Air fryer chicken tacos are the weeknight dinner solution you’ve been looking for. You get crispy, juicy chicken with a quick homemade salsa, all wrapped in warm tortillas – and it is on your table in just 20 minutes!
You will love how the air fryer creates the perfect crispy exterior on the chicken while keeping it tender inside. There is no oil splatter, no oven heating up the kitchen, and barely any cleanup. It’s all the flavor of traditional chicken tacos with less work.
This family-friendly meal is my go-to solution when I’m in a hurry and want something simple everyone will enjoy. With this recipe, you don’t need to hit the drive-thru! Just toss some seasoned chicken in the air fryer and make a simple, fresh salsa while it cooks.
I’m always looking for shortcuts that don’t sacrifice taste, and this recipe delivers. I prep the toppings while the chicken cooks, making this a super-efficient dinner option for hectic weeknights.
Let me walk you through the simple steps to making these air fryer chicken tacos your new favorite meal. I’ll also give you tons of serving ideas to make them your own. Once you try making tacos in your air fryer, you’ll never want to make them any other way.
Looking for more taco night ideas using your air fryer? Try air fryer fish tacos, Mexican pizza, or air fryer carnitas.
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Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Chicken Thighs: I always opt for boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicier than chicken breasts, but chicken breasts work, too.
- Taco Seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Cherry tomatoes
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Tortillas
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tacos
- Start by thoroughly coating your chicken thighs with taco seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Then, place the seasoned chicken thighs in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer.
- Set your air fryer to 380 degrees F and cook for 12 minutes. I always flip the chicken halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- While your chicken cooks, prepare the quick salsa. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and mix them with minced garlic, fresh cilantro, and a good squeeze of lime juice.
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a minute or two (it’s hot!), then use two forks to shred it. The meat should pull apart easily – that’s how you know it’s perfectly cooked.
- Warm your tortillas. Wrap them in slightly damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds.
- Then assemble your tacos. Add the shredded chicken, top with your fresh salsa, and add any extra toppings you love.
Serving Ideas
Do you know what I love about taco night? Everyone can make their tacos exactly how they want them! I set up a little taco bar on my kitchen counter, and it’s always popular with my family.
Here are some of my favorite air fryer chicken taco toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced onions
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Pickled jalapeños for those who like it spicy
- Extra lime wedges
I love serving these tacos with some Mexican-style rice and refried beans on the side. For a lighter option, a simple green salad works great, too.
How to Store
While tacos are best fresh, you can store the components separately to enjoy later. The cooked chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the fresh salsa will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
If you’re meal prepping, you can pre-portion the chicken into containers and pack the cold toppings separately. This makes it super easy to throw together a quick taco lunch or dinner later in the week.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Keep the chicken thighs in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If you stack them, they won’t cook evenly, and you won’t get that nice crispy exterior we’re looking for.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 2-3 minutes before shredding. This keeps all those flavorful juices locked inside the meat instead of running all over your cutting board.
- Full-size tomatoes work fine for the salsa; I just prefer cherry tomatoes to minimize the amount of prep needed.
- Chicken breasts work fine, too, but they will need more cooking time unless you dice them first. Plan on 15-18 minutes for breasts.
Reader Questions
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be completely white with no pink areas.
Sure. When ready to use it, reheat it in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees F.
While fresh cilantro gives the best flavor, you can skip it or substitute it with dried cilantro (use about one tablespoon). You could also try fresh parsley for a different but still delicious flavor.
Yes! The shredded chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning. Use a mild taco seasoning for less heat.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
For chicken:
- 1 pound chicken thighs boneless
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For salsa:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro
For tacos:
- 6 tortillas
- your favorite toppings such as cheese, guacamole, and sour cream
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with the taco seasoning, garlic powder and salt.1 pound chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt
- Put the thighs in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380 degrees F for 12 minutes, flipping once.
- While the chicken cooks, Halve the cherry tomatoes. Mix them with the minced garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon garlic, 3 tablespoons cilantro
- When the chicken is cooked, take it out of the air fryer and use two forks to shred it.
- Add it to tortillas, top it with the salsa, and add any other taco toppings you like.6 tortillas, your favorite toppings
Video
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Keep the chicken thighs in a single layer.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 2-3 minutes before shredding.
- Full-size tomatoes work fine for the salsa; I just prefer cherry tomatoes to minimize the amount of prep needed.
- Chicken breasts work fine, too, but they will need more cooking time unless you dice them first. Plan on 15-18 minutes for breasts.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
