Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tacos with Garlic Lime Sauce
Make crunchy chicken tacos using an air fryer for a crispy texture. This recipe includes a bright, zesty garlic lime sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- For the Sauce: 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- For the Sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- For the Sauce: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Sauce: Juice of 1 large lime
- For the Sauce: 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest
- For the Sauce: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- For the Sauce: Pinch of salt
- Optional Toppings: Shredded lettuce, cotija cheese, diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken coating: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a second dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge the chicken pieces first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip the floured chicken into the egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
- While the chicken cooks, make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Warm the tortillas according to package directions (you can warm them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable).
- Assemble the tacos: Place a portion of the crispy chicken pieces into each warm tortilla. Top with desired toppings and drizzle generously with the garlic lime sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure the panko adheres well to the chicken pieces. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket during cooking.
- If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the sauce for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tacos
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 110