crispy exterior. Moreover, air frying reduces cooking time and clean-up, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.

Choosing the Right Fish

When it comes to selecting fish for tacos, you want a variety that holds up well during cooking and has a pleasant flavour. Popular choices include cod, haddock, or tilapia due to their mild taste and flaky texture. For those seeking a bolder option, consider grilled salmon or a spice-crusted mahi-mahi. Whichever fish you choose, ensure it is fresh and sustainably sourced, as this will contribute significantly to the overall flavour of your tacos.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Fish Tacos

For the Fish:

• 500g of firm white fish (such as cod or haddock)
• 100g of breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg (beaten)

For the Tacos:

• Small flour or corn tortillas
• Cabbage slaw (finely chopped red or white cabbage)
• Avocado (sliced)
• Fresh coriander (cilantro)
• Lime wedges
• Your choice of sauce (such as a zesty lime crema or a spicy salsa)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: Start by patting the fish dry with kitchen paper. Cut it into strips of equal size, ensuring they are not too thick, allowing for an even cook.

2. Coat the Fish: In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each fish strip into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mix, ensuring a thorough coating.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy finish on the fish.

4. Cook the Fish: Place the coated fish strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

5. Assemble the Tacos: While the fish is cooking, prepare the tortillas by warming them in a dry pan or microwave. Once the fish is cooked, layer the fish, cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and fresh coriander onto each tortilla. Drizzle with your choice of sauce and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoying Your Creation

Air fryer fish tacos are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, perfectly crispy and bursting with flavours. The brilliance of the fish, combined with the refreshing crunch of the slaw and the creaminess of the avocado, creates a well-balanced meal that satisfies all the senses.

Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual dinner or simply treating yourself to a delightful meal, these air fryer fish tacos are sure to impress. With their ease of preparation and healthy twist, they are destined to become a recurring feature in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and savour the taste of these delicious tacos that are both guilt-free and utterly delectable!