OUT NOW: Bored of Lunch 12 Week Meal Planner 📝
BUY NOWBlog / Air Fryer & Slow Cooker Taco Recipes
Air Fryer & Slow Cooker Taco Recipes
Tacos are one of the best family dinner recipes because they’re quick to assemble, easy to customise, budget friendly and perfect for using up leftovers. They’re also popular with both adults and children, making them ideal for busy weeknight meals or relaxed weekend dinners. In this blog, we’ll answer common taco questions and share a full collection of easy taco recipes you can make in both the air fryer and slow cooker.
Common Questions About Taco Recipes
What is the best meat for tacos?
The best cuts of meat for tacos depend on cooking method:
Slow cooker (best for tenderness):
- Beef brisket
- Steak
- Chicken thighs
- Pork shoulder
Air fryer (best for quick cooking):
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Steak strips
- Minced beef
- Prawns or fish fillets
How do you make tacos budget-friendly?
Tacos are naturally budget friendly and can easily be made even cheaper with a few simple swaps and ingredients. Using slow cooker cuts of meat is a great way to save money while still creating tender, flavour-packed taco fillings, as the slow cooking process helps break down tougher cuts beautifully. You can also stretch meat further by adding beans, lentils or vegetables, making meals more filling without increasing the cost. Frozen fish or prawns are another affordable option for easy taco recipes, while buying tortilla wraps in bulk can help reduce overall meal costs. Simple toppings like lettuce, salsa, onions and grated cheese keep taco nights inexpensive while still delivering plenty of flavour.
What toppings go in tacos?
Popular taco toppings include:
- Salsa
- Guacamole or avocado crema
- Cheese
- Sour cream or yoghurt
- Lettuce and onion
- Jalapeños
- Lime juice
Are slow cooker tacos good for meal prep?
Yes — slow cooker tacos are perfect for meal prep because:
- Meat stays juicy for days
- Flavours improve over time
- They reheat well
- You can freeze leftovers
Air Fryer & Slow Cooker Taco Recipes
Below are easy, flavour-packed taco recipes using air fryer and slow cooker methods, perfect for fakeaway nights and family dinners.
Sriracha & Lime Chicken Tacos
These Sriracha & Lime Chicken Tacos are a fresh and spicy air fryer taco recipe packed with flavour. Chicken is coated in the brand new Bored of Lunch Sriracha Lime seasoning, then air fried until juicy and slightly charred. The heat from the sriracha is balanced with a cooling avocado crema made from blended avocado, yoghurt and lime juice. Serve in soft tortillas with shredded lettuce and fresh coriander for a simple but vibrant fakeaway meal.
Air Fryer Crispy Fried Cauliflower Tacos
These Crispy Cauliflower Tacos are a brilliant vegetarian alternative and one of the best air fryer taco recipes for meat-free nights. Cauliflower florets are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs or batter, then air fried until golden and crispy. Once cooked, they are served in tortillas with slaw, salsa and a drizzle of yoghurt or spicy mayo. The cauliflower gives a satisfying crunch, making this a great option even for non-vegetarians. It’s light, flavourful and perfect for quick dinners.
Air Fryer Vegetarian Tacos
These Vegetarian Tacos are simple, healthy and full of flavour. A mix of peppers, onions, beans and spices are air fried until soft and slightly charred. The result is a colourful filling that works perfectly in soft tortillas. This is one of the easiest vegetarian taco recipes because it uses simple ingredients and takes very little time to prepare. Top with avocado, salsa and cheese for a balanced fakeaway meal that everyone can enjoy.
Smashed Greek Tacos
Smashed Greek Tacos are a fun fusion recipe combining Mediterranean flavours with taco night. Minced meat is seasoned with oregano, garlic and lemon, then smashed and cooked until crispy before being served in tortillas. They are topped with tzatziki, cucumber and red onion for a fresh and tangy finish. This is one of the most unique taco recipes for family dinners, offering something different from traditional Mexican flavours while still being easy to make.
Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Beef Tacos
These Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Tacos are one of the most popular slow cooker taco recipes. Beef chuck is cooked slowly with spices, tomatoes and stock until it becomes melt-in-the-mouth tender. Once shredded, the beef is served in tortillas with salsa, cheese and fresh lime. The slow cooking process develops deep, rich flavour, making this a perfect fakeaway dinner for weekends or meal prep.
Air Fryer Lasagne Tacos
Air Fryer Lasagne Tacos are a creative fusion recipe combining Italian and Mexican flavours. Crispy taco shells are filled with seasoned bolognese, creamy béchamel sauce and melted cheese. This is one of the most indulgent air fryer taco recipes, perfect for using leftover mince or pasta sauce. It’s rich, comforting and ideal for family dinners when you want something fun and different.
Air Fryer Steak Tacos
These Steak Tacos are quick, high-protein and full of flavour. Steak strips are seasoned and air fried until juicy and slightly crisp on the edges. They are then served in tortillas with salsa, onions and a squeeze of lime. This is one of the best easy beef taco recipes because it cooks in minutes and delivers restaurant-style flavour at home. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or fakeaway nights.
Air Fryer Crispy Prawn Tacos
These Crispy Prawn Tacos are light, crunchy and perfect for seafood lovers. Prawns are coated in seasoning or breadcrumbs and air fried until golden. They are served in soft tortillas with slaw, lime and a creamy sauce. This is one of the best air fryer seafood taco recipes because it is quick, healthy and full of fresh flavour. It works especially well for summer meals or lighter dinners.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos
These Fish Tacos are a classic fakeaway recipe made healthier in the air fryer. White fish is seasoned, lightly coated and air fried until flaky and crisp. It is then served in tortillas with slaw, lime and yoghurt-based sauce. This is one of the most popular fish taco recipes because it is simple, family-friendly and budget-friendly. Frozen fish works perfectly, making it an easy weeknight dinner option.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are one of the easiest meal prep taco recipes. Chicken breasts or thighs are slow cooked with spices, salsa and seasoning until tender and easy to shred. The result is juicy, flavourful chicken that works perfectly in tacos, burrito bowls or salads. This is a great budget-friendly recipe because it stretches a small amount of chicken into multiple meals.
Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Tacos with Lime & Chipotle Mayo
These Chipotle Beef Tacos are smoky, spicy and packed with flavour. Beef is slow cooked with chipotle spices until tender, then served in tortillas with fresh lime and creamy chipotle mayo. This is one of the best slow cooker beef taco recipes because the long cooking time builds deep smoky flavour. It’s perfect for weekends, gatherings or meal prep.
Slow Cooker & Air Fried Birria Tacos
Birria Tacos combine slow cooking and air frying for the ultimate fakeaway taco recipe. Beef is slow cooked in a rich chilli broth until tender, then shredded and stuffed into tortillas with cheese. The tacos are then air fried until crispy and golden. They are served with a dipping broth for extra flavour. This is one of the most viral taco recipes because it is rich, cheesy and incredibly satisfying.
Why Taco Recipes Work So Well for Fakeaway Meals
Tacos are one of the best fakeaway recipes because they are:
- Quick to prepare
- Easy to customise
- Budget-friendly
- Great for families
- Perfect for leftovers
They also work well with both air fryer and slow cooker methods, making them incredibly versatile.
Happy Cooking!
Whether you prefer crispy air fryer fillings or slow-cooked, tender meats, these air fryer and slow cooker taco recipes are perfect for easy fakeaway nights at home. From spicy chicken tacos to rich birria and pulled beef, there is something here for every taste and every budget.
If you’re looking for easy taco recipes, family dinner ideas or fakeaway inspiration, this collection is the perfect place to start.
Happy cooking!
Nathan 🙂
Join the newsletter
Subscribe to the BoL newsletter for exclusive recipes, exciting competitions, and much more!