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

Air fryers are a great way to make taco meat. Not only is it a healthier option, but it's also faster and easier to clean up. You can use any type of ground beef, but leaner meat is generally recommended to avoid a greasy outcome. Simply season the meat, place it in the air fryer basket, and cook for around 5 minutes. You can also add toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa to your tacos.

How to cook taco meat in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Spices (e.g. paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano)
• Taco seasoning
• Water (optional)
• Non-stick cooking spray (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Meat masher or wooden spoon
• Air fryer-safe baking pan (optional)
• Colander (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400˚F.
• Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket and use a meat masher or wooden spoon to break it into small pieces.
• Cook for 3 minutes, then remove the basket and break up any lumps of meat.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the meat is no longer pink.
• Add salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices to the ground beef. Mix to coat the meat evenly.
• Cook for a further 1 minute until the meat is brown and crispy.
• (Optional) If the meat is dry, transfer to a plate and mix in a tablespoon of water.
• Discard the fat that has pooled at the bottom of the air fryer tray.

Tips

• If you are using frozen ground beef, thaw it fully before cooking.
• If you are making a large batch, cook the ground beef in batches so that it cooks evenly.
• If you want to reduce the amount of fat in your taco meat, use leaner beef.
• If you want to add extra flavour, you can cook diced onions with the meat.
• If you are making tacos, you can add your favourite toppings (e.g. lettuce, cheese, salsa, avocado, etc.) before or after cooking the tacos in the air fryer.
• To store leftovers, allow the meat to cool and then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-6 days.

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. This guide will show you how to make crispy and delicious taco shells using an air fryer.

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Pastry brush
• Taco mold (optional)
• Aluminum foil
• Air fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer. For corn tortillas, preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For flour tortillas, preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lightly coat both sides of each tortilla with oil using a pastry brush. This will help to crisp up the tortillas and give them a golden color.
• Drape the tortillas over a taco mold, if you have one. If not, you can create a small tent with aluminum foil and lay the tortillas over it.
• Place the mold or aluminum foil with the draped tortillas into the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes for corn tortillas or 3-4 minutes for flour tortillas. Keep an eye on the tortillas after the first 2 minutes, as the fan may shift them.
• Remove the crispy taco shells from the air fryer and fill them with your favorite toppings.

Tips:

• If using an air fryer with racks, you can place the tortillas directly over the racks, hanging down, to air fry.
• You can season your taco shells by sprinkling a pinch of onion soup mix, buffalo wing mix, or taco seasoning. A classic flavor profile is a touch of coarse kosher salt and black pepper. For a spicy kick, use red pepper flakes, chipotle chili powder, or rub a favorite hot sauce on the outside.
• If you have leftover tortillas, you can cut them into chip shapes and air fry them to make homemade tortilla chips.
• Store leftover taco shells in an airtight container or sealed storage bag on the kitchen counter for 2-3 days. It is not recommended to freeze cooked taco shells as they may become mealy and fall apart when thawed.

What to serve with air fryer tacos

Air fryer tacos are versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your taco night:

Toppings

Tacos can be served with a variety of toppings to enhance their flavour and texture. Here are some popular options:

• Salsa: Try a restaurant-style salsa or make your own fresh salsa.
• Cheese: Cheddar, pepper jack, Tex Mex, or a Mexican cheese blend are great options.
• Crema: Sour cream or lime crema can add a tangy twist.
• Vegetables: Fresh cilantro, green onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion can add a crunchy and colourful touch.
• Guacamole: Avocado or guacamole will add a creamy texture.

Sides

To make your taco night a well-rounded meal, consider serving these sides:

• Beans: Black, pinto, or refried beans are classic taco night sides.
• Rice: Try Spanish rice or another flavoured rice dish.
• Salad: A taco salad with all your favourite fixings can be a refreshing side.
• Tortillas: You can serve soft tortillas on the side to make taco wraps.

Drinks

To complement your taco feast, offer your guests a selection of drinks:

• Wine: A glass of light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Gamay, tends to pair well with tacos.
• Margaritas: This classic cocktail is a perfect match for tacos.
• Beer: A crisp, cold beer can also be a refreshing choice to accompany the flavours of tacos.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create a unique and enjoyable taco night experience!

Storing and reheating air fryer taco meat

Storing Air Fryer Taco Meat:

It is essential to store leftover taco meat properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to consume. Here are the steps to follow:

• Allow the cooked taco meat to cool down: Before storing, let the taco meat cool to room temperature. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Use an airtight container: Place the leftover taco meat in an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents odours from seeping into the meat.
• Refrigerate: Store the airtight container in the refrigerator. Taco meat can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 5-6 days.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store the taco meat for longer, consider freezing it. Place the airtight container in the freezer, where it can be stored for up to 6 weeks.

Reheating Air Fryer Taco Meat:

When it comes to reheating your stored taco meat, there are a few options available:

• Reheating in the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F - 375°F. Place the desired amount of taco meat in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-5 minutes, or until it is thoroughly warmed. This method will help maintain the crispiness of the meat.
• Reheating in the Microwave: Place the taco meat in a microwave-safe container and heat it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method is convenient for quick reheating.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: You can also reheat taco meat in a pan on the stovetop. Place the meat in a pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even heating.

Tips for Reheating:

To ensure the best results when reheating your air fryer taco meat:

• Add a little water or sauce: If you find that the meat is drying out during reheating, sprinkle a small amount of water or sauce over the meat before placing it in the air fryer or while heating on the stovetop.
• Preheat the air fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature before placing the taco meat inside. This helps ensure even heating.
• Add fresh toppings: After reheating, consider adding fresh toppings such as cheese, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole to enhance the flavour and texture of your tacos.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the taco meat has reached a safe internal temperature before consuming it.

Air fryer taco meat serving suggestions

Air fryer taco meat is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Tacos, Burritos, and Nachos

The classic option is, of course, to use your air fryer taco meat to make delicious tacos. Simply fill some corn or flour tortillas with your meat, add your favourite toppings and enjoy. You can also use your air fryer to crisp up the tacos—just spritz your tacos with oil and cook them in the air fryer for around six minutes at 400°F.

If you're looking for something a little different, why not try making burritos or nachos? You can fill your burritos with rice, beans, salsa, and any other toppings you like. For nachos, load up some tortilla chips with your taco meat, cheese, salsa, and any other toppings, and pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

Taco Salad Bowls and Rice Bowls

If you're looking for a healthier option, taco salad bowls are a great choice. Simply add your taco meat to a bed of lettuce and top with chopped tomatoes, onions, and any other vegetables you like. You can also add rice to make it more filling.

Spaghetti and Pasta Dishes

Adding taco meat to spaghetti or other pasta dishes is a great way to give them a tasty twist. Simply mix your cooked pasta with your taco meat and add your favourite sauce. You can also add some vegetables or cheese for extra flavour and nutrition.

Breakfast Dishes

Air fryer taco meat isn't just for dinner—it's a great way to start your day, too. Try adding it to your morning eggs or making a hearty breakfast burrito with eggs, cheese, and your favourite breakfast meat.

Other Dishes

There are endless possibilities when it comes to using air fryer taco meat. You can add it to sandwiches, burgers, or even use it as a pizza topping. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Frequently asked questions