Air-Frying Hard Taco Shells: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Tacos are a delicious meal, but they can be messy and time-consuming to make. One of the most important parts of a taco is the shell, which can be soft or hard. Hard taco shells are typically made by deep-frying soft tortillas, but this can be messy and unhealthy. An air fryer is a great alternative to deep-frying as it uses less oil and creates less mess. Air-fried tacos are also healthier, with fewer calories and less fat. You can use an air fryer to make your own hard taco shells from soft tortillas, or to reheat store-bought hard taco shells.

Air fryer taco shells are healthier than deep-fried shells

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and this extends to taco shells. Air fryers use less oil, which means that air-fried foods have a lower fat content than deep-fried foods. This can help with weight management and the prevention of obesity-related health conditions, as well as helping to manage cholesterol levels and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Deep-frying involves heating large amounts of oil to very high temperatures, which can pose safety risks in the kitchen, including the risk of spilling, splashing, or accidentally touching hot oil. Air fryers, on the other hand, use a fan to circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. This also means there is no risk of spilling or splashing hot oil, making it safer to use.

Air fryers can also preserve certain nutrients during the cooking process, such as vitamin C and protective plant compounds called polyphenols. In addition, air-fried foods are less likely to contain dangerous compounds that can develop during high-heat cooking methods, such as acrylamide, which is a known carcinogen.

When it comes to taco shells, air fryers offer a convenient and healthy way to prepare them. By draping the tortilla over a taco mold or an oven rack, you can create crispy taco shells without the mess and fuss of hot oil in a skillet. Air fryer taco shells are also quick to make, typically taking around 4-6 minutes to cook, making them a perfect option for a weeknight dinner.

Overall, air fryer taco shells are a healthier alternative to deep-fried shells, offering similar flavors with fewer adverse effects on your health. They are also safer to prepare, quicker to cook, and can be stored in an airtight container for 2-4 days, making them a convenient option for taco lovers.

Corn tortillas are better than flour tortillas for hard taco shells

Yes, you can cook hard taco shells in an air fryer. To make crispy taco shells, drape the tortilla over a taco mould and place it in the air fryer basket. If you don't have a mould, you can use aluminium foil to create small tents for the tortillas to sit on as they cook. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes until golden and crisp.

Now, why are corn tortillas better than flour tortillas for hard taco shells? Firstly, corn tortillas are the traditional choice for tacos, especially in Mexico, where soft corn tortillas are considered the authentic option. Corn tortillas are typically served and eaten warm, as they lose their pliability as they cool down. Baking or frying corn tortillas produces a hard, sturdy, and crunchy texture, perfect for hard taco shells. On the other hand, flour tortillas tend to result in a frail shell that can easily fall apart, making it less suitable for holding fillings or sauces. Corn tortillas also have a slight edge in terms of nutrition, containing slightly fewer carbohydrates than flour tortillas.

Additionally, corn tortillas come in various colours, including white, yellow, and blue, offering a range of options to suit different preferences and aesthetics. While the choice between corn and flour tortillas ultimately comes down to individual preference, corn tortillas provide a more authentic and sturdy base for hard taco shells, especially when fried or baked to achieve that signature crunch.

When making crispy taco shells in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Be sure to keep an eye on the tortillas during the cooking process to prevent burning. You can also experiment with different toppings and fillings to customise your tacos further.

How to reheat leftover taco shells

Yes, you can cook hard taco shells in an air fryer! It's a quick and convenient way to get your taco shells warm and crispy, without needing an oven or stovetop. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since you don't need to use any oil.

Now, if you have leftover taco shells that you want to reheat, here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It's a good idea to preheat, just like you would with an oven, so the shells go into a hot basket.
• Arrange the shells: Place the leftover taco shells in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other, with enough space for the air to circulate.
• Heat the shells: Air fry the taco shells for about 2 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can overcook quickly. Depending on your air fryer's settings and wattage, you may need to adjust the time. For extra crispy shells, add another minute or two to the cooking time.
• Fill and serve: Once the shells are heated through and crispy, they're ready to be filled with your favourite toppings. Enjoy your delicious, fresh-tasting tacos all over again!

You can reheat any type of leftover taco shells, whether they are from a restaurant or homemade, soft or hard shells. This method works for all kinds of tacos, so you can have warm and crispy tacos any time.

How to store leftover taco shells

Yes, you can cook hard taco shells in an air fryer. Here's a simple recipe for crispy taco shells:

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're using an air fryer oven, you can hang the tortillas over the oven racks. If not, drape the tortillas over a taco mold and place them in the air fryer basket. If you don't have a taco mold, you can use aluminum foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook. Spray the tortillas with cooking spray or lightly brush both sides with oil. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, checking after two minutes to ensure the fan doesn't shift the tortilla, until they are golden and crisp.

Now, onto the main concern of storing leftover taco shells. The key to preserving leftover taco shells is to prevent them from drying out. Here are some methods to achieve this:

• Room Temperature Storage: You can store leftover taco shells in an airtight container or a tightly sealed storage bag on your kitchen counter. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature.
• Refrigerator Storage: If you want to extend the shelf life of your leftover taco shells, store them in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator. They will last for about a month in the fridge. Ensure you press out as much air as possible from the bag before placing them in the fridge.
• Freezer Storage: It is not recommended to freeze cooked taco shells as the oil in the shells can make them mealy and cause them to fall apart when thawed. However, if you have leftover tortillas that you haven't cooked yet, you can freeze them. Wrap them in a damp kitchen towel, place them in an ovenproof container, and freeze them.

By following these storage methods, you can keep your leftover taco shells fresh and crispy for future meals without having to worry about waste.

How to make soft taco shells crispy

Yes, you can cook hard taco shells in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make soft taco shells crispy:

Firstly, ensure you have the right equipment. You will need an air fryer, a pastry brush, and some cooking oil. You will also need a taco mold, or some aluminum foil to make small tents, to help the tortillas keep their shape.

Secondly, prepare your tortillas. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, but corn tortillas are sturdier and better at holding their shape. Spray the top and bottom of each tortilla with cooking spray, or brush lightly with oil. You can also sprinkle with lime juice and seasoning, such as salt and pepper, for extra flavor.

Thirdly, drape the tortillas over the taco mold, or your aluminum foil tent, and place them in the air fryer basket. If you are using an air fryer with racks, you can place the tortillas directly over the rack, allowing them to hang down.

Finally, air fry at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes, until golden and crisp. Check on your tortillas after two minutes, as the fan may cause them to shift. Once cooked, fill with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Leftover tortillas can be stored in an airtight container for 2-4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot.

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