Air Fryer Hack: Warming Taco Shells

Tacos are a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways, but the foundation of a good taco is a well-prepared shell. Warming up taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get a perfectly crisp and warm shell in a matter of minutes. This method is also healthier than traditional frying methods as it skips the use of oil, making cleanup easier and keeping your kitchen space free for preparing other ingredients.

Heating hard taco shells in an air fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer, just like you would an oven. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or 360 degrees Fahrenheit if using a Ninja Foodi) to ensure the shells get crispy. This step ensures that your shells will be added to a hot basket, promoting even cooking.

Step 2: Arrange the Hard Taco Shells

Place the hard taco shells in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as adequate space is necessary for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to fit around 8 shells at a time.

Step 3: Air Fry the Shells

Once the air fryer is preheated and the shells are arranged, it's time to start the cooking process. Set the timer for 2 minutes for a standard air fryer, or 4 minutes for a Ninja Foodi, and let the shells fry until they are warm and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your desired level of crispness.

Step 4: Customize and Serve

Once the shells are crispy and golden brown, carefully remove them from the air fryer. You can now fill them with your favorite taco toppings, such as ground beef, shredded cheese, beans, salsa, or fresh vegetables. It's best to serve these shells right away while they're still warm and crispy.

Tips:

• If you prefer extra crispy taco shells, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
• If you want to add toppings before heating, go for it! Just be aware that the results may be controversial, with some cheese and toppings melting and toasting.
• For soft flour tortillas, wrap them in foil and heat them for 3-4 minutes at a lower temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heating soft taco shells in an air fryer

Preheat the Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before adding the taco shells. For soft taco shells, preheat the air fryer to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wrap the Soft Taco Shells in Foil

Take your soft flour or corn tortillas—no more than six at a time—and wrap them in foil. This is an important step, as it will help to ensure even heating and prevent the shells from drying out.

Place in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the wrapped soft taco shells in the basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as you want to allow adequate space for air to circulate.

Air Fry

Air fry the soft taco shells for 3 to 4 minutes. If you prefer your shells on the crispier side, you can increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

Tips

• Adjust the time according to your preference for shell crispiness.
• Don't overcrowd the basket to ensure even heating and allow for air circulation.
• For an even crispier shell, consider coating the air fryer basket with a light spray of grapeseed oil or lining it with aluminum foil before placing the shells inside.

With these simple steps, you'll have perfectly warmed soft taco shells ready for your favorite fillings!

Air fryer temperature for taco shells

Taco shells can be warmed up in an air fryer in a matter of minutes, without needing an oven or stovetop. This method also skips the oil, making cleanup easier.

Hard Taco Shells

For hard taco shells, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the shells in an even layer in the fryer basket and air fry for two minutes. If you want extra crispy shells, increase the cooking time by one or two minutes.

Soft Taco Shells

For soft taco shells, preheat the air fryer to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap flour or corn tortillas in foil (no more than six at a time) and air fry for 3-4 minutes.

Corn Tortillas

To make crispy corn tortillas, spray the top and bottom of each tortilla with cooking spray. Hang the tortillas over two grates in your oven rack to create a space for your fillings and to secure the shells. Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 4-5 minutes, or until the tortillas are slightly golden and crisp.

Air Fryer Ovens

Air fryer ovens are also suitable for making taco shells. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the shells for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.

How long to heat taco shells in an air fryer

Hard taco shells

To heat hard taco shells in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or 400°F). Arrange the shells in an even layer in the fryer basket and cook for two minutes. If you want your shells extra crispy, increase the cooking time by one or two minutes.

Soft taco shells

For soft taco shells, preheat your air fryer to 250°F. Wrap up to six flour or corn tortillas in aluminium foil and place them in the air fryer for three to four minutes, or until the tortillas are heated through.

Homemade taco shells

You can also make your own taco shells in an air fryer. To do this, brush both sides of your tortillas with oil and drape them over a taco mould or small tents made out of aluminium foil. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for four to six minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Toppings for tacos

Tacos are a fun and easy dish to make, and the best part is that you can get creative with your toppings! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Traditional Mexican-Style Toppings:

• Cilantro
• Diced white onion
• Salsa (try spice level variations or red/green salsa)
• Sliced radishes
• Limes
• Cotija cheese
• Avocado or guacamole
• Black beans or refried beans
• Corn
• Grilled peppers/onions

Tex-Mex Style Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Pico de gallo
• Shredded iceberg lettuce
• Queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese
• Steak
• Corn tortillas
• Lime juice

Other Topping Ideas:

• Shredded cabbage (especially for fish tacos)
• Mango salsa
• Pineapple salsa
• Pickled vegetables
• Coleslaw or cabbage slaw
• Pomegranate seeds
• Shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
• Black olives
• Greek yoghurt
• Hot sauce
• Shredded chicken
• Habanero salsa
• Pickled red onion
• Sliced avocado
• Kimchi
• Arugula
• Creme fraiche
• Crème fraîche
• Cucumbers
• Caramelized onions
• Cumin
• Garlic
• Canned black beans
• Mexican 'table cream'
• Jalapeños
• Pumpkin seeds/pepitas
• Chipotle powder
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Rice
• Olives
• Sour cream
• Mexican cheese
• Beef
• Pork
• Chicken
• Fish
• Shrimp
• Chorizo
• Eggs
• Hot peppers
• Green sauce
• Red sauce
• Red onion
• Tomato
• Hot sauce
• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Red onion
• Cheese
• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Avocado
• Guacamole
• Black olives
• Sauteed onions
• Peppers
• Black beans
• Cheese
• Chicken
• Beef
• Fish
• Shrimp
• Scallions
• Jalapeno
• Cilantro
• Lime
• Greek yogurt
• Spicy mayo
• Ground beef or turkey
• Fried or grilled fish
• Ground beef
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Avocado
• Guacamole
• Black olives
• Sauteed onions
• Peppers
• Black beans
• Cheese
• Chicken
• Beef
• Fish
• Shrimp
• Scallions
• Jalapeno
• Cilantro
• Lime
• Greek yogurt
• Spicy mayo

Tips for a Taco Bar:

If you're setting up a taco bar for a gathering, here are some tips to make it a success:

• Provide a variety of tortillas, such as small corn tortillas or soft tortillas made with a mix of corn and wheat flour.
• Offer different types of beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans, seasoned with cumin, oregano, and lime.
• Include a side dish like cilantro lime rice, which is a perfect complement to tacos.
• Veggie toppings add crunch and flavour to your tacos. Try shredded lettuce, sliced radishes, diced onions, or a quick slaw made with red cabbage, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
• Don't forget the creamy toppings! Options like sliced avocado, guacamole, or cashew sour cream will make your tacos richer and more satisfying.
• Pickled toppings like pickled onions, jalapeños, or radishes add a delicious crunch and a pop of flavour.
• Provide a variety of salsas, such as pico de gallo, salsa verde, or mango salsa.
• If you're serving meat, consider options like ground beef, steak, chicken, or pork. You can also offer vegetarian alternatives like shiitake walnut taco meat or jackfruit taco filling.
• Don't forget the cheese! Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija cheese are all great options.
• Set out bowls for toppings and tortillas, and let your guests build their own custom tacos.

Frequently asked questions