Air Fryer Sardine Tacos

Tinned sardines are a pantry powerhouse, and these Blackened Air Fryer Sardine Tacos are my favorite 20-minute weeknight dinner for sardines. Topped with easy mango salsa, it's the Tex-Mex meal you'll put on repeat!

Sardines are the perfect pairing for blackening seasoning and the air fryer. Canned sardines are already fully cooked, so you only need a few minutes in the air fryer to warm them through and crisp up the seasoned fish.

Drizzle them with your favorite hot sauce, or go the extra mile and whip up a 6-ingredient mango salsa. The sweet and spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy blackened fish tacos.

If you have more tins of sardines in your pantry, check out my Cajun Sardines and Grits Recipe or Sardines and Eggs in Purgatory next.

And if you're in the market for a new air fryer, this beauty has rocked my world.

Ingredients for Recipe:

• Sardines: I'm a big fan of Wild Planet Sardines. They're always sustainably caught and they're bigger than most tinned fish, making them ideal for crisping and wrapping in a charred corn tortilla. I always use sardines packed in olive oil, which helps the seasoning stick to the fish with no additional oil required!

• Blackened seasoning: use your favorite store bought cajun seasoning mix, or the taco mix in your pantry. Combine it with corn starch (or rice flour) to encourage crispies!

• Tortillas: corn tortillas are my preference, but flour works great, too.

• Mango salsa: sweet mango, red bell pepper, red onion and habanero (or your favorite spicy pepper) get tossed with fresh cilantro, lime and honey. You can buy it pre-made, if you're out of time!

Full ingredient list and measurements included in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make Air Fryer Sardines

Step 1: Prep Sardines

Drain sardines. Sprinkle with combination of seasoning and cornstarch.

Air fry at 400 degrees for 8 minutes, until crispy and warm.

Step 2: Make Mango Salsa

Combine diced fruit and veggies. Toss in lime juice and honey. Refrigerate until serving.

Step 3: Plate and Serve

Spread smashed avocado over four warm tortillas. Top with two blackened sardines on each, then mango salsa.

Serve with more cilantro and lime wedges.

How do I prevent the sardines from sticking to the air fryer basket?

If you're using sardines that were packed in olive oil, you shouldn't have any problems with sticking. If packed in water, dry well, then brush sardines with olive oil before seasoning. Then before adding the sardines to your air fryer basket, lightly spray or brush the basket with a high-heat oil. Alternatively, use one of the parchment paper liners designed for air fryers. Ensure the sardines are evenly coated with the seasoning and cornstarch mixture, as this forms a crust that reduces sticking.

Can I adjust the seasoning to make it more spicy?

Absolutely! For a spicier taco experience, add a ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper to your spice mixture. Remember the mango salsa will also add a bit of balanced heat, depending on how much spicy pepper you add.

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