On the table in under 30 minutes, this one’s an easy favorite. Air-fried frozen chicken strips and my twist, a crisp, tangy apple slaw instead of regular coleslaw. Pile it into corn or flour tortillas and that’s it. Dinner, sorted.
Air Fryer Chicken Tacos with Apple Slaw
This is an easy chicken taco recipe loaded with flavor. No marinating, no extra sauce, no over-the-top toppings. I use store-bought frozen chicken tenders, air fry them (usually under 12 minutes), and layer into warm tortillas with a crunchy apple slaw.
The slaw is simple: cabbage, apple, red onion, and mayo or sour cream. Creamy, crunchy, tangy, no extras needed.
Use my soft flour or crunchy corn tortilla recipe, or just grab a pack of store-bought, soft or crunchy. Your tacos, your rules 😉
Here’s how I make it: step-by-step in pictures
These are the visual steps. For the full recipe with exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post
- Air fry store-bought frozen chicken tenders according to the package directions — usually under 12 minutes. Let them rest for a few minutes then slice into strips.
- Finely slice the cabbage and red onion. I use a mandolin for this (watch your fingers!). Cut the apple into thin strips (like little matchsticks), then add it to the bowl along with the lime (or lemon) juice and mayo or sour cream.
Chicken: Make sure it’s white inside once cooked with no pink. Let it rest 2–3 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Apples: Slice and toss into ½ teaspoon lemon or lime juice to stop browning while you prep
- Granny Smith apples gives tang and that green pop, but any crisp apple works.
- Using white cabbage? Try red-skinned apples for color contrast.
- Mayo for classic, or sour cream to keep it light.
- Mix gently, just until everything’s lightly coated. The slaw should stay fresh and crisp, not heavy.
- Layer sliced chicken into warm tortillas or taco shells, pile on the slaw, and add avocado if you like.
Make just before serving if you can — it stays crunchier. If prepping ahead, keep the apple separate (tossed in lemon/lime juice prevents browning) and mix in last.
Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Tacos with Apple Slaw
Video
For the chicken
- 9 oz (225g) frozen breaded (crumbed) chicken strips (store-bought, about 6 pieces)
For the apple slaw
- 2 cups (130 g) shredded cabbage (red or white)
- 7 oz (200g) apple (from about 2 large apples, cored and cut thin, like matchsticks)
- ¼ small red or white onion, thinly sliced (about 0.9 oz / 25 g, or loosely ¼ cup)
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) lemon or lime juice (for the slaw)
- ½ teaspoon lemon or lime juice (to toss apple while prepping)
- 3 Tablespoons (45 g) mayonnaise or sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For serving
- 4 small flour or corn tortillas (store-bought or homemade - see note 1)
Optional
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- 4 lemon or lime wedges
Chicken
- Air fry chicken strips according to package instructions (usually at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Chicken is ready when golden, crisp, and white inside (no pink) Let rest a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Apple slaw
- As you slice the apple, toss them with ½ teaspoon lemon or lime juice in a small bowl to prevent browning.
- In a large bowl, add the cabbage, onion, sliced apple, 1 Tablespoon lemon or lime juice, and mayo or sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until just coated.
Warm the tortillas
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side, or warm in the air fryer for a few seconds.
Assemble the tacos
- Layer sliced chicken into each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of apple slaw. Add sliced avocado and fresh herbs if you like. Serve with lemon or lime wedges.
Nutrition
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients used in this recipe.
- It may vary depending on the brand of chicken strips and tortillas you use. For the most accurate results, check your packaging or use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
- Use my soft flour or crunchy corn tortilla recipe, or just grab a pack of store-bought, soft or crunchy
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