Air-Fryer Taco Meat: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Tacos are a staple in many households, and you can easily cook them in an air fryer. Air-fried tacos are a healthier alternative to deep-fried tacos, and they are also less messy to make. You can use ground beef, steak, chicken, or turkey to make the taco filling in an air fryer. The cooking time for the meat is usually around 5 minutes, and you can add your favourite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado salsa, cheese, and cilantro.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer tacos depend on the type of taco meat and the model of the air fryer.

For ground beef tacos, the air fryer should be preheated to 390°F (198°C) or 400°F (204°C). The cooking time is typically 5 minutes at 390°F (198°C) or 15 minutes at 400°F (204°C) for rare meat. If you prefer your meat more well-done, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes at 390°F (198°C) or an additional 5-7 minutes at 400°F (204°C).

For steak tacos, the air fryer should be preheated to 400°F (204°C). The cooking time is typically 15 minutes at 400°F (204°C) for rare meat, followed by an additional 5-7 minutes at the same temperature for a more well-done steak.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of the meat. To ensure your meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for cooked ground beef is 160°F (71°C). For steak tacos, the ideal temperature for medium-rare steak is 135°F (57°C), 145°F (63°C) for medium, and 150°F (66°C) for medium-well.

Additionally, when cooking ground beef tacos, it is recommended to use a meat masher or spatula to break apart the beef and crumble it before and after cooking. This helps to ensure even cooking and browning of the meat.

Ingredients and toppings

The ingredients you will need for air fryer tacos are simple and easy to find. The main ingredient is ground beef, which you can substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, ground veal, or ground lamb. You can also make steak tacos with flank steak or skirt steak.

For the taco seasoning, you can use a store-bought blend or make your own with spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

Other ingredients include flour tortillas or corn tortillas, diced onions, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, avocado or guacamole, sour cream, and cheese. You will also need a meat masher or a wooden spoon to break apart the beef before cooking, and a meat thermometer to check if the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

If you are making steak tacos, you will also need a marinade. One recipe suggests a marinade with garlic butter, black pepper, and herbs. You will also need olive oil or cooking spray for the tortillas.

For toppings, you can offer a variety so everyone can build their own tacos. Some options include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, and cheese.

You can also add black beans, pinto beans, rice, and salad to your tacos or as side dishes.

Taco shell preparation

Preparing taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. If you want to add some extra flavour to your taco shells, you can lightly brush each tortilla with oil or cooking spray on both sides before placing them in the air fryer. You can also sprinkle on some onion soup mix, buffalo wing mix, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, chipotle chilli powder, or your favourite hot sauce.

To shape your tortillas into taco shells, drape them over a taco mould and place them in the air fryer basket. If you don't have a taco mould, you can use aluminium foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook. You can also use an upside-down mini muffin pan and place the tortillas in the indents to hold their shape. If you have an air fryer oven, you can hang the tortillas over the oven racks or lay them flat for tostadas.

Air fry your taco shells at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Check on them after two minutes, as the fan may shift the tortilla. If you are using an air fryer oven, you can air fry at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Once your shells are ready, fill them with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Meat preparation

Preparing meat for tacos in an air fryer is a simple and quick process. The first step is to marinate the meat. For steak tacos, coat the flank steak or skirt steak in a marinade of oil, lime, and spices, and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.

For ground beef tacos, the preparation method is slightly different. Start by lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Then, place the raw ground beef in the basket and use a meat masher or a wooden spoon to break it apart and crumble it into smaller pieces.

After preparing the meat, you can move on to the cooking process. For steak tacos, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the marinated steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. Then, flip the steak and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

For ground beef tacos, preheat the air fryer to 375-390 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the ground beef for 5 minutes, using a meat masher to crumble it further during cooking. After 5 minutes, open the air fryer and add taco seasoning to the meat, tossing to coat it evenly.

Cook the seasoned ground beef for an additional 2-3 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is fully cooked and has reached a safe internal temperature.

Meat alternatives

If you're looking for meat alternatives to use in your tacos, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Legumes

Black beans, chickpeas, and lentils are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a great choice for tacos. They can provide a meaty texture and taste, especially when seasoned well. Black beans are a fundamental ingredient in Mexican cuisine, so they pair perfectly with traditional taco sides like guacamole or pico de gallo.

Vegetables

Mushrooms, especially oyster mushrooms and portobellos, are a popular choice for meatless tacos. They have a mild flavor and a soft texture, and they're rich in fiber and protein. Other vegetables like zucchini, squash, and potatoes can also be used to create a hearty and satisfying vegetarian taco filling.

Nuts and Seeds

Walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and ground nuts and seeds can provide a chewy texture and a surprisingly meaty flavor when seasoned properly. They are a healthy option, as they contain omega 3s and good fats, which can help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease.

Fruits

Fruits like avocado and jackfruit can be used as taco fillings. Avocado provides a creamy texture, while jackfruit can be seasoned to mimic the taste and texture of meat.

Vegan Meat Alternatives

If you prefer a more familiar texture and taste, you can opt for packaged vegan meats, tofu, tempeh, seitan, or texturized vegetable protein (TVP). These alternatives are designed to mimic the taste and texture of meat while being entirely plant-based.

With so many meat alternatives to choose from, you can easily create delicious and nutritious tacos that cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions.

Frequently asked questions