Air-Fried Taco Meat: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook taco meat, as they are fast, easy to use, and result in delicious, juicy, and tender meat. You can use an air fryer to cook ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken, and then add this to your tacos. The best part is that the fat drains to the bottom of the air fryer, leaving you with lean meat that is not sitting in excess oil or fat. You can also use an air fryer to crisp up your tacos once you've filled them with your chosen toppings.

Air fryer taco meat recipes

Air-fried tacos are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be made in a few simple steps. Here are some recipes for making taco meat in an air fryer.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Salt
• Spices (paprika, cumin, black pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
• Onion
• Flour tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (lettuce, cheese, avocado, salsa, etc.)

Method

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375˚F-400˚F. Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket and use a wooden spoon, spatula, or meat masher to break it down and crumble it. You can also cook the ground beef in a skillet before placing it in the air fryer.

Air fry the beef for 3-5 minutes. Then, remove the basket and use a spoon or spatula to break down any remaining lumps of meat. You can also add diced onions or onion powder for extra flavor.

Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the meat is cooked to your liking. Drain the fat and transfer the meat to a baking pan. Add taco seasoning and any other desired spices, then toss to coat the meat evenly.

Finally, place the seasoned meat back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it is cooked through.

Assembling the Tacos

Place the flour tortillas in a metal taco holder and fill them with the meat mixture. You can also add your desired toppings to the tacos before placing them in the air fryer, or add them afterwards.

Lightly spray both sides of the tortillas with non-stick cooking spray. Place the tacos back in the holder and then into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 355˚F-390˚F for about 4-8 minutes, or until the tacos are crispy.

Storage

Leftover ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-6 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, sprinkle some water or add sauce to the meat, and either microwave it or place it in the air fryer.

Ground beef preparation

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various air-fried dishes, such as tacos, bowls, sandwiches, and more. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare ground beef in an air fryer:

Choosing the Right Beef:

When purchasing ground beef, opt for a fat content that aligns with your desired outcome. For example, extra lean meat (90/10) is ideal for tacos as it yields a crispier texture, while a higher fat content (80/20) is perfect for juicy burgers and meatloaf.

Seasoning:

Seasoning plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavour of your ground beef. Here are some options to consider:

• Salt and Pepper: These are essential for seasoning and will enhance the natural flavours of the beef.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savoury note to the beef.
• Onion Powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour.
• Paprika: Contributes a mild spiciness and vibrant colour.
• Cumin: Offers an earthy, warm flavour.
• Chili Powder: For a spicy kick.
• You can also use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning, which often includes a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Marinating:

If time allows, marinate the seasoned ground beef in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This simple step will amplify the flavours of your dish.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to help sear the meat, locking in juices and flavour. Most recipes recommend preheating to 375˚F or 380˚F, but some go as high as 390˚F.

Cooking the Ground Beef:

Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket and use a spatula or meat masher to break it into smaller pieces. Spread the beef in a single layer for even cooking.

Cooking time can vary depending on the quantity of beef and the size of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the beef for 5 minutes, then open the air fryer and use the spatula or meat masher to crumble the beef further. Add your chosen seasonings and toss to combine.

Return the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For crispy ground beef, add a couple of extra minutes.

Checking Doneness:

To ensure your ground beef is fully cooked, it should reach a safe internal temperature of 160˚F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Storing and Reheating:

Leftover ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 days. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw frozen ground beef overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature if cooking the same day. Reheating in the air fryer may dry out the meat, so it is recommended to use the microwave or a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Air fryer settings

To cook taco meat in an air fryer, start by lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper, a silicone liner, or aluminum foil. If you use foil, make sure the sides are high enough to allow air circulation. You can also spray the basket with grapeseed oil or non-stick cooking spray.

Next, place the raw ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or flank steak into the basket. For ground beef, use a meat masher to break up the meat before cooking. If you are using flank steak, make sure to marinate it for at least 8 hours before placing it in the air fryer.

Set the air fryer temperature to 390°F–400°F and cook the meat for 5 minutes. Then, open the air fryer and use the meat masher to crumble the beef. Add the taco seasoning and toss to mix.

Finally, cook the meat for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until it is cooked through. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the meat to avoid overcooking.

Storage and reheating

Storing your taco meat correctly is essential to ensure it remains tasty and safe to eat. It is best to store your leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally in the coldest part, usually the back. It is important to put the meat in the fridge within two hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.

Taco meat can be safely kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. However, some sources suggest it can be stored for up to 5 or 6 days. If you want to keep your taco meat for longer, you can freeze it. It will stay good to eat for up to 3 or 4 months. When you are ready to eat your frozen taco meat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating taco meat can be done in several ways, and the best method may depend on your personal preference and the appliances you have available. The microwave is a fast and convenient option. Place the taco meat in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat the meat on high for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. You can also add a tablespoon of water before heating to add moisture.

You can also reheat taco meat on the stovetop, which allows you to add extra flavour. Place the meat in a skillet over medium heat and break up any large chunks with a wooden spoon. Add a splash of oil and a couple of tablespoons of water to prevent sticking. You can also add extra seasonings, such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, or salsa, to boost the flavour. Stir frequently and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until heated through.

If you want your taco meat to have a crispy texture, you can reheat it in the air fryer. However, this method can make the meat dry, so it is recommended to sprinkle some water or sauce on top. Place the meat in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can also first heat the meat in the microwave, and then transfer it to the air fryer to crisp it up.

Other reheating methods include baking the meat in the oven or using a slow cooker. You can also get creative and use your leftover taco meat in various dishes, such as taco salads, pizza, or soup.

Taco toppings

Yes, you can cook taco meat in an air fryer. It is a fast, easy, and convenient method to cook ground beef, resulting in flavourful meat that can be used for tacos, pasta, sandwiches, and more.

Now, for the toppings! The world is your oyster when it comes to taco toppings. You can go for the classic toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and hot sauce. You can also add some guacamole, salsa, and sliced radishes to the mix. If you want to spice things up, try adding fusion toppings like General Tso's chicken, Korean BBQ, or Indian-inspired chicken tikka. For a crunchy garnish, make a quick slaw by mixing red cabbage with lime juice, salt, and pepper. For a vegan option, shiitake mushrooms and jackfruit can be used as savoury and smoky taco "meats". If you're a fan of avocados, try slicing them up or making some guacamole to put on your tacos, with some hot sauce and cilantro. For a Mexican-style taco, stick to cilantro, onion, and salsa. For an American-style taco, add cheese, diced tomatoes, olives, salsa, and shredded cabbage instead of lettuce.

Frequently asked questions