Air Fryer Tacos Dorados: A Crunchy, Golden Delight

Tacos Dorados are crispy, fried Mexican tacos that can be made in an air fryer. They are typically made with corn tortillas and filled with meat, cheese, or beans, then rolled and deep-fried until crispy. By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you can achieve the same crispy shell and golden brown colour with fewer calories.

Filling options: shredded chicken, potatoes, ground beef, ground turkey, beans, vegetables, chorizo, or cheese

Tacos Dorados are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Here are some options for fillings to consider:

Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken is a great option for a protein-filled taco. You can use rotisserie chicken or boil chicken breasts to get the desired texture. Combine the shredded chicken with cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning to create a delicious and creamy filling.

Potatoes

In the Northern Mexican states, potatoes or "papas" are a traditional filling for Tacos Dorados. Boil and mash 2-3 peeled potatoes, seasoning them with salt, pepper, chicken bouillon, and Mexican crema or sour cream. You can also add sautéed onions to the potatoes for extra flavor.

Ground Beef

Ground beef is a classic option for tacos. You can cook the beef in a skillet, crumbling it as you go, and then drain the grease before adding taco seasoning. This filling option is budget-friendly and can be paired with various toppings.

Ground Turkey

Ground turkey is another great option for Tacos Dorados. It has a similar texture to ground beef but offers a slightly different flavor. You can cook it in the same way as ground beef and add your favorite taco seasoning.

Beans

For a vegetarian option, you can use refried beans or a combination of refried beans and potatoes as your filling. Add sautéed onions, peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and make it more nutritious.

Vegetables

If you're looking for a vegan or vegetarian option, you can fill your Tacos Dorados with vegetables such as zucchini, cauliflower, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, corn, onions, or tomatoes. You can also add beans to this mixture for more protein.

Chorizo

For a spicy and flavorful option, consider using Mexican chorizo. You can combine it with mashed potatoes or use it as a filling on its own. Chorizo will give your tacos a distinct flavor and make them extra tasty.

Cheese

Cheese is a must-have ingredient for Tacos Dorados. You can use shredded cheese, such as pepper jack, Monterey jack, cheddar, Oaxaca, or Mexican cheese, to ensure the tacos remain intact during baking or frying. You can also add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese for added creaminess.

Warming the tortillas: microwave or heat in a skillet

Warming tortillas is an important step in the process of making tacos dorados. Not only does it make the tortillas more pliable and less likely to tear when filled and folded, but it also enhances their flavour.

Microwave

To warm tortillas in the microwave, place a stack of 3-5 tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a slightly damp paper or tea towel. Warm them in 30-second bursts until they are soft and pliable, which should take 30-60 seconds in total. Repeat this process in batches until all your tortillas are warm. This method can make tortillas a bit gummy, so it is not ideal if you are looking for a crispy texture.

Skillet

To warm tortillas in a skillet, heat a dry skillet (no oil needed) over medium to medium-high heat. Place each tortilla in the skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side, until warm and slightly crispy. Wrap the warmed tortillas in foil and set aside until ready to serve. This method is ideal if you are looking for a warm and crispy tortilla.

Air fryer settings: 375–400 °F for 5–8 minutes

Air fryers are a great way to make tacos dorados, also known as crispy or fried tacos, without the added calories of deep-frying. The air fryer setting you use will depend on the type and brand of air fryer you have, as well as the number of tacos you are cooking at once.

For example, if you are using a Philips Air Fryer, you can cook three taquitos at a time for 7-10 minutes at 400 °F. If you are using a Cosori XL 5.8 qt Air Fryer, you can cook four taquitos at a time for 7-10 minutes at 375 °F.

If you are using an Instant Pot to cook your chicken, you will need to set the valve to SEALING and select MANUAL HIGH PRESSURE, adjusting the time to 10 minutes. After the cooking is complete, allow a Natural Release for 10 minutes or until the pressure is released.

It is important to note that air fryer models vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly. Additionally, if you are cooking in batches, you may need to adjust the timing to ensure even cooking.

Toppings: salsa, sour cream, avocado, guacamole, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, or cilantro

Tacos Dorados are a versatile dish that can be customised with a variety of toppings to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for toppings to add flavour, texture, and colour to your Tacos Dorados:

Salsa

Salsa is a classic choice for Tacos Dorados. It adds a burst of flavour and can be mild or spicy, depending on your preference. You can even make your own salsa, like Mango Pico de Gallo or Pineapple Pico de Gallo, for a unique twist.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a must-have for Tacos Dorados. It adds a tangy and cool flavour to balance the spiciness of other toppings. Light sour cream is a good option for a healthier choice.

Avocado or Guacamole

Avocado or guacamole provides a rich and creamy texture to your Tacos Dorados. Avocado slices offer a fresh and healthy option, while guacamole adds a more indulgent touch.

Cheese

Cheese is another popular topping for Tacos Dorados. Queso cotija, queso fresco, or shredded reduced-fat cheddar or Mexican blend cheese adds a salty and creamy flavour. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the tacos before air frying to make them extra cheesy.

Lettuce

Shredded lettuce is a classic topping that adds a fresh and crispy texture to your Tacos Dorados. It provides a nice contrast to the other toppings and is a healthy option.

Tomatoes

Diced tomatoes bring a bright and juicy flavour to your Tacos Dorados. They add a pop of colour and freshness that complements the other ingredients well.

Onions

Chopped red onions offer a crunchy and pungent flavour. You can also add sliced green onions or caramelised onions for a sweeter taste.

Cilantro

Fresh cilantro, chopped or torn, brings a bright and herbaceous flavour to your Tacos Dorados. It adds a unique taste and aroma that enhances the other toppings.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your perfect Tacos Dorados. You can also add other ingredients like black beans, jalapenos, or hot sauce to customise your dish further. Enjoy experimenting and creating your ultimate Tacos Dorados!

Reheating: place in the air fryer at 300–375 °F for 4–8 minutes

Reheating tacos dorados in an air fryer is a simple process. After you've allowed your tacos to cool, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When you're ready to reheat them, simply place them in the air fryer at a temperature between 300°F and 375 °F for four to eight minutes.

It's worth noting that the original cooking time and temperature for tacos dorados in the air fryer vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for six to eight minutes, while others recommend 375°F for five to eight minutes. Therefore, when reheating, it's best to start at a lower temperature and shorter time frame and adjust as needed.

Additionally, if you're reheating frozen tacos dorados, increase the temperature to 375°F and cook for four to six minutes.

Frequently asked questions