Tiffany Haney
Tacos are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of fillings and are perfect for a quick snack or a weeknight meal. When it comes to cooking tacos in an air fryer, the process is relatively simple and can result in crispy shells without the need for deep-frying. The cooking time for tacos in an air fryer can vary depending on the type of taco and the desired level of crispness, but generally, it takes around 4 to 8 minutes at temperatures between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking Tacos in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Time | 4-8 minutes |
| Flip halfway through? | Yes |
| Oil | Grapeseed, Olive, Avocado, Cooking spray |
| Filling | Beef, Chicken, Beans, Cheese, Salsa, Lettuce |
| Shells | Corn tortillas |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Filling and folding your tacos
Next, prepare your tortillas. If using corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel or a towel and microwave for around 20 seconds to 1 minute, or until soft and pliable. You can also heat them in a skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side. For flour tortillas, simply place 4 tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel, then microwave for 20 seconds.
Now it's time to fill and fold your tacos. Place a few tablespoons of your chosen filling in each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Then, fold the tortilla in half to form a taco shape. If your tacos are opening up, use toothpicks or a "weight" like a ramekin to hold them closed. You can also add your toppings before placing the tacos in the air fryer, or add them after cooking for a warmer, fresher taste.
Finally, spritz or brush your tacos with oil and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tacos will crisp up as they cool, so don't worry if they don't feel crunchy straight out of the air fryer.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy tacos!
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Spritzing or brushing with oil
Spritzing or brushing the tacos with oil is an important step in the cooking process, as it helps to ensure that the tacos become crispy and golden brown. This is achieved by coating the tacos with a thin layer of oil, which helps to promote even browning and crisping during the air frying process.
There are a few different ways to apply the oil to the tacos. One popular method is to use an oil spray or mister, which allows for a light and even coating. You can spritz the oil directly onto the tacos, as well as onto the air fryer basket, to ensure that the tacos don't stick. If you don't have an oil spray, you can also brush the oil onto the tacos and the basket using a pastry brush or similar tool. This method may result in a slightly heavier coating of oil, so be sure to use a light touch and not apply too much.
The type of oil used can also vary depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. Some common options include olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and non-stick cooking spray. Each of these oils has a slightly different flavour and smoke point, so it's important to choose one that is suitable for high-heat cooking. For example, avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it a good choice for air frying, while olive oil has a lower smoke point and a more distinct flavour.
Once the tacos have been coated with oil, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. It's important to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overlapping, so that the hot air can circulate evenly around them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tacos in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can ensure that your air fryer tacos come out perfectly crispy and golden brown every time. The oil plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture and colour, so don't skip this step in your quest for delicious, homemade tacos.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking tacos in an air fryer depend on the type of taco you are making and the ingredients used. Here are some general guidelines:
Air Frying Pre-made Taco Shells
If you are simply reheating pre-made taco shells to make them crispy, a temperature of 350-360°F for 4 minutes should suffice. You can also heat them in a dry skillet for about 20-30 seconds on each side.
Air Frying Corn Tortillas
If you are using corn tortillas, it is important to heat them before filling them to prevent cracking. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds or until pliable. Alternatively, heat them in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side. Once filled, air fry corn tortilla tacos at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Frying Mini Tacos
For smaller, bite-sized tacos, a temperature of 400°F for 6 minutes is recommended. Flip the tacos and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Air Frying Chicken Tacos
When making chicken tacos, it is important to preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Fill the tacos with your desired ingredients and air fry for 6-9 minutes, misting with oil halfway through.
Keeping Tacos Warm
To keep your tacos warm while serving, you can place them in a low oven or use a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F. You can also reheat leftover tacos in the air fryer at 300-350°F for 2-3 minutes.
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Reheating and storing tacos
Tacos can be reheated in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. When reheating tacos, it is important to prevent the taco shells from becoming soggy. For soft tacos, this can be achieved by wrapping them in foil when using the oven or air fryer. For hard shell tacos, reheat them upright if possible.
When using the microwave, unwrap the tacos and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Hard shell tacos should be placed upright in a circle around the plate. Microwave the tacos in 30-second intervals until hot, checking and turning them over in between. Soft tacos should be heated for 1-2 minutes until hot, while hard shell tacos should be microwaved at 50% power to prevent them from becoming too soft.
When using the oven or air fryer, watch the tacos closely to prevent burning. Preheat the oven or air fryer before reheating to ensure the shells get crispy. Spritz or brush the shells lightly with oil before putting them in the oven or air fryer for extra crispness. Reheat hard shell tacos in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Soft tacos can be wrapped in foil and heated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Tacos can be stored in the refrigerator in a zip-top bag for 4-5 days. They can also be frozen to ensure a quick meal is ready whenever you need it.
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Vegetarian and vegan options
There are several vegetarian and vegan taco options that can be cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:
Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos
For a simple, inexpensive, and protein-packed vegetarian option, you can make black bean tacos in the air fryer. This recipe only requires 7 ingredients and costs roughly $1.25 per serving. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Mince some garlic and spray a silicone pot or cake barrel with a little oil. Add the garlic to the pot and spray with oil. Roast the garlic for 2-3 minutes. Drain about half of the liquid from a can of black beans and add them to the pot along with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Stir everything together, ensuring the beans are in a single layer. Air fry for 8 minutes at 380°F (193°C), stirring halfway through and when 2 minutes remain. Remove the beans from the air fryer and serve with your favorite taco toppings. Suggested toppings include avocado, tomato, feta cheese, sautéed or roasted onions, and lime juice.
Vegan Rolled Tacos
For a vegan option, you can make rolled tacos filled with beans and avocado. Start by scooping avocado into a bowl and sprinkling with salt and pepper. Mash with a fork and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine refried beans and taco seasoning, adjusting the amount of seasoning based on whether your beans already have salt or additional seasonings. Heat your tortillas and brush one side with olive oil. Flip the tortilla and add a small amount of avocado, followed by a scoop of beans and a drizzle of hot sauce. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas. Place the rolled tacos in the air fryer seam-side down and cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with your favorite taco toppings.
Vegan Potato Tacos
For a unique twist on traditional tacos, try making vegan potato tacos in the air fryer. Start by boiling some potatoes until they are tender. Mash the potatoes with plant-based butter and almond milk, and season with salt and pepper. Saute onion and garlic in a skillet until soft and fragrant, and then mix them into the mashed potatoes. Heat your tortillas and place 3 tablespoons of the potato mixture on one side of each tortilla, folding them over. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place the tacos in the basket, misting them with avocado oil. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve with toppings such as vegan sour cream, salsa, guacamole, hot sauce, cilantro, and vegan cheese sauce.
Vegetarian Kidney Bean Tacos
For a protein-rich vegetarian option, you can make tacos with kidney beans, onions, garlic, tinned tomatoes, and spices. Simply combine all the ingredients in your air fryer and cook until the beans are heated through and the spices are fragrant. You can also add frozen chopped onion and garlic to save time and reduce mess. Serve your tacos with toppings such as feta cheese or dairy-free cheese if you prefer a vegan option.
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Frequently asked questions
Cook tacos in an air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes at 400°F.
Yes, preheat the air fryer to 400°F before placing the tacos in.
Coat the air fryer basket with a light coat of grapeseed oil or avocado oil spray. You can also line the basket with aluminium foil, ensuring the sides are high enough for air to circulate.
Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds or until soft and pliable.
Cook mini tacos in an air fryer for 4 to 6 minutes at 400°F.
