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Air Fryer Carne Asada Tacos - Juicy, Fast, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds flank steak or skirt steak (trimmed of excess silver skin)
  • 8–12 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
  • 1 orange, juiced (about 1/3 cup)
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to finish)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (balances the citrus and boosts browning)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for serving)
  • Optional toppings: diced white onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, guacamole, queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, radishes

Method
 

  1. Butterfly or thin the steak (optional): If your flank or skirt steak is thick, slice it horizontally to even out the thickness to about 1/2 inch. This helps it cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
  2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, brown sugar or honey, and cilantro.
  3. Marinate the beef: Place the steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Press out air, seal, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours. Don’t exceed 12 hours or the citrus can make the texture mushy.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps with searing and browning.
  5. Pat dry for better char: Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Lightly brush with oil. Reserve 2 tablespoons of marinade to brush on after cooking (optional). Discard the rest.
  6. Air fry the steak: Place the steak in a single layer in the basket. Cook at 400°F for 6–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Target 125–130°F for medium-rare or 135–140°F for medium. Time varies by thickness and air fryer model.
  7. Rest and slice: Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to keep it tender. If using skirt steak, cut into shorter sections first, then slice thin.
  8. Warm tortillas: While the meat rests, warm tortillas in a dry skillet, over a flame, or in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes. Keep them wrapped in a towel so they stay soft.
  9. Finish and assemble: Toss the sliced beef with any resting juices and brush with the reserved marinade if you like a glossy finish. Taste and add a pinch of salt. Load into tortillas and top with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add salsa or guac as desired.