Air-Fryer Mini Tacos: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Mini tacos are a great snack or appetizer, and an air fryer is an excellent way to cook them. They're quick and easy to make, and you can fill them with your choice of ingredients, from chicken and beef to cheese and veggies. You can also add your favourite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. The air fryer ensures a crispy shell without the need for deep frying or excessive oil, and they're ready in less than 10 minutes. So, if you're looking for a fun and festive party food or a tasty snack, air fryer mini tacos are a perfect choice!

How to make mini tacos in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Mini tortillas (corn or flour)
• Oil or cooking spray
• Filling of your choice (e.g. refried beans, chicken, beef, cheese, salsa, guacamole)
• Taco seasoning (optional)
• Dipping sauces (optional)

Method

• Warm your tortillas: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and warm them in the microwave until soft and pliable.
• Assemble the tacos: Spread your filling of choice on one side of the tortilla. If using, add taco seasoning to taste. Fold the tortilla in half.
• Coat the tacos with oil: Use an oil mister or non-stick cooking spray to coat both sides of the tacos.
• Place the tacos in the air fryer: Place the tacos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket and work in batches if needed.
• Cook the tacos: Air fry at between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tacos are ready when they are golden brown and crisp.
• Serve: Mini tacos can be served as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. They can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.

Tips:

• You can use store-bought frozen mini tacos and cook them directly from frozen.
• To reheat leftovers, place them in the air fryer at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

What to serve with mini tacos

Mini tacos are a great snack, appetiser, or light meal. They can be served with a variety of dips and sides, including:

• Creamy chipotle sauce
• Mexican street corn salad
• Roasted chilli corn salsa
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Vegan skillet queso
• Sour cream
• Creamy salsa dip

For a full Mexican food buffet, you could also serve mini tacos with Spanish rice, a 5-layer dip, and beef and bean tostadas.

How to store leftover mini tacos

Storing leftover mini tacos is a simple process, but it's important to do it properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store leftover mini tacos:

Step 1: Let Them Cool

If you've just cooked your mini tacos, it's important to let them cool down before storing them. Place them on a plate or paper towels to cool and remove any excess oil. Storing hot food can create condensation, which can make your tacos soggy and affect their texture.

Step 2: Wrap Them

Once your mini tacos are cooled, wrap each one individually in aluminium foil. This will help retain their texture and keep them from drying out. Make sure to wrap them carefully and securely.

Step 3: Place in an Airtight Container

After wrapping each mini taco, place them inside an airtight container. Avoid stacking them on top of each other to prevent them from being crushed. You can line the container with parchment paper to absorb any excess moisture and keep your tacos crisp.

Step 4: Store in the Fridge

Put the airtight container with the wrapped mini tacos in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you don't plan on eating them within this time frame, consider freezing them for longer-term storage.

Step 5: Reheat and Enjoy

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover mini tacos, simply take them out of the fridge and reheat them. You can use an air fryer to reheat and crisp them up, or pop them in the oven for a few minutes.

It's worth noting that storing the ingredients separately can help maintain freshness. For example, you could store the filling in one container and the taco shells in another. That way, you can easily assemble fresh mini tacos when you're ready to eat them.

What temperature to air fry mini tacos

Yes, you can cook mini tacos in an air fryer. The best temperature to cook mini tacos in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F.

Air Frying Mini Tacos:

Air frying is a great way to cook mini tacos, as it ensures crispy shells without the need for deep frying. The hot air in the air fryer will give you crunchy shells that are golden brown, and using a small amount of cooking spray will stop them from drying out.

Temperature and Timing:

The ideal temperature to air fry mini tacos is between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the brand of mini tacos and your air fryer, but on average, they should take between 4 to 10 minutes to cook. It is important to note that you should flip the tacos halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating and browning.

Tips for Best Results:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature for 5 minutes before adding the tacos.
• Place the frozen mini tacos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will allow the hot air to fully surround each taco and ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use parchment paper to prevent the tacos from sticking to the basket.
• For frozen mini tacos, there is no need to add extra oil as this can make them greasy. A light spray of cooking oil on the basket is enough.
• If you are making the tacos from scratch, you can brush the shells with olive oil before cooking to add a crispy, crunchy taste.
• Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Storing and Reheating:

Leftover mini tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 4 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.

What to fill mini tacos with

Mini tacos can be filled with a variety of ingredients, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas for fillings and toppings to make your mini tacos delicious and enjoyable:

Fillings:

• Refried beans: You can use regular refried beans or refried black beans. Spread about a tablespoon of beans on one side of the tortilla and drizzle with hot sauce to add a little kick.
• Chicken: Juicy, flavorful shredded chicken breast is a great filling option. You can boil the chicken and shred it, then mix it with taco seasoning.
• Ground Beef: You can also use ground beef as a filling option, cooking it before adding it to the tacos.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend, adds a gooey texture and flavor to the tacos.
• Other Proteins: If you want to explore other protein options, you can try ground chicken, ground turkey, or rotisserie chicken.

Toppings and Dips:

• Salsa: Chunky salsa, especially when combined with sour cream and cilantro, makes for a delicious creamy salsa dip.
• Guacamole: Serve your mini tacos with a side of guacamole for a creamy and flavorful dip.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream can be combined with salsa and cilantro for a tasty dip, or used as a topping on its own.
• Hot Sauce: Drizzle hot sauce on top of your fillings for an extra kick of flavor and spice.
• Red Onion and Cilantro: Chopped red onions and cilantro add a fresh and flavorful touch to your mini tacos.

Feel free to mix and match these filling and topping options to create your perfect mini taco combination. Enjoy experimenting and customizing your tacos to suit your taste preferences!

Frequently asked questions