Deep-Frying Tortilla Taco Shells: How Long Should You Fry?

There are several methods for frying tortilla taco shells, and the time it takes varies depending on the desired crispiness and the method used. For example, shallow frying a tortilla taco shell in a skillet with oil takes around 10 to 15 seconds on each side, while deep frying might take a couple of minutes. On the other hand, baking tortilla taco shells in an oven at 350°F typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

How to make crispy taco shells in the oven

Ingredients and Equipment

• Corn tortillas
• Cooking spray or oil
• Tongs
• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Paper towels
• Wire rack

Method

First, preheat your oven to 350–375°F. You will also need to position your oven racks so that there is enough room to hang the tortillas. Take out one of the oven racks and place it on the bottom rung, then put the other rack in the middle position, leaving at least 4 inches of space between the two. Line the bottom rack with foil to catch any oil drippings.

Next, take your tortillas and warm them up in the microwave for 15–30 seconds. This will make them more flexible and easier to drape over the oven racks. You may need to do this in batches.

Then, spray or brush the tortillas with a light coat of oil or cooking spray on both sides. This will help them turn crispy.

Now, use tongs to carefully drape each tortilla over two bars of the oven rack. This will create a nice flat bottom so that the taco shells can stand up on their own.

Bake the tortillas for 7–15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Be careful not to take them out too early, or they will be chewy, but also keep an eye on them so that they don't burn.

Once the taco shells are ready, remove them from the oven using an oven mitt and fill them with your favourite toppings.

Enjoy your crispy, golden taco shells!

The best oil for frying tortillas

Frying tortillas is a great way to make crispy taco shells or tortilla chips. The best oil for frying tortillas depends on the type of tortillas you are using. If you are frying corn tortillas, corn oil is the best choice. You can also use vegetable oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, or sunflower seed oil. These oils are neutral-flavoured and have a high smoke point, which means they can be heated to high temperatures without smoking.

If you are frying flour tortillas, you can use the same oils as for corn tortillas, but it is important to note that flour tortillas may not get as crispy as corn tortillas. You can also use other types of oil for frying tortillas, such as canola oil, avocado oil, or cottonseed oil, but these may have lower smoke points so you need to be careful not to heat them too high.

• Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into a skillet or Dutch oven and turn the stove to medium or medium-high heat. You can also use a deep fryer if you have one.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350 to 365 degrees Fahrenheit) before adding the tortillas. You can use a thermometer to gauge the temperature accurately. If you don't have one, wet the tip of your finger with water and drip a single drop into the oil. If it sizzles and cracks, the oil is ready.
• As soon as the oil is hot, use tongs or a fork to place one tortilla into the pan. It should sizzle immediately.
• Cook each tortilla for about 10 to 15 seconds, then flip it over. If you are making taco shells, fold the shell in half and hold it in place with the tongs until crispy, another 15 seconds or so.
• Remove the fried tortilla from the oil and sprinkle with salt while still hot.
• Place the fried tortillas on a wire rack in a low oven to keep them warm and crispy until ready to serve.

It is important to note that cooking with oil can be tricky. If the oil starts smoking, it means it has passed its smoke point and you should let it cool down. Also, be careful not to crowd the pot when frying tortillas, as this can cool the oil down and prevent them from getting crispy. It is better to work slowly and in batches.

How to make soft taco shells

Soft taco shells are a delicious alternative to the standard crispy shells, and they're easier to make than you might think! Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect soft taco shells:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Corn tortillas (white or yellow)
• Oil (vegetable, corn, peanut, soybean, safflower, or sunflower seed oil)
• Skillet or small frying pan
• Tongs or a fork
• Paper towels
• Oven (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

Pour approximately 1/2 inch of oil into your skillet or frying pan. Turn the stove to medium or medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach a temperature of around 350 to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important because if the oil is too cool, your tortillas will absorb too much of it and become soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

While the oil is heating up, you can prepare your tortillas. If your tortillas are straight out of the fridge, you may want to warm them up first to make them more pliable. Wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This will help prevent cracking when you fold them later.

Step 3: Fry the Tortillas

Once your oil is hot, carefully place one tortilla into the pan. It should start sizzling immediately. Cook each tortilla for about 5 to 15 seconds on each side, using your tongs or a fork to keep it submerged in the oil.

Step 4: Fold and Cook

For soft taco shells, you'll want to fry each tortilla for a total of around 20-30 seconds. After cooking the first side, use tongs to grab the tortilla in the center and fold it towards you. Hold the top half of the tortilla away from the bottom half, and cook the folded tortilla for another 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 5: Drain and Season

Once your tortilla shell is done, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate covered with paper towels to cool and drain. Repeat this process for as many tortillas as you need. While they're still warm, sprinkle the shells with a little salt and any other seasonings you like.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overcrowd the pan. Frying one tortilla at a time may be slower, but it will ensure your shells become crispy without absorbing too much oil.
• Use a thermometer to gauge the oil's temperature accurately. If you don't have one, you can test it by dripping a small drop of water into the oil. If it sizzles and cracks, the oil is ready.
• If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can also bake your soft taco shells in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Drape the tortillas over two bars of the oven rack to create a flat bottom. Bake for 7-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Now you're ready to fill your soft taco shells with your favorite ingredients and enjoy!

How to make crunchy baked taco shells

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas
• Cooking spray or oil
• Seasoning (optional)

Utensils:

• Oven
• Tongs
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Paper towels
• Oven mitts

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
• Warm up your tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until pliable. Wrap them in a damp paper towel to keep them soft.
• Spray or brush both sides of the tortillas with oil or cooking spray. You can also sprinkle them with seasoning, such as salt, chili powder, or taco seasoning.
• Carefully drape each tortilla over two bars of the oven rack. This will create a flat bottom so your taco shells can stand up on their own.
• Bake for 8-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to burnt very quickly!
• Remove the taco shells from the oven using oven mitts and fill them with your favorite ingredients.

Tips:

• If you want to make your taco shells ahead of time, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge or freezer, as this can make them soggy.
• For a fun variation, try making taco bowls by shaping the heated tortillas over a flipped cupcake pan.

How to fry flour tortillas for tacos

Frying your own taco shells is a great way to ensure they are fresh and crispy, and it's super easy! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fry flour tortillas for tacos.

What You'll Need:

• A deep fryer or a skillet/frying pan
• Oil (vegetable, corn, peanut, soybean, safflower, or sunflower seed oil)
• Flour tortillas
• Tongs or a fork
• Paper towels
• A baking sheet
• A wire rack

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepare the Oil:

Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into your deep fryer or skillet. If using a skillet, turn the stove to medium or medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350 to 365 degrees Fahrenheit) before adding the tortillas. You can use a thermometer to gauge the temperature accurately.

Heat the Oven (Optional):

While the oil is heating up, you can prepare a space to keep the fried tortillas warm. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack over it. Place this setup in the oven, and heat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fry the Tortillas:

Once the oil is hot, use tongs or a fork to carefully place one flour tortilla into the oil. It should sizzle immediately. Fry each tortilla for about 10 to 15 seconds on each side.

Fold and Crisp:

After frying both sides, use the tongs to fold the tortilla in half and hold it in place until it becomes crispy. This should take another 10 to 15 seconds.

Remove and Season:

Take the fried tortilla out of the oil and place it on the wire rack in the warm oven. Sprinkle the tortilla with salt while it is still hot. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the pot: Frying too many tortillas at once can cool down the oil and prevent them from getting super crispy. Work in batches if necessary.
• Add more oil as needed: Depending on the number of tortillas you're frying, you may need to add more oil between batches. Just make sure to let the oil heat up again before adding more tortillas.
• Season while warm: Once the tortillas are crispy, season them with salt or other seasonings of your choice. A squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of chili seasoning can add extra flavour.

Enjoy your freshly fried flour tortilla tacos!

Frequently asked questions