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Air Fryer Chicken Street Tacos - Fast, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, see notes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • 12 small corn tortillas (street taco size)
  • For serving: finely diced white onion, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges
  • Optional toppings: salsa verde or roja, sliced radishes, cotija cheese, diced avocado, pickled jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If using thighs, leave them whole; if using breasts, slice into cutlets about 1/2-inch thick for even cooking.
  2. Mix the seasoning: In a bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the oil, lime zest, and juice. Stir to form a loose paste.
  3. Coat the chicken: Add chicken to the bowl and toss until every surface is well coated. Let it sit while the air fryer preheats. Even 5–10 minutes helps the flavors soak in.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Air fry the chicken: Arrange the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Thighs typically take 10–12 minutes; thin breast cutlets cook faster.
  6. Rest and chop: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and rest 3 minutes. Chop into bite-sized pieces or thin strips for that classic street taco texture.
  7. Warm the tortillas: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave 30–45 seconds, or warm them briefly in a dry skillet. You can also air fry them at 350°F for 1–2 minutes, stacked in pairs, until pliable.
  8. Assemble: Add a generous spoonful of chicken to each tortilla. Top with diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add any extras you like.
  9. Serve immediately: Street tacos are best hot and a little messy. Offer extra lime wedges and salsa at the table.