Air Fryer Crispy Tacos: Perfect Shells Every Time?

Making crispy taco shells in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty alternative to store-bought shells. Air-fried shells are healthier, as they require less oil, and are also quick and easy to make. The shells can be made from corn or flour tortillas, and filled with your favourite toppings. The air fryer method is also versatile, as it can be used to make soft or hard taco shells, and even tortilla chips.

How to make crispy taco shells in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Soft corn tortillas or small flour tortillas
• Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray
• Your choice of fillings and toppings, such as taco meat, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, hot sauce, cheese, refried beans, or pico de gallo

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up for a few minutes. This ensures that your taco shells cook evenly and become crispy.
• Prepare your taco shells: Take the desired number of taco shells and heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable. This step is especially important if you're using corn tortillas, as it helps prevent cracking.
• Spray or brush your taco shells: Lightly coat both sides of each tortilla with oil or cooking spray. This will help them get crispy and golden brown in the air fryer.
• Shape your taco shells: Drape the shells over taco molds and place them in the air fryer basket. If you don't have taco molds, you can use aluminum foil to create small tents for the tortillas to rest on as they cook. Alternatively, you can fill and fold your tortillas before placing them in the air fryer.
• Air fry: Cook your taco shells at 400°F for 4-6 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and check after two minutes as the fan may shift the tortillas.
• Fill and serve: Once your taco shells are crispy and golden, carefully remove them from the air fryer and fill them with your favorite toppings.

Tips:

• You can season your taco shells before cooking by sprinkling on some salt, chili powder, or other spices.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake your taco shells in the oven at 375°F for 7-10 minutes.
• Store leftover taco shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips for preventing shells from cracking

When making crispy taco shells in an air fryer, there are several things to keep in mind to prevent the shells from cracking. Here are some essential tips to ensure your taco shells come out perfect every time:

Choose the Right Tortillas

The type of tortilla you use is crucial. Flour tortillas are more pliable and less likely to crack than corn tortillas. Look for soft flour tortillas that are fresh and not dried out. If you prefer corn tortillas, choose the thickest ones you can find, as they will be sturdier and less prone to cracking.

Moisturize the Tortillas

Before placing the tortillas in the air fryer, lightly brush or spray both sides with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray. This adds moisture and helps the tortillas become crispy without drying out and cracking. You can also spritz them with water before adding them to the air fryer for some extra moisture.

Don't Overfill the Air Fryer

Make sure there is enough space between the tortillas in the air fryer basket. Overfilling the air fryer can cause uneven cooking and lead to soggy or cracked shells. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the taco shells in batches.

Control the Temperature

Cooking at too high a temperature can cause the tortillas to crack. Set your air fryer to a lower temperature, aiming for around 350°F to 375°F, and cook the shells for a slightly longer time. This will ensure that the tortillas crisp up without becoming too brittle and cracking.

Use a Taco Shell Mold

To get the perfect shape and prevent cracking, use a taco shell mold. Reusable metal taco shell molds are available that fit in your air fryer and hold the tortillas in the ideal shape as they crisp up. This ensures that your taco shells have a stable structure and don't crack or collapse.

Don't Overcook

Keep a close eye on the taco shells as they cook. Overcooking can lead to brittle shells that are more prone to cracking. The ideal cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the tortillas you're using, so check on the shells frequently until you get a sense of how long they need to cook.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, crispy taco shells straight from your air fryer, confident that cracked shells won't ruin your meal.

How to store leftover taco shells

You can store leftover taco shells in an airtight container or a tightly sealed storage bag on your kitchen counter for 2-3 days. It is important to let the taco shells cool down before storing them to prevent condensation from forming inside the container. It is not recommended to freeze cooked taco shells as the oil has already seeped into the shells, and when they thaw out, the tortillas will become mealy and fall apart.

Some people suggest storing leftover taco shells in a ziplock bag or a Tupperware container to keep them fresh.

How to make homemade tortilla chips

Making tortilla chips in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas (taco-sized)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt to taste

Optional:

• Lime juice
• Cajun seasoning, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, or sugar for extra flavour

Method:

• Prepare the tortillas: Slice the tortillas into 6-8 triangular pieces, depending on their size. You can use a pizza cutter or kitchen scissors to make this process easier.
• Add oil and seasoning: Lightly spray or brush the tortilla pieces with oil and sprinkle with salt. You can also add extra flavourings like lime juice or cajun seasoning.
• Air fry: Place the tortilla pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook at 350°F for 3 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until browned and crisp.
• Cool and serve: Remove the tortilla chips from the air fryer and let them cool. They will continue to crisp as they cool. Serve with your favourite dips like salsa, cheese sauce, or guacamole.

Tips:

• You can also make tortilla chips in the oven. Follow the same preparation steps, then bake at 350°F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.
• If you want to make your tortilla chips extra crispy, put them back in the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• Store leftover tortilla chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Enjoy your homemade tortilla chips!

Best cheese for tacos

Cheese is a popular ingredient for tacos, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. The best cheese for your tacos depends on the type of taco you are making and your personal preference.

Classic Taco Cheese

In the United States, the classic cheese for tacos is shredded Monterey Jack. This is the type of cheese you will find in most American-Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurants. It is a soft, white cheese that melts well and has a mild flavour.

Other classic taco cheeses include:

• White American cheese
• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Muenster
• Chihuahua
• Asadero
• Queso Fresco
• Queso Blanco
• Oaxaca
• Cotija

Mexican Taco Cheese

For a more authentic Mexican taco, you might want to try a Mexican cheese. These are likely to be white cheeses, such as:

• Cotija
• Queso Fresco
• Queso Blanco
• Oaxaca
• Asadero
• Quesillo
• Chihuahua
• Crumbled Feta

Vegan Taco Cheese

If you are making vegan tacos, you could try a plant-based cheese such as Field Roast Chao Creamery Plant-Based Shreds Mexican Style Blend.

Pre-Shredded Taco Cheese

If you are short on time, you can buy pre-shredded Mexican-style cheese blends. These usually include a combination of queso quesadilla, asadero, Monterey Jack, and/or cheddar. Some popular blends include:

• Kraft Mexican Style Four Cheese Blend
• Trader Joe's Fancy Shredded Mexican Style Cheese Blend
• Tillamook Mexican 4 Cheese Farmstyle Thick Cut
• Sargento 4 Cheese Mexican
• Great Value Taco Blend

Making Crispy Taco Shells in an Air Fryer

You can make crispy taco shells in an air fryer by brushing tortillas with oil and placing them over a taco mould or aluminium foil in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-8 minutes, until golden and crisp. You can then fill your crispy taco shells with your choice of toppings and cheese.

Frequently asked questions