# Air Fryer Tacos with Succulent Chicken and Cheese

Crispy tacos crafted from corn tortillas, loaded with succulent chicken and cheese, then crisped in the air fryer offer a delightful experience. Drawing inspiration from a memorable road trip across New Mexico, these air fryer tacos embody the spirit of Southwestern fare.

## The Motivation Behind the Tacos

Last summer, a journey to New Mexico unveiled a spectrum of flavors, particularly crispy chicken tacos. The encounter at El Parasol, where the chicken tacos were flavorful and the tortillas superbly crispy, ignited the creation of these air fryer tacos. The blend of flavors and textures pays homage to the culinary treasures of New Mexico.

## How to Prepare Chicken Tacos

### Ingredients

– **For the Chicken:**
– 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp neutral oil
– 1 tbsp white vinegar
– 1 tbsp chile powder (optional)
– 2 tsp ground coriander
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp kosher salt

– **For the Tacos:**
– 12 (4-inch) corn tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (optional)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped
– Diced onion
– Optional toppings: guacamole, diced avocados, salsa, hot sauce, lime wedges

### Instructions

1. **Marinate the Chicken:**
In a spacious bowl or ziplock bag, whisk together orange juice, garlic, oil, vinegar, chile powder, coriander, paprika, oregano, cumin, pepper, and salt. Incorporate chicken thighs and let them marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

2. **Cook the Chicken:**
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Lightly grease the basket and arrange the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be slightly undercooked as it will be reheated when assembled into tacos.

3. **Shred the Chicken:**
Take the chicken out of the air fryer and chop or shred it into small pieces.

4. **Prepare the Tortillas:**
Heat the tortillas in the microwave to make them flexible. Brush both sides with oil, then add a layer of chicken and cheese to one half of each tortilla. Carefully fold them over.

5. **Crisp the Tacos:**
Place the folded tacos in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 6-7 minutes, flipping once, until they are crispy and the cheese has melted. Let them cool slightly to enhance the crunch.

6. **Serve:**
Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and any other toppings you desire. Indulge in your crispy air fryer tacos!

## Why Choose Air Fryer Tacos?

Air fryers offer a healthier option compared to conventional frying techniques, utilizing less oil while achieving the desirable crunch. They are simple to use and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for preparing homemade crispy tacos.

## Alternatives to Air Frying

While an air fryer is optimal, these tacos can also be baked in a conventional oven. If you prefer softer tacos, simply modify the cooking time and choose flour tortillas for a different texture.

## Homemade Taco Seasoning

Making your own taco seasoning provides healthier and more flavorful choices than store-bought options. The spices included in this recipe not only elevate the chicken but can also be utilized for beef or pork.

## Nutritional Overview

Each serving (3 tacos) has approximately:
– **Calories:** 646
– **Fat:** 22.8g
– **Protein:** 70.4g
– **Carbohydrates:** 37.7g

These air fryer tacos are not only delectable but also bursting with flavor, making them an ideal choice for taco night or any informal gathering. Relish the crunch and enjoy the flavors of homemade tacos!

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