Air Fryer Taco Shells: Perfect Timing For Crunchy Shells

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to heat taco shells, an air fryer is a great option. It's faster than using an oven, and you don't have to worry about handling hot oil. In this article, we'll give you a step-by-step guide on how to heat both hard and soft taco shells in an air fryer, so you can enjoy crispy, golden tacos any night of the week.

How to heat soft taco shells in an air fryer

Ingredients and Equipment

To heat soft taco shells in an air fryer, you will need the following:

• Soft taco shells (flour or corn tortillas)
• Aluminium foil
• Air fryer

Step-by-Step Guide

• Preheat your air fryer to 250°F.
• Wrap up to six soft taco shells in aluminium foil.
• Place the wrapped soft taco shells in the air fryer.
• Heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the tortillas are heated through.
• Carefully remove the shells from the air fryer and fill them with your favourite taco ingredients.

Tips

• If you want to make your soft taco shells extra crispy, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
• If you are using flour tortillas, you may need to adjust the cooking time to get them crispy.
• You can also use non-stick cooking spray, avocado oil spray, or olive oil cooking spray instead of aluminium foil.

How to heat hard taco shells in an air fryer

Heating hard taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare them for taco night. It's also a healthier alternative to deep frying, as air frying uses much less oil. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your taco shells cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Taco Shells

While your air fryer is heating up, take the number of hard taco shells you need and heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable. This will make them easier to work with and help prevent breakage.

Step 3: Spray the Taco Shells with Cooking Spray (Optional)

If you want to ensure your taco shells get extra crispy and golden brown, lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray or brush with oil on both sides. This step is optional but will give your shells a nice colour and texture.

Step 4: Place the Taco Shells in the Air Fryer

Once your shells are prepared, carefully place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are arranged in an even layer, with a little spacing in between each shell. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 5: Heat the Taco Shells

Now it's time to heat your taco shells. Cook them in the air fryer for 2-5 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn. If you like your shells extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Once your taco shells are heated to your liking, 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.

And that's it! You now have crispy, golden taco shells ready to be filled and enjoyed. This method is a quick, easy, and healthier way to prepare hard taco shells for a delicious taco meal.

How to make taco shells from scratch in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• Vegetable oil or olive oil
• Taco mold (optional)

Method

• Brush both sides of the tortillas lightly with oil.
• Drape the tortillas over a taco mold, or make small tents out of aluminum foil to lay the tortillas over as they cook.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
• Place the tortillas inside the air fryer basket and put on the lid. If you don't have a lid, cover the basket with aluminum foil to prevent the shells from touching the heating element.
• Air fry for 4-6 minutes, until golden and crisp.
• Fill with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tips

• Check the tortillas after 2 minutes, as the fan may shift the tortilla.
• If using an air fryer with racks, you can also place the tortillas over the rack, hanging down, to air fry.
• You can sprinkle a pinch of onion soup mix, buffalo wing mix, or a bit of taco seasoning on the tortillas before air frying.
• For a classic flavor profile, add a touch of coarse kosher salt and black pepper.
• For a little heat, use red pepper flakes, chipotle chili powder, or rub a favorite hot sauce on the outside.

How to store leftover taco shells

If you have leftover taco shells, there are a few ways to store them to keep them fresh and crispy. Here are some tips to ensure your shells stay in the best condition:

• Room Temperature Storage: The best way to store leftover hard taco shells is at room temperature. Place the shells in an airtight food container or a resealable bag. This method can keep your shells crispy for about a week.
• Freezer Storage: If you want to store the shells for an extended period, consider placing them in a freezer-friendly container or a Ziploc bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Refrigerator Storage: It is not recommended to store crispy taco shells in the refrigerator. Similar to bread, taco shells tend to lose their crispness and become soggy when refrigerated.

Additionally, if you want to reheat your leftover taco shells, you can use an air fryer or an oven. For the air fryer method, preheat the appliance to 250°F for 3 minutes. Wrap the shells in aluminum foil and heat them for 3 to 4 minutes or until warm. Alternatively, you can preheat the oven to 275°F and wrap the shells in foil before heating for about 5 minutes.

How to reheat taco shells

Reheating taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get them warm and crispy. Here is a step-by-step guide:

For Hard Taco Shells:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer, just like you would an oven, to ensure the shells are added to a hot basket.
• Arrange the hard taco shells in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is adequate spacing between the shells to allow for proper air circulation.
• Air fry the taco shells for around 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Carefully remove the shells from the air fryer and fill them with your favourite taco toppings.

For Soft Taco Shells:

• Preheat your air fryer to 250°F.
• Wrap the soft flour or corn tortillas in foil. It is recommended to do no more than six at a time.
• Place the wrapped tortillas in the air fryer and air fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are heated through.
• Remove the tortillas from the air fryer and fill or serve as desired.

Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even heating.
• Adjust the cooking time according to your preference. For a crispier shell, increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes.
• If you are using a cooking spray or oil, ensure that both sides of the taco shells are coated for even cooking.

Frequently asked questions