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

Tacos are a beloved dish, but the store-bought shells can be fragile and lack that authentic taste. So, why not make your own taco shells in an air fryer? It's a quick, easy, and healthy way to achieve the perfect crispy crunch for your Taco Tuesdays. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy the convenience of less oil and mess, without sacrificing that delicious golden texture.

How to make taco shells in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Soft corn tortillas or small flour tortillas
• Oil (e.g. avocado oil, olive oil, vegetable oil) or cooking spray
• Favorite toppings (e.g. taco meat, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, hot sauce, cheese, refried beans, pico de gallo, lime juice)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• 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.
• Lightly spray or brush both sides of the taco shells with oil or cooking spray.
• Place the taco shells in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. If you don't have taco shell stands, you can use aluminium foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook.
• Cook the taco shells in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.
• Carefully remove the taco shells from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
• Fill your taco shells with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tips

• If you are using corn tortillas, make sure to heat them well or they may crack. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp towel and microwaving them, or by heating them in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side.
• You can season the taco shells with salt, chili powder, or other spices before cooking.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the tortillas in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.

How to store leftover taco shells

If you have leftover taco shells, you can store them in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer and heat at 350º F until hot. Be sure to watch them carefully so they don't burn.

If you have already filled your tacos with meat and cheese, simply wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge until you're ready to reheat. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 300º F for about 5 minutes, or until they're warmed through.

If you have leftover uncooked tortillas, you can keep them fresh by storing them in a ziplock bag or airtight container. When you're ready to use them, you can heat them in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until they're warm and pliable.

Softening tortillas to make them easier to shape

Tortillas, especially corn tortillas, need to be softened before they are used to make tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. This is because tortillas dry out quickly and become brittle, making them prone to breaking when shaped or rolled. Here are some methods to soften tortillas to make them easier to shape:

Using a Microwave

Place a stack of 10-12 corn tortillas on a microwave-safe plate. Apply a very fine line of water across the centre of each tortilla using a pastry brush. Cover the stack of tortillas with waxed paper and microwave on high for one minute. Remove the waxed paper and turn the stack of tortillas upside down. Replace the waxed paper and microwave for another minute. Remove the waxed paper and carefully separate each tortilla.

Using an Oven

Follow the same instructions as the microwave method, but use aluminium foil instead of waxed paper. Set your oven temperature between 350°F and 400°F (176°C and 204°C). Heat stacks of 5-6 tortillas at a time for about 10-15 minutes, checking and flipping the stack every five minutes.

Using an Iron Skillet

Heat a dry iron skillet, a traditional comal, or a roti pan. Place one tortilla at a time in the skillet and heat for about 15-20 seconds on each side. For brown spotting, brush or spray the tortillas with oil before frying.

Pan-Frying

Pan-frying tortillas in vegetable oil is another effective way to soften them, although it is not the healthiest option.

Once the tortillas are softened, they can be shaped into taco shells and placed in an air fryer to crisp up.

Seasoning the shells for added flavour

Seasoning the shells is a great way to add flavour to your tacos. You can sprinkle a pinch of onion soup mix, buffalo wing mix, or use a packet of taco seasoning. For a classic flavour, a touch of coarse kosher salt and black pepper is a good choice. If you like your food spicy, add some red pepper flakes, chipotle chilli powder, or brush the shells with your favourite hot sauce.

You can also season the shells before baking them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat the tortillas with cooking spray. Place them on a baking sheet in taco holders and bake for 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

If you're using corn tortillas, you can also add flavour by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and heating them in the microwave for 30 seconds. This will make them easier to work with and prevent cracking.

Reheating taco shells in the air fryer

Reheating taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get your taco shells warm and crispy. Here is a step-by-step guide to doing it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for reheating taco shells is around 350°F (177°C). This will ensure that your shells get crispy without burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Taco Shells

Place your leftover taco shells in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket and leave adequate space between the shells to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat the shells in batches.

Step 3: Reheat the Taco Shells

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket inside and set the timer. For hard taco shells, two minutes in the air fryer should be sufficient. If you are reheating soft flour or corn tortillas, wrap them in foil first and air fry for 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on the shells to ensure they don't burn.

Step 4: Adjust Time as Needed

If you prefer your taco shells extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time by a minute or two. Simply open the air fryer, give the shells a quick toss or flip, and air fry for an additional minute or so.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the taco shells are heated to your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favourite fillings and toppings.

Reheating taco shells in an air fryer is a simple and efficient way to enjoy warm and crispy tacos at home. By following these steps, you can have delicious, restaurant-style tacos anytime.

Frequently asked questions