Air-Fryer Mini Tacos: Cooking Time And Tips

Mini tacos are a perfect snack for any occasion, and an air fryer is the best way to cook them. They're a crowd-pleaser, healthier than deep-fried options, and quick to make. You can cook frozen mini tacos in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, and homemade ones in around 20 minutes.

The air fryer is a great way to get crispy, crunchy shells while keeping the meat and cheese warm. You can use any brand of frozen mini tacos, such as Trader Joe's, Don Miguel, or El Charrito.

To cook frozen mini tacos in an air fryer, preheat the fryer to 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes. Then, place the tacos in a single layer in the fryer basket and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. For homemade mini tacos, you'll need to cook the meat and fold the fillings into small tortillas before placing them in the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is a great way to speed up cooking time and get that extra crispiness. It's especially useful if you're cooking thinly cut meats, reheating precooked or frozen foods, or baking. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, that's no problem! Simply set the temperature to 400°F/200°C and let it heat up for 3 to 5 minutes.

When preheating your air fryer to 400°F/200°C, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure your air fryer can handle preheating. While most air fryers can preheat to this temperature in 3 to 5 minutes, always check your specific model's manual for instructions. Additionally, leave the basket in the air fryer during preheating so that it also gets nice and hot, which will help toast or sear your food.

Preheating at 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes is a great way to ensure your food cooks evenly and quickly. It's perfect for when you're short on time and want to speed up the cooking process. This is especially useful if you're cooking foods that benefit from a good sear, like steaks or burgers, or if you're making fried or breaded foods that you want to be crispy and crunchy, such as chicken tenders or fries.

By preheating your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes, you're giving your food a head start by starting the cooking process at a higher temperature. This is a great technique to use when you're short on time or simply want to get that extra crispiness on your food. Just remember to always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

Place frozen mini tacos in a single layer in the basket

When placing frozen mini tacos in the air fryer, it is important to arrange them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each taco. This ensures that hot air can circulate properly and helps to achieve crispy taco shells. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you should be able to fit around 8-10 tacos in a single layer.

When arranging the tacos in the air fryer basket, make sure they are still frozen and not defrosted. You can place them directly into the basket from the freezer. It is not necessary to use parchment paper or foil, but doing so can make cleanup easier.

Once the tacos are in the air fryer, you can follow the recommended cooking instructions. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, and then cook the tacos for 5-8 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of crispiness. If you are cooking a full box of tacos, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

It is also important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type and brand of air fryer you are using. Always check your food regularly to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. An instant-read thermometer can be useful to check that the tacos have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 5-6 minutes

Air frying mini tacos is a quick and easy way to make a delicious snack or meal. It's important to preheat your air fryer to ensure the best results. Set your air fryer to 400°F/200°C and let it preheat for 5 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your mini tacos. If you're making them from scratch, gather your favourite meats, cheeses, and either corn or flour tortillas. You can fill your tacos with chicken, beef, pork, or keep them meat-free with different cheese blends. For a vegetarian option, fill your tacos with veggies.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to cook your mini tacos. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each taco to allow the hot air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you should be able to fit around 8-10 tacos.

Now, it's time to air fry! Cook your mini tacos at 400°F/200°C for 5-6 minutes, or until they're golden brown and slightly crispy. If you're using an air fryer oven, place the tacos on the top rack and flip them halfway through the cooking time.

Once they're cooked to perfection, remove the mini tacos from the air fryer and serve them warm. You can enjoy them as is or add your favourite toppings and sides, such as salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, or guacamole.

If you have any leftover mini tacos, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer and cook at 350°F/177°C for 3-4 minutes until they're heated through.

Flip halfway through for even cooking

When cooking mini tacos in an air fryer, it is important to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. This is because the air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, and by flipping the tacos, you allow all sides of the tacos to be exposed to the hot air, promoting even cooking and browning.

When cooking mini tacos in an air fryer, it is recommended to arrange them in a single layer, leaving some space between each taco. This ensures that the hot air can circulate properly and helps to achieve crispy taco shells. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may fit around 8 to 10 tacos on the tray or in the basket.

The cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the brand of air fryer you are using, but generally, you will cook the mini tacos at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you are using an air fryer oven, it is recommended to use the top rack and flip the tacos after 3 minutes, then air fry for another 3 minutes.

After cooking, it is a good idea to let the mini tacos rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows them to crisp up even further and ensures that the filling is heated through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the tacos have reached the desired internal temperature. For tacos containing chicken, the recommended internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, while for raw ground beef, it is 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are cooking a full box of tacos, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and browning. Additionally, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat them in the air fryer when needed.

Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer

If you have any leftover mini tacos, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for about 3 minutes. You can also reheat them at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

If you're reheating frozen leftover mini tacos, you can cook them at 400°F for 2 minutes.

If you're reheating in an air fryer oven, use the top rack.

Frequently asked questions