Air Fryer Magic: Taco Bowls, A Tasty Treat!

Air fryers have become increasingly popular for their convenience and ability to create healthier versions of traditionally fried foods. One fun and tasty dish you can make in an air fryer is taco bowls, which are a creative twist on traditional tacos. You can make crispy, edible tortilla bowls in your air fryer in just a few minutes, providing a unique way to serve taco salads or other Mexican-inspired dishes. This technique is simple and healthier than frying the tortilla bowls in oil, resulting in a fun and delicious meal option for the whole family.

Choosing the right tortillas

When making taco bowls in an air fryer, it's important to select the right tortillas to ensure they fit well in your air fryer basket and hold their shape during cooking. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect tortillas for your taco bowls:

Type of Tortilla

You can use either flour tortillas or corn tortillas to make taco bowls. Flour tortillas are more commonly used and are available in various sizes, including burrito size and smaller taco sizes. Corn tortillas are a good gluten-free option, but they may need to be softened in the microwave before air frying to make them more pliable.

Size of Tortilla

The size of the tortilla you choose will depend on the size of your air fryer basket. If you have a small air fryer, opt for 8-inch tortillas or smaller. For larger air fryers, you can use 10-inch tortillas or burrito-sized tortillas. It's important to ensure that the tortilla doesn't hang too much over the edges of your mould, as this can affect the shape of your taco bowl.

Freshness and Pliability

To achieve a crispy yet flexible taco bowl, choose fresh and pliable tortillas. Older tortillas may become brittle and break during the shaping process. Softening the tortillas by heating them in a skillet or on a gas stove can make them more pliable and easier to work with.

Experimentation

You may need to experiment with different tortillas and moulds to find the perfect combination for your air fryer. Try different sizes and types of tortillas to see which ones work best for you. You can also try using aluminium foil or oven-safe bowls to create the desired shape for your taco bowls.

Storage and Usage

It's best to use the taco bowls on the same day they are made, as they may lose their crispness over time. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

By following these tips and choosing the right tortillas, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy taco bowls in your air fryer! Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create a fun and personalised taco experience for you and your family.

Shaping the tortillas

Firstly, choose the right tortillas. It is recommended to use small flour tortillas or corn tortillas that fit well in your air fryer basket. Ensure they are fresh and pliable to achieve a crispy yet flexible taco bowl.

Now, for the shaping:

• Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spray it with cooking spray on both sides. You can also brush the tortilla with oil or rub it evenly on both sides. This step is essential as it helps to enhance the crispiness and promote even browning during cooking.
• Gently press the tortilla into an oven-safe bowl, slightly larger than the tortilla itself, or use a taco bowl mold designed for air fryers. Make sure the tortilla is pressed down evenly, forming a bowl shape. You can also place a smaller bowl on top of the tortilla to help it hold its shape.
• If you are using foil, double the foil to be slightly larger than the tortilla. Place the tortilla on the foil and carefully press it into the air fryer basket, using the foil to shape it into a bowl.
• Place a ramekin or something oven-safe and similar in size in the middle of the tortilla to weigh it down and keep it from growing a large air bubble in the middle.
• For a square air fryer, place the doubled foil under the tortilla, form it into a circle slightly larger than the tortilla, and then form the foil and tortilla into a bowl shape. Take the extra foil and fold it over the edge of the tortilla to help maintain its shape and prevent over-browning.
• If your air fryer basket is round, you can make bowls the same size as the basket. However, if your basket isn't round, you may need to adjust the foil placement accordingly.

By following these steps, you will be able to shape the tortillas perfectly for your air fryer taco bowls.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process, and it can make a significant difference in the final outcome of your taco bowls. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through preheating your air fryer effectively:

Understanding the Importance of Preheating

Before delving into the steps, let's understand why preheating your air fryer is essential. Firstly, preheating ensures that your taco bowls cook evenly. When you place your tortilla bowls in a preheated air fryer, they begin cooking at a consistent temperature from the start, resulting in a more uniform texture and colour. Secondly, preheating helps you achieve that sought-after crispy texture. By starting at a higher temperature, you promote the browning and crisping of your taco bowls, giving them that desirable golden crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preheating

• Set the Desired Temperature: The first step is to set the temperature on your air fryer to the required cooking temperature. For taco bowls, you'll typically want to preheat your air fryer to around 375°F to 400°F. This temperature range is ideal for achieving that crispy texture.
• Leave the Basket Inside: Ensure that you leave the air fryer basket inside the unit during preheating. This allows the basket to get nice and hot, which will help sear and toast your taco bowls, giving them those beautiful grill marks.
• Press Start or Preheat: After setting the temperature, press the "Start" or "Preheat" button on your air fryer. This initiates the preheating process, and the appliance will begin to heat up.
• Allow Warm-up Time: Give your air fryer a few minutes to warm up and reach the desired temperature. Smaller air fryers may take around 2-3 minutes, while larger ones might need 4-5 minutes. Most air fryers will preheat to 400°F in about 3-5 minutes.
• Timing is Key: Keep an eye on the timing during preheating. For steak or burgers, preheat for about 3-4 minutes at 400°F to get that perfect sear. If you're cooking more delicate foods, you might want to skip preheating altogether to prevent overcooking or drying out your ingredients.
• Consider the Cooking Time: If your dish has a long cooking time, such as roasting a chicken or baking a potato, you may choose to skip preheating. In these cases, the food will be in the air fryer for an extended period, so preheating is unnecessary.

Additional Tips for Preheating

• Consistency is Key: For the best results, aim for consistency in your preheating routine. Preheat your air fryer for the same amount of time and at the same temperature each time you cook taco bowls. This will help you master the technique and ensure delicious, crispy bowls every time.
• Don't Overcrowd the Basket: When cooking your taco bowls, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the tortilla bowls to allow hot air to circulate effectively. If you're cooking for a large group, consider making smaller batches to maintain crispiness.
• Oil for Even Browning: Lightly brush both sides of your tortilla bowls with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This helps enhance browning and promotes an even, golden-brown colour.
• Flip for Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking and browning on both sides, carefully flip your tortilla bowls halfway through the cooking process. This technique helps prevent burning and ensures a consistent texture.

Brushing with oil

Before placing the tortilla bowls in the air fryer, lightly brush them with oil on both sides. This step is crucial as it helps enhance the crispiness of the tortilla bowls and promotes an even, golden-brown colour during the air frying process.

When brushing with oil, use a pastry brush to ensure an even and light coating. You can use various types of oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even olive oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavour to avoid affecting the taste of your taco bowls.

The amount of oil you use is also important. You only need a thin layer of oil to achieve the desired effect. Excess oil may cause the tortilla bowls to become greasy and affect the overall texture. Ensure you evenly coat the entire surface of the tortilla, including the edges, to prevent any uneven browning or burning.

Additionally, if you want to add some extra flavour to your taco bowls, you can infuse your oil with herbs or spices. For example, you could add some chilli flakes or dried oregano to the oil and brush it onto the tortillas for a subtle kick. Just be mindful that not everyone enjoys spicy food, so perhaps prepare some plain oil-brushed tortilla bowls as well.

Finally, if you're concerned about the added calories or fat from the oil, you can simply spray the tortillas with cooking spray instead of brushing them with oil. This will still help achieve the desired crispiness without adding as much oil. However, brushing with oil does provide a more even and consistent coating, resulting in a more uniform texture and colour.

Filling and topping ideas

Once you've made your taco bowls, it's time to fill and top them with your favourite ingredients. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Proteins

• Ground beef
• Shredded chicken
• Shredded beef
• Beans
• Ground turkey
• Rotisserie chicken

Vegetables

• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Green onions
• Onions
• Peppers

Dairy

• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack, Tex Mex, Mexican blend, etc.)
• Sour cream
• Crema

Sauces

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Salsa ranch dressing

Crunchy Toppings

• Crushed tortilla chips
• Toasted pumpkin seeds
• Crispy fried onions

The beauty of taco bowls is that you can customise them to your liking. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of fillings and toppings to find your perfect taco bowl!

Frequently asked questions