Air Fryer Taco Shells: Quick, Crunchy, And Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make taco shells, look no further than your air fryer! In just a few minutes, you can have crispy, golden brown shells that are perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night of the week. The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients and an air fryer to get started. So, how long do you need to put taco shells in the air fryer?

How to make taco shells in an air fryer from scratch

Ingredients

All you need to make taco shells in an air fryer from scratch are corn tortillas and vegetable oil.

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
• Brush both sides of the tortillas with oil.
• Drape the tortillas over a taco mold, an air fryer rack, or a trivet. If you don't have any of these, you can use aluminium foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook.
• Place the tortillas inside the air fryer basket and put on the lid. If you don't have a lid, cover the basket with aluminium foil to prevent the shells from touching the heating element.
• Bake for 4-6 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and fill the shells with your favourite toppings.

Tips

• Check the shells after 2 minutes, as the fan may shift the tortilla.
• If you're using an air fryer with racks, you can also place the tortillas over the rack, hanging down, to air fry.
• You can season the shells with onion soup mix, buffalo wing mix, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, chipotle chilli powder, or hot sauce.

How to heat up taco shells in an air fryer

Heating taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get your taco shells warm and crispy. It's also a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses less oil and is more convenient than handling hot oil in a large pot.

Steps to follow:

Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 300-400℉ and let it heat up for about 3 minutes. This will ensure that your taco shells cook evenly and become crispy.

Prepare your taco shells: While your air fryer is heating up, take 4-6 taco shells and separate them with a little spacing in between. If you are using soft tortillas, wrap them in foil.

Place the taco shells in the air fryer basket: Put the stack of taco shells in the air fryer basket and cover them with a lid or aluminium foil. This will prevent the shells from touching the heating element and getting scorch marks.

Heat the taco shells: Heat the taco shells for 4-6 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

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

Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the basket. Leave adequate space when heating hard taco shells so that the air can circulate properly.
• Adjust the time according to your preference. If you like extra crispy taco shells, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
• If you are using soft tortillas, you can use flour tortillas or corn tortillas.
• For soft tortillas, preheat the air fryer to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• You can also make your own taco shells from scratch using corn tortillas and vegetable oil.

How to store leftover taco shells

If you have leftover taco shells, there are several ways to store them for later use. Here are some tips on how to store leftover taco shells to maintain their freshness and crispness:

Storing at Room Temperature

The recommended way to store leftover taco shells is at room temperature. Place the shells in an airtight food container or a resealable bag. This method can keep the shells crispy for about a week.

Storing in the Freezer

If you want to store the leftover taco shells for an extended period, consider using a freezer-friendly food container or a Ziploc resealable bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Avoiding the Refrigerator

It is not advisable to store leftover taco shells in the refrigerator. Similar to bread, taco shells tend to lose their crispness and become soggy when refrigerated.

Reheating Stored Taco Shells

When you're ready to use your stored taco shells, you can easily reheat them to restore their warmth and crispness. Here are two recommended methods:

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 250°F (121°C) for 3 minutes. Wrap the shells in aluminum foil and heat them for 3 to 4 minutes or until warm.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Wrap the taco shells in foil and heat them for about 5 minutes or until they reach your desired warmth.

How to reheat taco shells

There are several ways to reheat taco shells, and using an air fryer is one of the most effective methods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat taco shells using an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 250°F for soft shells or 350°F for hard shells. It is recommended to always preheat your air fryer to ensure the shells are added to a hot basket, achieving the desired crispiness.

For soft shells, wrap the tortillas in foil. You can wrap up to six soft flour or corn tortillas at a time. Place them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes, or until the tortillas are heated through.

For hard shells, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is adequate spacing between the shells to allow for proper air circulation. Heat the shells for 2 minutes or until they are warm and crispy.

If you are reheating a large batch of taco shells, you may need to do it in several batches to ensure even heating. Additionally, you can adjust the time according to your preference. For instance, if you like extra crispy taco shells, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Besides using an air fryer, there are other methods to reheat taco shells. One option is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 275°F, wrap the taco shells in foil, and heat them for about 5 minutes or until warm.

Another option is to use a stovetop. Simply heat a skillet over medium heat and place the taco shells in the skillet for a few minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are warmed through.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy warm and crispy taco shells, ready to be filled with your favorite toppings and ingredients.

How to make soft shell tacos in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Soft corn tortillas
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Aluminum foil
• Your choice of fillings and toppings, such as:
• Ground beef
• Black beans
• Cheese
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Cilantro
• Hot sauce

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 250°F.
• Wrap your soft tortillas in aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped tortillas in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 3-4 minutes, until the tortillas are heated through.
• Carefully remove the tortillas from the air fryer and fill with your chosen toppings.

Tips

• If you want to add your toppings before cooking, that's fine! Just be aware that the lettuce may come out slightly wilted.
• If you want to make your soft shell tacos extra crispy, increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

Frequently asked questions