Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw – Crunchy, Zesty, and Delicious

Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Golden, crunchy fish fillets are paired with a tangy, creamy slaw, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Quick to make and packed with zest, these tacos are ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or a fun summer meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Tender – Lightly battered fish cooked to golden perfection.
Zesty & Fresh – Cilantro lime slaw adds brightness and crunch.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for taco nights, parties, or casual meals.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock), cut into taco-sized pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying or air-frying

For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Optional: lime wedges and hot sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slaw
   In a medium bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper, toss well, and set aside.
2. Coat the Fish
   In one bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Dredge fish pieces in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Cook the Fish
   Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry fish pieces for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, or cook in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Warm the Tortillas
   Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos
   Place a few pieces of crispy fish on each tortilla. Top with cilantro lime slaw and drizzle with lime juice or hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~360
Protein: 25g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Fish – Ensures the best flavor and texture.
• Slaw Ahead of Time – Make the slaw 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches for perfectly crispy fish.

Why This Recipe Works

The crispy, golden fish pairs perfectly with the tangy, creamy cilantro lime slaw. The combination of textures — crunchy fish, crisp vegetables, and soft tortillas — along with zesty lime flavor makes each taco irresistible.

Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknights, casual gatherings, or taco nights, these tacos deliver a satisfying crunch and a zesty, refreshing twist that everyone will love.