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Air Fryer Ground Chicken Taco Cups - Crispy, Fun, and Weeknight Easy

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground chicken (1 pound) – lean and quick-cooking.
  • Wonton wrappers (24) or street-size tortillas (12, halved) – your crunchy cup base.
  • Onion (1/2 cup, finely chopped).
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced).
  • Taco seasoning (2–3 tablespoons) – store-bought or homemade.
  • Tomato paste (1 tablespoon) – optional, adds depth.
  • Chicken broth or water (1/3 cup) – for sauciness.
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon) – for sautéing.
  • Shredded cheese (1 to 1 1/2 cups) – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
  • Black beans (1/2 cup, rinsed and drained) – optional for extra fiber.
  • Corn kernels (1/2 cup) – optional, adds sweetness.
  • Salt and pepper – to taste.
  • Nonstick spray – to prevent sticking in muffin cups or the air fryer tray.
  • Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado or guacamole, salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños.

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Lightly spray a 12-cup metal muffin tin that fits in your air fryer basket, or use silicone muffin cups on the tray. If your air fryer won’t fit a pan, you can free-form the cups by stacking wontons and pressing them into silicone cups.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Season and simmer: Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, 4–6 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens and is saucy but not wet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in beans and corn if using. Remove from heat.
  4. Build the cups: For wonton wrappers, press one wrapper into each muffin cup, add about 1 tablespoon of cheese, then scoop in 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture. Top with another tablespoon of cheese. For tortillas, press one halved tortilla into each cup, then fill the same way. The cheese on the bottom helps seal and crisp the base.
  5. Air fry in batches: Place the muffin tin or cups in the air fryer. Cook at 360°F for 6–8 minutes, until edges are golden and the cheese is melted. Check at minute 6 to avoid over-browning. Repeat with remaining cups.
  6. Cool slightly: Let the cups rest 3–4 minutes before removing so the shells firm up and hold their shape.
  7. Add toppings and serve: Finish with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve warm.