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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Shredded Chicken Tacos

    Published: Apr 25, 2022 · Modified: Aug 1, 2023 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    Air fryer shredded chicken tacos are a breeze to make, thanks to the air fryer and the recipe is simple to follow. You can make air fryer chicken tacos for a tasty fuss-free weeknight dinner when you need to get a meal on the table quickly. This chicken taco recipe is even one you can make in advance!

    Overhead photo of Shredded chicken tacos on a black colored round plate. The tacos are filled with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese and topped with sour cream.

    We love Mexican food for dinner in our house.  And, you can’t make it any easier than air fryer Mexican recipes.  I have to admit that I’ve broken not one but two different air fryers in the past four years.  That’s how much I use and love my air fryers.  Not only are air fryers easy to use, they also cook quickly and taste great. 

    On weekday nights after sports, and other family activities all I really care about is feeding my family something healthy that cooks really quickly.  That’s where these amazing air fryer chicken tacos really shine.  Serve them up with air fryer chicken taquitos, Mexican corn casserole and smoked guacamole and you've got an entire meal the whole family will love!

    They are healthy, taste amazing, and come together so quickly in the air fryer. They're great for groups too! Make a taco bar with all your favorite toppings and don't forget the red salsa and green salsa to add some spice!

    And the leftovers are great to use in your favorite tortilla wrap recipes! If you love cooking chicken you also need to try our air fryer fried chicken thighs and easy chicken salad wrap recipe.

    Chicken Thighs vs Breasts for Tacos 

    I prefer boneless skinless thighs for shredded chicken tacos because the meat comes out more tender and moist.   

    When it comes to the air fryer, I feel that the thighs work much better than breasts.  I recommend giving them a try if you have them on hand. 

    We promise you will love how tender they turn out. 

    Pro Tip: I do not recommend using bone-in chicken for this recipe.  Using bone-in meat will take a lot longer to cook and will be harder to shred for your chicken tacos. 

    Overhead photo of  Shredded chicken tacos on a black colored round plate. The tacos are filled with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese and topped with sour cream. The plate of tacos is surrounded by a wooden spatula, lime wedges, a bowl shredded cheese and a bowl of chopped onions, tomatoes and peppers.

    Ingredients Air Fryer Tacos with Chicken

    • Chili powder
    • Cumin
    • Garlic powder
    • Salt and black pepper
    • Cayenne pepper
    • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    • Vegetable oil 
    • Taco seasoning
    • Tomato
    • Onion
    • Jalapeno
    • Fresh lime juice
    • Flour tortillas or corn tortillas
    • Shredded iceberg lettuce
    • Shredded cheese
    Overhead photo of a plate of seasoned chicken, various spices in small bowls and ingredients for the taco fillings in large bowls. Tortilla stacked vertically on a white kitchen cloth and an air fryer in the corner.

    How to Make Fast Shredded Chicken Tacos

    This recipe is super easy making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners!

    Step 1: Prepare Taco Seasoning

    Mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.  

    Step 2: Season the Meat

    Place the thighs in a bowl or large resealable bag and toss with oil until coated.

    Transfer the pieces to a cutting board and sprinkle with spice mixture, as evenly as possible.  You could also use a storage bag and shake them up or add the seasoning to a plate to coat your chicken thighs. 

    Step 3: Cook the Meat

    Pop the pieces of meat in an air fryer basket then inside the air fryer and set the temperature to 400 degrees.

    Cook for 13-16 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs over around the 7-minute mark.

    Use a kitchen thermometer, to make sure chicken thighs have at least reached 165 degrees before serving. Be sure to check that your thermometer is inserted into the center of the chicken to get the most accurate temperature reading.  

    Step 4: Shred the Meat for Tacos

    Place the cooked chicken in a bowl and shred it hot using two shredding claws, or 2 large forks. Or you can cool the chicken for a bit and then pull it with your fingers. 

    Step 5: Pile-Up and Serve Air Fryer Tacos

    Serve with warm tortillas and any of those mouth-watering taco toppings and you're in taco heaven!  

    Side angle photo of Shredded chicken tacos on a black colored round plate. The tacos are filled with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese and topped with sour cream. Tortilla, and bowls of shredded cheese, chicken and tomato-onion-jalapeno mix in the background.

    Substitutions

    • Taco seasoning: Swap out the homemade seasoning for a package of taco seasoning and you have the perfect amount. My house loves the Taco Bell brand taco seasoning packet. You can use any kind your family prefers.
    • Chicken thighs: Swap out the thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
    • Jalapenos: If you don't have fresh, you can use pickled instead or any other type of spicy fresh chile.
    • Cheese: Swap out the shredded cheese for cheese sauce!

    Variations

    • Looking for low-carb? Skip the taco shells and make a taco bowl instead with lots of fresh veggies! It would taste great with avocado ranch on top!
    • Not a chicken fan? Try swapping out air fryer tacos with air fryer steak or smoked pork instead.

    Can I Make Air Fryer Chicken Tacos in Advance?

    Absolutely, you can make air fryer shredded chicken tacos in advance.  All you need to do is cook your thighs all the way through.

    1. Cook and Store: Allow your thighs to completely cool and come to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container.  Store your airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. 
    1. Reheat in Microwave: Place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave at fifty percent power for about two minutes or until your chicken thighs are warmed all the way through.  Microwaving your chicken thighs at reduced power will help prevent them from drying out and becoming tough to eat. 
    1. Reheat in a Skillet: Preheat a skillet on your stove on medium heat.  You will want to add a small amount of oil or spray well with nonstick cooking spray. 

    Pro Tip: If the chicken looks a little dry add a small amount of water or chicken broth to your skillet while you are reheating your precooked chicken thighs to help them moisten up. 

    How to Freeze Shredded Chicken for Tacos

    Make a batch or two ahead and freeze for quick and easy meals during the week. Here's step by step how to do it!

    1. Cook: If you are freezing your shredded chicken tacos, cook the thighs completely as shown in the recipe. 
    2. Cool: Allow them to completely cool and come to room temperature. 
    3. Shred: Shred the meat as instructed.
    4. Store: Once your chicken thighs have reached room temperature add them to a freezer-safe bag or well-sealed airtight container.  Place your bag or container into your freezer and freeze for up to 3 months. 
    5. Thaw: When you are ready to eat your frozen chicken tacos, simply place your frozen thighs into your fridge and allow it to thaw slowly overnight.  Allowing the meat to thaw slowly in the fridge is the safest way to thaw meat and protects the quality of your dinner. 
    6. Reheat: Place on a microwave-safe plate and reheat at fifty percent power until warm in the center. 

    Want to extend the time your cooked chicken thighs can stay in the freezer?  Vacuum seal your chicken thighs to protect them from freezer burn and they will last up to 6 months without any quality loss. 

    closeup photo of Shredded chicken tacos on a black colored round plate. The tacos are filled with shredded chicken and cheese; chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions and jalapeno peppers.

    How to Shred Chicken for Tacos

    1. Shredding claws: My favorite way to shred chicken is by using shredding claws.  I love how shredding claws work quickly with little effort on my part.  Shredding claws also leave the best texture and most evenly shredded chicken. 
    • Use to shred any type of meat.  I like to shred roasts, pulled pork, chicken breast, and chicken thighs. 
    • They're inexpensive and do a great job quickly and easily.  
    1. Two forks: Use two forks to pull the meat apart with your forks.  You can use one fork to shred the meat and one to hold the meat still if you prefer to do that. 
    2. Your hands: Once the meat cools, you can also simply shred it into pieces by hand.

    How to Use a Mixer to Shred Meat

    Did you know that you can also use your Kitchen Aid mixer to shred chicken?  Well, you certainly can.  It’s amazingly fast and takes very little effort on your part. 

    Simply place your chicken thighs in a mixing bowl, and use your mixer to quickly and efficiently shred into pieces. 

    The only downside to using your mixer is that you will need to wash your bowl and your mixing hook.

    Be sure to watch your mixer while it is shredding the meat so that it doesn’t over shred it. 

    What to Serve with Air Fryer Tacos 

    Once you've got everything ready now it's time to pile on all your favorite taco toppings! Here are some ideas:

    • shredded lettuce
    • diced tomato
    • shredded cheese
    • queso dip
    • sour cream
    • refried beans
    • black beans
    • avocado
    • hot sauce, salsa or pico de gallo
    • guacamole
    • hard or soft tortilla shells

    If you need some new side dish ideas to serve with this air fryer shredded chicken tacos any of these sides for tamales will work too! You can also discover more Mexican food meal ideas in this collection of weeknight Mexican dinners.

    These tacos are delicious, but a side dish would make them to die for. Go to What to Serve With Chicken Marsala to get inspiration.

    Overhead photo of Shredded chicken tacos on a black colored round plate. The tacos are filled with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese and topped with sour cream. The plate of tacos is surrounded by a wooden spatula, lime wedges, a bowl shredded cheese and a bowl of chopped onions, tomatoes and peppers.

    Expert Tips

    • Choose thigh meat. While you can swap it out for chicken breast, the thigh meat actually stays moister when cooked in the air fryer.
    • Make ahead. This recipe is the best way to make shredded chicken for tacos. It stores easily in the freezer and reheats well.
    • Flip the chicken. Don't forget to flip them over halfway through cooking so they cook evenly on both sides.

    FAQ

    What kind of air fryer do I need to make chicken tacos?

    I used a 4.2-quart Ultrean Air Fryer with a fryer basket but you can use any type of air fryer. 

    If you have the oven or rotisserie type of air fryer be sure to place your rack at the middle level for the best results. 

    You can even use the trivet in your Instant Pot and the air fryer lid for your pressure cooker and still get excellent results for these air fryer tacos. 

    Can I reheat air fryer chicken tacos in my air fryer?

    Yes, you can reheat your air fryer chicken tacos in your air fryer.  Simply place your thawed shredded chicken thighs into your air fryer to reheat.  Reheat them at 350 degrees for about two to three minutes. Be sure to watch it closely so it doesn't burn or dry out. 

    Can I freeze air fryer shredded chicken tacos?

    Yes, you certainly can freeze air fryer shredded chicken tacos.  One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it is freezer friendly. Be sure to cool the meat completely before storing in an airtight container and freezing. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?

    I prefer to preheat my air fryer before using it but isn't 100% necessary. However, I find having a preheated air fryer ensures the thighs will cook closer to 12 minutes instead of sixteen minutes and helps the thighs stay tender. If you are short on time, it's ok to skip.

    closeup photo of Shredded chicken tacos on a black colored round plate. The tacos are filled with shredded chicken and cheese; chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions and jalapeno peppers.

    Air Fryer Tacos Video

    YouTube video

    More Shredded Chicken Recipes

    Do you like shredded chicken? Here some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Crockpot shredded chicken tacos on a plate with toppings.
      Crock Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
    • Moroccan Chicken Stew
    • Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
      Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
    • A hand holding a lettuce leaf filled with the best chicken salad mixture. The salad includes chunks of slow cooker chicken, grapes, cranberries, and herbs.
      Best Slow Cooker Chicken Salad
    Two air fryer chicken tacos on a plate with sour cream on top.

    Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tacos

    Karin and Ken
    Shredded chicken tacos in the air fryer are flavorful and a breeze to make. These delicious air fryer chicken tacos make for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 16 minutes mins
    Total Time 31 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Mexican
    Servings 4 Servings
    Calories 552 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • 2 Shredding claws or two forks to shred the chicken

    Ingredients
      

    Seasoning for Chicken

    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper if desired

    Shredded Chicken

    • 1 pound chicken thighs boneless, skinless and trimmed
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

    Pico de gallo

    • 1 tomato cored and chopped
    • ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon Jalapeño diced, optional
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice from fresh lime

    Taco ingredients

    • 6 large flour or corn tortillas
    • 1 cup iceberg lettuce shredded
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Pull out and measure all of the ingredients.
      Ingredients to make shredded chicken tacos in the air fryer.
    • In a bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and cayenne.
      Chicken is seasoned on a plate and ready to go into the air fryer.
    • Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Rub chicken with oil, and sprinkle spice mixture evenly. Put chicken in air-fryer basket and place basket in air fryer and set temperature to 400 degrees.
      Chicken is in the air fryer ready to cook.
    • Cook until chicken temperature reaches 175 degrees; 12 to 16 minutes, flipping and rotating chicken halfway through cooking.
      Cooked chicken thighs in the air fryer basket.
    • Meanwhile, combine tomato, onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside until ready to serve.
      Making the salsa using tomato, onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a bowl.
    • Transfer chicken to cutting board and let cool slightly. Using 2 shredding claws or 2 forks, shred chicken into bite-size pieces.
      Shredded chicken for tacos in a bowl on the table.
    • Serve chicken on warm tortillas, topped with salsa, lettuce, and cheddar.

    Notes

    Choose thigh meat. While you can swap it out for chicken breast, the thigh meat actually stays moister when cooked in the air fryer.
    Make ahead. This recipe is the best way to make shredded chicken for tacos. It stores easily in the freezer and reheats well.
    Flip the chicken. Don't forget to flip them over halfway through cooking so they cook evenly on both sides.
    Nutritional information is calculated based on using chicken thighs and toppings listed.  If you are using chicken breasts or different toppings your nutritional information will be different. 
    Check out What to Serve With Chicken Marsala to take this dish to the next level. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 552kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 740mgPotassium: 508mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1100IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 287mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword air fryer chicken tacos, air fryer tacos, shredded chicken for tacos
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
     
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    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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