Fried Tacos

These fried tacos are stuffed with seasoned shredded chicken and cheddar cheese, then they're fried to crispy golden-brown perfection. They're such a delicious change-up from classic tacos, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Plus, they're so quick and easy to make. In fact, you can have them ready and on the table in under 20 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

Easy to make. This recipe is easier to whip up than driving to get tacos, and they're so much better fresh.

Family favorite. My wife and I make these every time we're hosting our families - especially when it's a Tuedsay - and the adults and kids both love them. 

Fresh ingredients. These tacos are made with all wholesome ingredients, and they're super simple ones too.

Ingredients You'll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it's made with just a handful of common kitchen ingredients. Honestly, there's a good chance you'll have most - if not all of them - at your house already.

Here's what you'll need for the tacos:

• ¾ lb (2 cups) Shredded Chicken (or Ground Beef)
• 1 cup Onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp. Taco Seasoning
• 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
• 12 Corn or Wheat Tortillas
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• Vegetable oil for frying

And to top the homemade tacos off:

• Avocado
• Green Onions, sliced
• Ciboulette
• Red Onions, sliced

How To Make Fried Tacos

1. Cook the chicken: Put a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil, and put in the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes, flip it over, add a little water or chicken broth to the pan, and cover it with a lid. Cook for an additional 7-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Cook the onions: Bring a non-stick skillet to medium-high heat, and add the olive oil and chopped onions. Cook the onions for 5 minutes or until soft and translucent.

3. Season: Add the taco seasoning to the onions and mix until it's all soaked. Add the cooked shredded chicken to the onions and mix to fully coat it in the taco seasoning.

4. Assemble the tacos: Layer cheddar cheese, meat mixture, and more cheddar cheese in the taco shells and close them with a toothpick

5: Fry the tacos and serve: Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (180ºC) and deep fry each taco for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Serve these crispy fried tacos with avocado, green onions, ciboulette, and red onions, sour cream, or any toppings you want. Enjoy!

My Pro-Tips For Making Some Killer Fried Tacos

• Make sure you don't overfill the tacos so the shells can get nice and crispy without falling apart.
• Let the oil heat up before deep frying the tacos.
• Use white tortillas, wheat tortillas, or corn tortillas - whatever you prefer!
• Try using ground beef, ground turkey, or any taco meat that you want instead of shredded chicken.
• Stuff the tortillas with this fried cheese for extra indulgent tacos.

How To Store The Tacos

In the fridge: Transfer the tacos to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for about 3 days.

In the freezer: Wrap the individual tacos in plastic wrap or tin foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 4 months.

Reheating: Refry the tacos in hot oil for a few minutes or bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or about 20 minutes if you're reheating frozen tacos.

FAQs About This Fried Tacos Recipe

Can I make these fried tacos ahead of time?

Yes, the best way to make these tacos ahead of time is to cook the chicken mixture and store it in an airtight container. It'll stay good for up to 4 days so whenever you're ready to assemble and fry your tacos you'll have it ready to go.

What sides go with fried tacos?

There are endless sides to complete your taco night, and my favorite sides are chips and queso or chips and guac. Try making these air fryer tortilla chips, Moe's queso, and Chipotle guac. They all go great with these fried tacos.

Are fried tacos healthy?

The ingredients used to make the fried tacos are healthy, but since they are fried in oil, they are not considered to be a healthy meal.

Can you fry corn tortillas for tacos?

Yes, corn tortillas fry really well as long as you hold them together with toothpicks on each side of the shell and in the middle.

How do you fry taco shells?

You fry taco shells by submerging them in hot oil in a skillet on the stove over high heat for about 2 minutes - or until the shell is crispy.

 

More Taco Recipes

• Street tacos
• Chicken taco casserole
• Chicken birria tacos
• Birria tacos
• Cream cheese chicken enchiladas