Air Fryer Taco Shells: Cooking Time And Tips

Preparing taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to achieve the perfect crunchy texture without the added oil and mess of deep-frying. It is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner or Taco Tuesday. The cooking time depends on the type of taco shell and air fryer being used, but generally, they cook in under 10 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making taco shells. By setting your air fryer to 400°F, you create the ideal temperature for achieving that signature crispy texture. Here's a comprehensive guide to this crucial step.

The Benefits of Preheating:

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F ensures that your taco shells cook evenly and attain the desired crispiness. This step is especially important when using an air fryer, as it brings the cooking chamber to the required temperature, guaranteeing consistent results. It's a key factor in the overall success of your taco shells.

Timing and Temperature Control:

When preheating your air fryer to 400°F, it's essential to allow sufficient time for the appliance to reach the desired temperature. Depending on your specific air fryer model, this process can take a few minutes. Be patient and wait for the indicator light (if your model has one) or allow enough time for the heating element to reach the set temperature. This patience will ensure your taco shells cook properly.

Preparing the Taco Shells:

While your air fryer is preheating, it's an excellent time to prepare your taco shells. Take the desired number of taco shells and soften them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This step makes the shells more pliable and easier to shape. You can also use this time to gather your favorite toppings and fillings, such as ground beef, chicken, veggies, cheese, salsa, and more.

The Versatility of 400°F:

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F is a versatile choice, as it works well with various types of taco shells. Whether you prefer corn tortillas, flour tortillas, or hard taco shells, this temperature sets the stage for a delicious outcome. It's a temperature that strikes the perfect balance between crisping the shells and melting any cheese or toppings you choose to include.

Safety and Maintenance:

Remember to exercise caution when working with high temperatures. Always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the air fryer or its components during and after preheating. Additionally, ensure that your air fryer is well-maintained and free from any food debris or residue before each use. Regular cleaning will help prevent smoke or unwanted flavors from transferring to your taco shells.

Drape shells over a taco mould

Drape the taco shells over a taco mould, placing the mould in the air fryer basket. If you don't have a mould, you can use aluminium foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook. Ensure there is enough space for air to circulate. You can also place the tortilla over the rack, allowing it to hang down.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up for a few minutes. While it's heating, prepare your taco shells. Take the number of taco shells you need and heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable. You can also wrap the tortillas in a damp towel and microwave them for 15-30 seconds, or lightly fry them in oil until they are pliable.

Spray the taco shells with non-stick cooking spray. This will help them get crispy and golden brown in the air fryer, so be sure to spray both sides to ensure even cooking. You can also brush the tortillas with oil on both sides.

Air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes until golden and crisp. Check after two minutes, as the fan may shift the tortilla. If you prefer extra crispy taco shells, increase the cooking time and heat the shells for 1-2 minutes longer.

Once your shells are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool for a few minutes before filling them with your favourite taco ingredients.

Spray shells with cooking spray

Cooking spray is a great way to ensure your taco shells come out crispy and golden brown. It's important to spray both sides of the taco shells to ensure even cooking. You can use non-stick cooking spray, or go for avocado oil spray, olive oil cooking spray, or grapeseed oil spray. If you don't have any bottled oils or sprays, you can use a pastry brush and lightly coat each tortilla with oil on both sides.

To prepare your taco shells for cooking, start by softening them. You can do this by wrapping the tortillas in a damp towel and microwaving for 15-30 seconds, or lightly frying them in oil until they are pliable. If you're using corn tortillas, you can simply heat them in the microwave for 0.5-10 seconds to make them more pliable. This step will make it easier to shape your tortillas into taco shells.

Once your tortillas are softened, it's time to drape them over your taco moulds or a rack in your air fryer. If you don't have moulds, you can use aluminium foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook. Spray the shells with cooking spray, and they're ready to go into the air fryer!

If you're making tacos with meat and cheese, you can add your fillings before placing the tacos in the air fryer. However, if you prefer to add your toppings after, that's fine too. If you're adding your toppings before cooking, be aware that some ingredients, like lettuce, may not suit being cooked, so consider leaving those until after.

Fill with toppings

Once your taco shells are cooked, it's time to fill them with your favourite toppings and ingredients. The possibilities are endless!

If you want to add your toppings after cooking the shells, be sure to eat your tacos warm and fresh. You can fill your tacos with meat and cheese, and wrap them in foil before storing them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat the filled tacos in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until they're crispy.

If you're adding your toppings before cooking the shells, you can fill your tacos with meat, cheese, and even lettuce. Then, place them in the air fryer for around four minutes until they're crispy and toasted.

Some popular topping ideas include:

• Sour cream
• Hot sauce
• Cheese
• Lime or lemon
• Homemade coleslaw
• Diced tomatoes
• Salsa
• Chopped onion
• Guacamole
• Lettuce
• Ground beef with taco seasoning
• Chicken
• Veggies
• Beans

Reheat leftover shells

If you have leftover taco shells, you can easily reheat them in an air fryer. This method is quick and convenient, and it gives you a perfectly crisp and warm shell in a matter of minutes. It also skips the oil, making cleanup easier.

To reheat leftover taco shells in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 300°F for 3 minutes. Then, stack 4 to 6 taco shells in the air fryer basket, with a little spacing in between them. Cover the stack with a lid or aluminum foil to prevent the shells from touching the heating element, which can leave scorch marks. Heat the shells for 3-4 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy.

Alternatively, you can reheat taco shells in the air fryer by placing them evenly in the air fryer basket and cooking them at 350°F for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. If you are using an air fryer oven, you can hang the tortillas over the oven racks and bake them at 400°F for 7-9 minutes.

You can also reheat filled tacos in the air fryer. Simply wrap the tacos in foil and store them in the fridge until you are ready to reheat them. Place the foil-wrapped tacos in the air fryer and heat them at 350°F for 4 minutes or until warm.

Frequently asked questions