Air Fryer Magic: Crunchy Taco Shells

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, as they use less oil and are more convenient and healthier. They can be used to make crispy, golden taco shells from corn or flour tortillas. The process is simple: heat the tortillas, spray them with oil, drape them over a mould or aluminium foil, and then place them in the air fryer for a few minutes. The result is a crunchy, delicious taco shell that can be filled with your favourite toppings.

Air fryer taco shells are healthier than deep-fried shells

Air-fried taco shells are also more convenient than deep-fried shells as they eliminate the need to handle hot oil and are typically easier to clean. Additionally, air-fried taco shells can be made in a shorter amount of time, with most recipes requiring only 4-6 minutes of cooking time.

The process of making air-fried taco shells is simple. It involves coating tortillas with a small amount of oil, draping them over a taco mold or an upside-down mini muffin pan, and air frying them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until golden and crisp. This method allows you to enjoy the crunch of a taco shell without the added oil and mess of deep frying.

Not only are air-fried taco shells healthier, but they also provide a more convenient and time-efficient option for those who want to enjoy crispy tacos without compromising their health.

Corn tortillas are the best choice for making taco shells

Corn tortillas are incredibly flavorful and have lots of fiber. They also provide an excellent sturdy base for your taco fillings. You can make your own corn tortillas or buy them in a store. If you make your own, you can avoid the additives that are often found in store-bought tortillas to preserve their freshness and shape.

To make your corn tortillas into taco shells, you can bake them in the oven or air fryer, or fry them in oil. If you want to avoid the mess and added oil of frying, baking or air frying are great options.

To make taco shells in the oven, first, preheat your oven to between 375°F and 425°F. Then, microwave the tortillas for 15 to 20 seconds to make them pliable. Next, spray or brush both sides of the tortillas with oil or cooking spray. Place the tortillas over two bars of the oven rack and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.

To make taco shells in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, microwave the tortillas for 10 to 15 seconds to make them pliable. Lightly spray or brush the tortillas with oil or cooking spray. Drape the tortillas over a taco mold or aluminum foil and place them in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes, until golden and crisp.

If you prefer to fry your tortillas, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add half of a folded tortilla to the oil and fry until golden, holding the tortilla in place. Flip the tortilla and fry the other side. Remove from the skillet and balance the shell on a paper towel until set. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

How to make sure shells don't crack

To ensure your taco shells don't crack, it's important to heat the tortillas before placing them in the air fryer. This is because corn tortillas need to be heated well or they will crack. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp towel and microwaving them for 15-30 seconds, or until they are very warm and pliable. Alternatively, you can heat them in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side, until they are soft and pliable.

If you start to notice your tortillas cracking as you work with them, simply reheat them for a few seconds and they should be fine.

It's also important to ensure your tortillas are the right size for your taco shell holders, and to use corn tortillas, as these are sturdier and have a nuttier flavour.

Air fryer tacos are a good option for vegetarians

Air fryer tacos are a great option for vegetarians. The air fryer method allows you to make crunchy taco shells without the mess and added oil of deep-frying. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, and the process is simple and quick.

First, prepare your taco fillings. For a vegetarian option, you can fill your tacos with beans, cheese, and any other toppings of your choice. Some suggested toppings include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and hot sauce. You can also add black beans or pinto beans for extra protein.

Next, prepare your taco shells. If using corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 15-30 seconds, or until they are soft and pliable. You can also heat them in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side. For flour tortillas, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.

Once your tortillas are soft, it's time to form them into taco shells. You can use taco shell stands or create your own by making small tents with aluminum foil. Drape the softened tortilla over the stand or foil and place it in the air fryer basket. If you want to fill your tacos before frying, be careful not to overfill them, as the toppings may fall out during the frying process.

Now, it's time to air fry your tacos. Set your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook your tacos for 4-8 minutes, depending on the type of tortilla and your desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Finally, remove your crispy tacos from the air fryer and fill them with your chosen toppings. Enjoy your delicious, crunchy, vegetarian tacos!

How to reheat air-fried tacos

Reheating tacos in an air fryer is a great way to get that perfect crunch and make them taste a lot better than they would otherwise. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat your tacos in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This temperature is ideal for reheating foods like pizza and tacos without overdoing it.
• Mist the tacos with a little water. This will help to achieve a fresh taste and texture.
• Place the tacos in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Reheat for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.
• Carefully remove the tacos from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
• Enjoy your freshly reheated tacos!

Some people prefer to eat their leftover tacos cold, but if you want to enjoy your tacos hot and crispy again, the air fryer is a great option. You can also reheat your tacos in the oven or on the stove, but the air fryer method is generally faster and more convenient.

Frequently asked questions