Air Fryer Taco Meat: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Yes, you can make taco meat in an air fryer! It's an easy and quick way to cook ground beef for tacos, and it's perfect for busy weeknights. The fat drains out of the meat while it cooks, leaving you with lean, crispy beef ready for your taco in just 5-10 minutes.

To make taco meat in an air fryer, you'll need ground beef, preferably with a fat content that suits your recipe and taste. Season the meat with salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. You can also add diced onions or onion powder for more flavour. Place the meat in the air fryer basket and cook at around 390-400°F for 5 minutes. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula, and then cook for another 2-5 minutes until it's fully cooked.

You can then use the meat in tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, or any other dish you like. Enjoy!

How to cook taco meat in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make taco meat in an air fryer:

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Taco seasoning
• Water

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375˚F to 400˚F.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef

• Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket.
• Use a wooden spoon, spatula, or meat masher to break up the ground beef into small pieces.

Step 3: Air Fry the Beef

• Air fry the ground beef for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and break up the beef into smaller pieces again.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and air fry for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked.

Step 4: Season the Beef

• Remove the basket from the air fryer and add the seasonings.
• Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and taco seasoning to taste.
• Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the seasonings.

Step 5: Air Fry Again

Air fry the seasoned beef for an additional 1 to 3 minutes, or until it is browned and crispy.

Step 6: Serve or Store

• Transfer the taco meat to a plate or container.
• If the meat is dry, you can mix in a tablespoon of water.
• The cooked taco meat can be served immediately or stored for later use.

Tips

• It is important to break up the ground beef into small, even pieces before air frying to ensure even cooking.
• You can adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• Depending on your air fryer model and the amount of beef used, the cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on the meat to avoid overcooking.
• For crispy ground beef, add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
• If you are using frozen ground beef, it is best to thaw it before cooking. However, if you are cooking from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and break up the meat more frequently.

How to make taco shells in an air fryer

Making taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare for taco night without needing an oven or stovetop. Here is a simple method for making crispy taco shells in an air fryer.

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Pastry brush
• Taco mold (optional)
• Aluminum foil (if you don't have a taco mold)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Lightly coat both sides of each tortilla with oil using a pastry brush.
• Drape the tortilla over a taco mold and place it in the air fryer basket. If you don't have a taco mold, you can create small tents with aluminum foil and lay the tortillas over them as they cook.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Air fry the taco shells for 4-6 minutes until they turn golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them after 2 minutes, as the fan may shift the tortilla.
• Fill the crispy taco shells with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can season the shells with onion soup mix, buffalo wing mix, taco seasoning, coarse kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, chipotle chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce.
• If using soft flour or corn tortillas, wrap them in foil and air fry for 3-4 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
• For hard taco shells, arrange them in a single layer and air fry for 2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on your preferred level of crispness.

What to serve with air fryer tacos

Air fryer tacos are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Side Dishes

• Salad: A fresh and healthy option to balance out the fried tacos.
• Chips and Salsa: For an extra crunchy bite, serve your tacos with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.
• Guacamole: This classic Mexican dip is perfect for adding a creamy and spicy kick to your meal.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh and flavourful, pico de gallo is a great way to add some extra vegetables to your plate.

Main Course Ideas

• Burrito Bowl: If you're serving your tacos as a starter or snack, a burrito bowl can be a great main course option. Fill it with rice, beans, veggies, and your choice of protein.
• Taco Salad: For a heartier option, serve a taco salad as your main course. This can include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and your choice of protein, all tossed together with a tangy dressing.
• Nachos: For a fun and casual main course, serve a big plate of nachos loaded with cheese, beans, and your choice of toppings.

Dessert Ideas

• Churros: For a sweet ending to your meal, serve some crispy and sugary churros.
• Flan: This creamy caramel custard is a classic Mexican dessert that's sure to impress.
• Sopapillas: These fried pastry pillows are a sweet and fluffy treat that can be filled with honey, cinnamon sugar, or even ice cream.

How to store and reheat air fryer taco meat

Storing and reheating air fryer taco meat is simple. If you have cooked up a large batch of taco meat, you can divide it and freeze it in airtight containers. Then, when you want a quick meal, simply take out the amount you need, and heat it up.

Storing Air Fryer Taco Meat

Leftover ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to six days.

Reheating Air Fryer Taco Meat

You can reheat taco meat in the microwave, but if you want to retain the crispy texture, it is best to reheat it in the air fryer. Simply place the meat in the air fryer basket and sprinkle with a little water or sauce if it is dry. Reheat for a few minutes until warmed through.

If you are reheating tacos, it is best to remove any cold toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or sour cream, first. Then, place the tacos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and reheat for around five minutes. Finally, add your cold toppings back on, and serve.

How to clean an air fryer after cooking ground beef

It's easy to clean your air fryer after cooking ground beef. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, allow your air fryer to cool down. It's important that you don't try to clean it while it's still hot, as this can be dangerous. Once it has cooled, remove the basket and pan. You may need to refer to your air fryer's instruction manual to do this safely.

Next, fill your sink with hot, soapy water. Carefully wash the basket and pan in the hot, soapy water, using a sponge or brush to remove any residue. If there is tough residue that won't come off, you may need to soak the basket and pan for a while before attempting to scrub it again.

Alternatively, if your air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, you can place them in the dishwasher. Check your instruction manual to see if this is an option.

Finally, dry the basket and pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. You can now put your air fryer back together, ready for its next use.

Some additional tips for cleaning your air fryer after cooking ground beef:

• If there is a lot of grease or fat left in the air fryer, you may want to pour it out into a container before washing. Grease can clog your sink, so it's best to avoid pouring it straight down the drain.
• If you don't want to wash your air fryer basket and pan straight after cooking, you can fill them with hot, soapy water to soak while you eat. This will make it easier to clean them later.
• Remember to also wipe down the outside of your air fryer, especially if there are any grease splatters.

Frequently asked questions