Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos With Mango Salsa (Air Fryer)

Welcome the vibrant flavors of summer with these irresistible blackened mahi mahi fish tacos! They feature tender, seasoned mahi mahi, sweet mango salsa, crunchy cabbage, and a zesty lime crema. Perfect for enjoying on warm days, taco night, and celebrating Cinco de Mayo!

Mahi Mahi fish tacos on a white plate with limes.

Why You'll Love These Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos

Savor the taste of summer with these blackened mahi mahi fish tacos! Flaky, seasoned mahi mahi meets the sweetness of fresh mango salsa, the satisfying crunch of shredded cabbage, and a tangy lime crema, creating a vibrant and delicious experience. Perfect for warm days and Cinco de Mayo celebrations! Here's why you will love my fish taco recipe:

Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of blackened, seasoned fish, sweet mango salsa, crisp cabbage, and zesty lime crema creates a vibrant and exciting, flavorful recipe that screams "summer."
Healthy and Lean Protein: Mahi mahi is a lean fish, providing a good source of protein for this fish taco recipe.
Perfect for Gatherings: These tacos are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for casual get-togethers, especially during the warmer months and Cinco de Mayo.

Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos Ingredients

Ingredients for fish tacos. Mah Mahi, mango salsa, red cabbage, spices, corn tortillas, lime crema, and olive oil.

Mahi Mahi: Look for wild-caught, skinless fish fillets or planks that each weigh between 4 and 6 ounces. If fresh mahi mahi is unavailable, frozen planks can be used as a substitute. Other suitable white fish options include frozen or fresh halibut, cod, tilapia, sea bass, snapper, or haddock.
Oil: A small amount of oil is added to each mahi mahi plank to achieve a crispy texture and help seasonings adhere. You can use either olive oil or avocado oil for this purpose.
Blackened Seasoning: The mahi mahi is perfectly seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Mango Salsa: The sweetness of the mango beautifully contrasts with the savory, often slightly spicy, blackened seasoning of the mahi mahi. This creates a balanced taste experience that enhances both components.
Lime Crema: This homemade creamy sauce offers a balanced zest and tang that beautifully brings all the flavors together.
Shredded Cabbage: Provides a satisfying crunch that complements the other textures in these tacos. Its mild flavor also offers a nice contrast to the richness of the fish and the sweetness of the salsa.
Corn Tortillas: While warm tortillas are a classic choice for these fish tacos, the flavorful blackened mahi mahi is also delicious served in other ways. You can enjoy it over a bed of rice or simply on its own, generously topped with the bright mango salsa and zesty lime crema.

Find the printable recipe card with full instructions and measurements below.

How To Make Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the mango salsa and lime crema. In a large bowl, place the diced mango, red pepper, red onion, minced jalapeno, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and add a pinch of salt. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. In a separate medium-sized bowl, add the sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Keep the mango salsa and lime crema aside until you're ready to assemble the tacos.

Step 2: Prepare the Mahi Mahi. Thoroughly pat the mahi mahi fillets dry with paper towels. Then, lightly coat both sides with olive oil. Set the fish aside temporarily. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat all sides of the oiled mahi mahi with the spice mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.

Mahi Mahi fillets being cooked in a black air fryer.

Step 3: Air fry the mahi mahi. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes. Place the seasoned mahi mahi in a single layer in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.

Mahi Mahi tacos being assembled with cabbage, crema, and mango salsa.

Step 4: Assemble the tacos. Warm your corn tortillas for a few seconds on a skillet. Flake the cooked mahi mahi with a fork. Fill the warm corn tortillas with the flaked mahi mahi, a spoonful of lime crema, and some shredded red cabbage. Top each taco with a generous spoonful of the prepared mango salsa. Serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

Expert Tips

Don't Overcook: Mahi mahi is a lean fish that can dry out easily. Cook it just until it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F is ideal.
Layer Ingredients: Start with the fish, then add your desired toppings, thinking about how the flavors will combine.

Storage Instructions

Storage: To safely store leftover mahi mahi fish tacos and enjoy them later, it's best to keep them disassembled and store the components separately. This prevents the tortillas from getting soggy and helps maintain the quality of each ingredient. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat the fish in a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat with a little oil until just warmed through. You can also reheat the fish in an air fryer at a low temperature (around 300°F) for a few minutes, checking frequently. Be careful not to overcook.
Freezing: For longer storage, cooked mahi mahi can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Side view of blackened mahi mahi tacos with mango salsa.

Overhead shot of blackened mahi mahi fish tacos with mango salsa.

Common Questions

Can you make this recipe on the stovetop or grill?

Yes! If you don't have an air fryer, you can easily cook the mahi mahi using your stovetop or grill.

Stovetop Method:
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Add about one tablespoon of oil to the hot skillet.
Place the mahi mahi fillets in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
Cook until a dark, blackened crust forms on the outside and the fish is cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Grill Method:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the mahi mahi fillets on the grill grates.
Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes

Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn (Air Fryer Elotes Recipe): Enjoy juicy, charred corn on the cob made easily in the air fryer. Each cob is coated in a creamy homemade mayonnaise spread and then generously topped with salty cotija cheese, chili powder, fresh lime juice, and vibrant cilantro.
Crispy Baked Tequila Lime Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Option): Crispy baked Tequila Lime Chicken Wings feature a bright, tequila-infused lime glaze.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: Vibrant and fresh, the perfect low-carb side dish.

I hope you love this blackened mahi mahi fish tacos recipe as much as I do! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.