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Air Fryer BBQ Pork Tacos

Air Fryer BBQ Pork Tacos - Easy, Fast, and Full of Flavor

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Pre-heat 3 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Pork: 1.25–1.5 lb pork tenderloin or boneless pork loin, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch strips or small chunks
  • BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (smoky, sweet, or spicy)
  • Spice Rub: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Oil: 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
  • Slaw: 2 cups shredded cabbage (or a bagged coleslaw mix), 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, juice of 1 lime, 1 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt, 1 tsp honey, pinch of salt
  • Tortillas: 10–12 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Toppings (optional but great): Pickled jalapeños, crumbled cotija or feta, diced avocado, extra cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce
  • Nonstick spray: For the air fryer basket

Instructions
 

  • Prep the pork: Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Cut into even strips or small bite-size pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
  • Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, stir together smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Season and oil: Toss the pork with oil, then sprinkle on the spice rub. Mix until the pork is fully coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you make the slaw.
  • Make the slaw: In a bowl, whisk lime juice, mayo (or Greek yogurt), honey, and a pinch of salt. Add cabbage, red onion, and cilantro. Toss until lightly coated. Taste and adjust salt or lime.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray.
  • Air fry the pork: Arrange pork in a single layer with a little space between pieces. Air fry 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges are caramelized and the center hits 145°F (63°C) on a meat thermometer.
  • Sauce and finish: Transfer pork to a bowl and toss with BBQ sauce. For sticky edges, return sauced pork to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 400°F.
  • Warm the tortillas: Stack tortillas, wrap in a damp paper towel, and microwave 20–30 seconds. Or place directly in the air fryer at 350°F for 1–2 minutes.
  • Assemble the tacos: Layer warm tortillas with the BBQ pork, a handful of slaw, and your favorite toppings. Add a squeeze of lime.
  • Serve: Plate with extra slaw, hot sauce, and lime wedges on the side.
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