This Bonefish Grill Blackened Baja Fish Taco Recipe are bursting with bold, smoky flavors. Crispy, seasoned fish paired with fresh toppings and a zesty sauce makes for the perfect easy weeknight meal or casual dinner.

Bring the bold, smoky flavors of Bonefish Grill right into your kitchen with these Blackened Baja Fish Tacos!
Perfectly seasoned, crispy fish is paired with fresh, crunchy slaw and a zesty sauce for a taco that’s bursting with flavor.
Easy to make and ready in minutes, these tacos are ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or any time you’re craving a taste of your favorite restaurant at home. 🌮✨
Why You Will Love this Recipe!
- Bold, smoky flavor – perfectly blackened fish delivers that restaurant-quality taste.
- Fresh and crunchy toppings – crisp slaw and fresh veggies balance the richness.
- Quick and easy – ready in minutes for a stress-free weeknight meal.
- Customizable – adjust the spice, toppings, or sauce to suit your family’s tastes.
- Family-friendly – everyone from kids to adults will love these flavorful tacos.
Bonefish Grill Blackened Baja Fish Taco Ingredients

- Tilapia, cut into strips – Firm, flaky fish perfect for crispy air frying.
- All-purpose flour – Light coating for crispy, golden crust.
- Egg, beaten – Binds coating ingredients to the fish strips.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Adds extra crunch and golden texture.
- Ground cumin – Warm, earthy spice for bold flavor.
- Chili powder – Mild heat and smoky, vibrant taste.
- Kosher salt – Enhances flavors and balances seasonings perfectly.
- Black pepper – Adds subtle spice to elevate the dish.
How To Make Bonefish Grill Blackened Baja Fish Tacos

Step One: In a medium bowl, prepare the cabbage slaw by tossing the cabbage with lime juice, vinegar, and honey, season with salt and pepper, and refrigerate.

Step Two: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200˚C), for 3-5 minutes. Divide flour, egg, and panko bread crumbs into three shallow bowls or shallow dish. Mix cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into panko bread crumbs.
Step Three: Using a paper towel, pat pieces of fish dry. One at a time, coat piece of fish in flour (shaking off excess), egg, and panko (bread crumb mixture), pressing to coat.

Step Four: Working in batches, place fish in the air fryer basket, single layer and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is golden and cooked through, and the fish flakes.
Step Five: Let the fish cool down for a couple of minutes; cut into bite-size pieces, and then assemble fish tacos by placing fish into the center of a warmed tortilla, then topping with cabbage slaw, baja sauce, cilantro, and other additions such as salsa, red onion, fresh lime juice, and avocado.

Bonefish Grill Blackened Baja Fish Taco Recipe Tips
- Seasoning For Tilapia: My favorites are simple spice mixes, such as Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, seasoning stick, onion powder, a homemade spice blend, or spice mix.
- Fish: You can use any mild fish flavor, such as haddock, cod, swai, sea bass, or even Mahi Mahi.
- Crowding: Be careful not to over-crowd your air-fryer basket; you should leave plenty of space around the fish so that the hot air can circulate around the fish, causing you to get a crispy coating. Make sure to spray the fish pieces with olive oil or high-heat oil.
- Timing: Due to the thickness of the fish, the cooking time will vary. For best results, use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature of the fish; this will help prevent soggy fish tacos.
- Parchment Paper: You can line your fry base with parchment paper, which will help help you clean up easily.

Bonefish Grill Blackened Baja Fish Taco Recipe Faqs
How long does it take to cook tilapia for fish tacos in the air fryer? Tilapia typically takes about 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer, depending on the thickness of the filets. Ensure the fish is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
What temperature should I set the air fryer for tilapia? Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for perfectly crispy and cooked tilapia.
Can I use frozen tilapia filets for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen tilapia filets, but they should be thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps the seasoning and coating adhere better.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheating the air fryer is recommended for even cooking and a crispy texture. Preheat it for about 3-5 minutes before adding the tilapia.
How can I prevent the tilapia from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper. Also, ensure the tilapia is well-coated with a breading or seasoning to help it crisp up.
What should I do if my tilapia isn’t crispy enough? If the tilapia isn’t crispy enough, try increasing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes or adjusting the air fryer temperature slightly. You can also ensure the filets are coated evenly with breadcrumbs or a similar coating.
Can I use a different type of fish for these tacos? Yes, you can substitute other mild white fish like cod or haddock. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish.
What toppings are best for fish tacos? Popular toppings for fish tacos include shredded cabbage, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a tangy salsa or creamy sauce. You can customize the toppings to your taste.
Storing & Make Ahead Instructions
- Storing: Store any leftover tilapia and taco components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the tilapia in the air fryer to maintain its crispiness.
- Make Ahead Instructions: Yes, you can season and coat the tilapia ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This helps to save time during meal preparation.

More Copycat Bonefish Recipes
- Copycat Bonefish Grill Bread Dipping Oil
- Air Fryer Copycat Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp
- Bonefish Grill’s Chimichurri Sauce
- Copycat Bonefish Grill’s Mango Salsa
- Bonefish Grill Copycat Lily’s Chicken
- Air Fryer Red Potatoes Recipe
- Air Fryer Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
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Bonefish Grill Blackened Baja Fish Taco Recipe
Description
Ingredients
Cabbage Slaw:
- 1/4 head cabbage
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fish Tacos:
- 1 pound tilapia, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko, breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Serving:
- 12 tortillas, warmed
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, diced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, prepare the cabbage slaw by tossing the cabbage with lime juice, vinegar, and honey, season with salt and pepper, and refrigerate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F (200˚C
- Divide flour, egg, and panko bread crumbs into three shallow bowls or shallow dishes. Mix cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into panko bread crumbs.
- Using a paper towel, pat pieces of fish dry. One at a time, coat a piece of fish in flour (shaking off excess), egg, and panko (breadcrumb mixture), pressing to coat.
- Working in batches, place fish in the air fryer basket, single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is golden and cooked through, and the fish flakes.
- Let the fish cool down for a couple of minutes; cut into bite-size pieces, and then assemble fish tacos by placing fish into the center of a warmed tortilla, then topping with cabbage slaw, baja sauce, cilantro, and other additions such as salsa, red onion, fresh lime juice, and avocado.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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