Air Fryer Chicken Taco Bites

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers produce a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This means you can enjoy all the crunchy goodness of fried foods while significantly reducing the amount of fat and calories.

Discover the joy of quick and tasty meals with Air Fryer Chicken Taco Bites! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, these crispy bites are easy to make and packed with delicious taco flavors. This article covers everything from choosing the right ingredients to step-by-step preparation, cooking tips, and serving suggestions. Customize your filling to suit any taste, making these taco bites a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning (or a homemade spice blend of cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt)

1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup corn (can be fresh, frozen, or canned)

1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)

12 small flour tortillas

1/2 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Sour cream (optional for serving)

Lime wedges (optional for serving)

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.

Season the Mixture: Once the chicken is browned, add the taco seasoning along with the drained black beans and corn. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure all ingredients are heated through. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the shredded cheese until it melts and is well combined with the filling.

Prepare the Tortillas: Take each flour tortilla and cut them into quarters, creating small triangles. You should end up with about 48 pieces. Place the tortilla triangles flat on a clean surface and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each triangle.

Fold the Tortillas: Carefully fold each tortilla triangle over the filling to form a pocket. If needed, use a toothpick to secure the pocket, ensuring that the filling stays tucked inside.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for cooking.

Air Fry the Bites: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the taco bites in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd (you may need to cook them in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the taco bites with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

Cooking Time: Air fry the taco bites for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. You want them to be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the taco bites from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the bites with salsa and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with a side of sour cream and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4-6 servings

Presentation Tips: Arrange the taco bites in a circular pattern on a large platter for a festive look, and sprinkle extra cilantro over the top for added color before serving.