Air Fryer Hard Taco Shells: A Quick, Crunchy Treat?

If you're a fan of crispy taco shells, you might be wondering if you can make them in an air fryer. The good news is that you absolutely can! Air fryers offer a quick and convenient way to cook up delicious, crispy taco shells without the mess of hot oil in a skillet or the need for your oven or stovetop. In just a few minutes, you can have golden brown, crunchy taco shells ready to be filled with your favourite toppings. So, if you're looking for an easy way to elevate your Taco Tuesdays, read on to find out how to make the perfect air-fried taco shells.

How to make hard taco shells in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Taco fillings of your choice (e.g. seasoned ground beef, black beans, shredded chicken, etc.)
• Optional toppings (e.g. sour cream, hot sauce, cheese, salsa, avocado, etc.)

Utensils

• Pastry brush
• Air fryer
• Taco mold (optional)
• Mini muffin pan (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly coat each tortilla with oil on both sides using a pastry brush.
• Drape the tortillas over a taco mold, if you have one, and place them in the air fryer basket. Alternatively, you can create small tents with aluminum foil and lay the tortillas over them as they cook.
• Air fry for 4-6 minutes, checking after two minutes, until golden and crisp.
• Carefully remove the taco shells from the air fryer and fill them with your desired toppings.

Tips

• If using an air fryer with racks, you can place the tortillas over the rack, hanging down, to air fry.
• You can season the shells with onion soup mix, buffalo wing mix, taco seasoning, coarse kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, chipotle chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce.
• If you are using corn tortillas, heat them in the microwave for about a minute before filling and air-frying to prevent cracking.
• If your tacos open up due to the circulation of air, use toothpicks to hold them closed during the first half of the cooking time.

How to prevent taco shells from cracking

Yes, you can cook hard taco shells in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent your taco shells from cracking:

Heating the Tortillas

Before placing the tortillas in the air fryer, ensure they are warm and pliable. You can do this by wrapping them in a towel and microwaving them for about a minute, or heating them in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side. This will prevent them from cracking when you fold them into a taco shape.

Oil

Lightly coat each side of the tortilla with oil before placing it in the air fryer. This will help to crisp up the tortilla and prevent cracking.

Temperature and Timing

Air fry your tacos at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes. Check on them after two minutes, as the fan may shift the tortilla. If they are still pliable, air fry for an additional minute or two.

Spacing

Ensure there is adequate spacing between your tacos in the air fryer basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate and prevent the tacos from becoming soggy or unevenly cooked, which could lead to cracking.

Taco Moulds or Aluminium Foil

Use taco moulds or aluminium foil to help the tortillas keep their shape while they cook. Drape the tortillas over the moulds or form small tents with the foil, then place them in the air fryer basket. This will prevent the tortillas from cracking or breaking as they crisp up.

How to store leftover taco shells

Storing leftover taco shells is simple and can be done in a few different ways.

Firstly, it is important to let the taco shells cool down before storing them. Once they have cooled, you can place them in an airtight container or a tightly sealed storage bag. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, seal the bag or container and store it in the fridge. They should last for 2-3 days at room temperature and up to 4 days in the fridge.

Some people also suggest storing leftover taco shells in a ziplock bag or a Tupperware container. If you are using a ziplock bag, you can reheat the shells in the microwave for about 30 seconds when you are ready to use them again.

It is not recommended to freeze leftover taco shells as the oil in the shells can cause them to become mealy and fall apart when they thaw.

How to reheat tacos

Yes, you can reheat tacos in an air fryer, and you can even make your own taco shells in one! Here is a guide on how to reheat tacos and some tips on how to make your own shells.

Reheating Tacos in an Air Fryer

If you have leftover tacos, it is best to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will last up to four days. When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is your best option after the oven. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and heat hard tacos upright for three to five minutes, or soft tacos wrapped in foil for five to seven minutes. Shake the basket halfway through and keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Reheating Tacos in an Oven

The oven is a great option for reheating tacos as it provides gentle, steady, and thorough heat. Preheat the oven to 350°F and evenly space your tacos out on a foil-lined baking sheet. For soft tacos, wrap them in foil and spritz a little water on the tortillas to keep them moist. For hard tacos, spray a little oil on the shells and heat them upright for an even bake. Soft tacos will take about 10 minutes, and hard tacos will take five to 10 minutes.

Making Taco Shells in an Air Fryer

You can make your own crispy taco shells in an air fryer. Corn tortillas are the best option for this. First, wrap the tortillas in a towel and microwave for about a minute until they are very warm and pliable. Then, fill each tortilla with your desired fillings and fold them over to form a taco. Brush the outside with olive oil and place them in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for about eight minutes, flipping halfway through.

You can also make the shells without any fillings. Lightly coat each tortilla with oil on both sides, drape them over a taco mold, and place them in the air fryer basket. If you don't have a mold, you can use aluminum foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook. Air fry at 400°F for four to six minutes until golden and crisp.

Tips

• If you are using corn tortillas, heat them well before filling and frying, or they may crack.
• If you are reheating tacos with raw veggies, keep them aside and add them after reheating, as the water content will turn them to mush.
• For soft tortillas, warming them before filling and frying will make them soft and pliable.

What to serve with tacos

Yes, you can put hard taco shells in the air fryer. Here's a method for making them:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place an upside-down mini muffin pan into the air fryer basket.
• Bend corn tortillas into a taco shell shape and slot them into the indents of the muffin pan to hold their form.
• Air fry on the lowest rack of the preheated air fryer until golden brown and crispy (around 3 minutes).
• Remove the muffin pan from the air fryer basket. Flip the tortillas and place them directly into the basket. Air fry for around 1 minute, until the bottom sides are crispy and golden.

Now, onto the sides! There are plenty of options to serve with your tacos. Here are some ideas:

Rice

• Mexican rice: Sauté long-grain rice with onions and garlic. Then, add tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices, and simmer until tender.
• Arroz rojo (Mexican red rice): A homestyle Mexican rice dish that's a staple to master.
• Arroz verde (Mexican green rice): Fresh cilantro and poblano peppers give this rice a vibrant green colour and a herby flavour.
• Cilantro lime rice: The zesty, refreshing flavours of cilantro and lime complement grilled meats and black beans.

Beans

• Refried beans: A versatile, flavoursome, and traditional Mexican dish that can be served as a dip, tortilla spread, or filling for burritos and enchiladas.
• Slow cooker pinto beans: These can be used to make refried beans or charro beans.
• Charro beans: Also known as "cowboy beans", this dish combines pinto beans, bacon, and sausage.
• Black bean salad: Packed with bright, refreshing flavours like corn, tomatoes, and cilantro, with a kick from garlic, jalapeño, and red onion.

Salads

• Avocado and tomato salad: A 10-minute dish to round out any taco dinner.
• Mexican street corn salad: A creamy mixture of roasted corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, cilantro, and sour cream.
• Tex-Mex quinoa salad: Quinoa, black beans, and fresh veggies, topped with a zingy chili-lime vinaigrette.
• Elote (Mexican street corn): A glorious mess of crema, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese.
• Avocado-corn salad: A fresh corn side dish with creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes.
• Tangy cucumber avocado salad: Creamy avocado and refreshing cucumber, tossed with a cilantro vinaigrette and quick-pickled red onion.
• Avocado and cucumber arugula salad: Top this vibrant salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
• Cilantro-lime coleslaw: Classic coleslaw with a zesty, spicy kick.
• Spicy pineapple slaw: A sweet and spicy slaw that adds freshness and crunch to meaty tacos.
• Mexican-style cauliflower rice: A savoury rice dish from your favourite Mexican restaurant, made with cauliflower rice.

Salsas

• Black bean and corn salsa: A hearty, veggie-packed salsa that can be scooped up with tortilla chips or spooned onto tacos.
• Fresh corn salsa with lime and cilantro: A celebration of summer's bounty, highlighting the natural sweetness of fresh corn.
• Mango-black bean salsa: Fresh salsa with mango, red bell pepper, cilantro, and lime.
• Salsa: Yes, salsa qualifies as a side! You can serve it as a salad or toss it with crunchy greens to serve with rice and beans.

Other Sides

• Guacamole: Try charred-vegetable guacamole with grilled corn, onion, and jalapeños, topped with crumbled queso fresco.
• Queso: Drizzle this onto your tacos or scoop it up with tortilla chips.
• Chipotle sweet potato fries: A smoky and spicy side that's a fun alternative to plain potato fries.
• Jalapeño poppers: A mouthwatering combination of fiery jalapeño heat and a cheesy, crispy filling.

Frequently asked questions