Cooking Lucid
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Tacos
Enjoy incredibly crispy, seasoned chicken thighs transformed into flavorful taco fillings with minimal oil. These air fryer tacos are a weeknight favorite, offering a satisfying crunch and bold taste.
Prep 10 min
Cook 18 min
Total 28 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step 2 — For the Tacos
- 8-12 small corn or flour tortillas
- Your favorite taco toppings (shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, avocado, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- 2
Prepare Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- 3
Air Fry Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 16-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and crispy on the edges. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 4
Warm Tortillas
While the chicken is cooking, warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can do this in a dry skillet, microwave, or even briefly in the air fryer.
- 5
Assemble Tacos
Shred or chop the cooked chicken slightly if desired. Fill the warm tortillas with the crispy chicken and your favorite taco toppings. Serve immediately.
Nutrition per serving: 390 cal · 35g protein · 25g carbs · 18g fat · 3g fiber