Marianne Martinez
Cooking ground beef for tacos in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to make a delicious meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights and can be paired with a variety of toppings and sides. This method cuts down on cooking time and grease, making it a convenient option for those who want a tasty, crispy taco without the mess of deep-frying. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a flavourful and juicy taco filling that will be a hit with the whole family.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of cooking | Easy to make, suitable for busy weeknights |
| Ingredients | Ground beef, taco seasoning, flour tortillas, non-stick cooking spray, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado salsa, cheese, cilantro, onion, jalapenos, garlic |
| Taste | Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside |
| Nutritional value | 158 kcal, 1g carbohydrates, 24g protein, 6g fat, 3g saturated fat, 0.3g polyunsaturated fat, 2g monounsaturated fat, 0.4g trans fat, 70mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 392mg potassium, 0.2g fiber, 0.2g sugar, 117IU vitamin A, 1mg vitamin C, 10mg calcium, 3mg iron |
| Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Equipment | Air fryer, metal taco holder, meat masher |
| Storage | Store leftover ground beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients and preparation
The ingredients and preparation method for making ground beef tacos in an air fryer are quite simple and straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
For the ground beef filling:
- Lean ground beef
- Onion
- Jalapenos
- Garlic
- Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Water
For the tacos:
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocado salsa
- Cheese
- Cilantro
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Preparation
- Cook the ground beef, onion, and jalapenos in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, and the vegetables are tender.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional two minutes.
- Drain the grease using a paper towel and return the mixture to the skillet.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir to combine.
- Add water to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 3 minutes.
- Place the tortillas in a metal taco holder and fill them with the meat mixture.
- Lightly spray both sides of the filled tortillas with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the filled tortillas back into the taco holder and then place the holder into the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the tacos for about 4 minutes at 390°F.
- Repeat the process until you have made the desired number of tacos.
- Serve the tacos with your desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
Tips and Variations:
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- If you prefer softer tacos, you can fill the tortillas with the meat mixture and then microwave them for 20 seconds before placing them in the air fryer.
- You can also bake the tacos in the oven instead of air-frying them.
- Leftover ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-6 days.
- You can also freeze cooked ground beef and thaw it overnight in the fridge before using it again.
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Cooking the ground beef
Firstly, you will need to cook the ground beef in a skillet or frying pan on the stove. Break down the ground beef with a wooden spoon or spatula. You can add other ingredients at this stage, such as onions, jalapenos, and garlic, for extra flavor. You can also add spices such as paprika, cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder, or use a store-bought or homemade taco seasoning mix. Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink, crumbling it as you go.
Next, drain the grease and return the beef to the pan. Add a quarter cup of water and a packet of taco seasoning or two tablespoons of homemade seasoning, and stir. You can also add tomato paste and beef broth at this stage if you wish. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Now your ground beef is ready to be used as a taco filling. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes. Place the tortillas in a metal taco holder and fill them with the beef mixture. You can add cheese at this stage if desired. Lightly spray both sides of the tortillas with non-stick cooking spray, then place them back in the holder and put the holder in the air fryer basket. Air fry the tacos for 4 minutes at 390°F.
You can keep the tacos warm in a low oven or serve them as they are ready. You can also store leftover ground beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to six days.
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Adding seasoning
When it comes to adding seasoning to your ground beef for tacos in the air fryer, you have a few options. You can use a packet of store-bought taco seasoning, or you can make your own blend at home.
If you're short on time, simply grab a packet of taco seasoning from the store. There are many brands available, and this is a quick and convenient option. You can also find low-sodium options if you're watching your salt intake.
However, if you want to get creative and customize your seasoning, making your own blend at home is a great choice. Here's a simple recipe you can try:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
You can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you like your tacos on the spicier side, add more chili powder and pepper. This homemade blend will give your ground beef tacos a delicious, unique flavor that your guests will surely love.
Additionally, you can enhance the flavor of your ground beef tacos by adding some extra ingredients during the cooking process. Here are some suggestions:
- Onion: Dice up an onion and cook it along with the ground beef to add a savory, sweet flavor to your tacos.
- Jalapenos: If you like your tacos spicy, add some chopped jalapenos to the ground beef while cooking.
- Garlic: Minced or crushed garlic added to the ground beef can bring a pungent, savory flavor to your tacos.
- Tomato Paste: Stirring in some tomato paste will add a rich, tangy flavor to your taco meat.
Remember, the beauty of making tacos is that you can customize them to your liking. So, feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to find your perfect combination. Enjoy the process of creating delicious, seasoned ground beef tacos in your air fryer!
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Filling the tacos
Firstly, you will need to cook the ground beef. Place the raw ground beef in the air fryer basket, using a meat masher or spatula to break it down and spread it evenly. You can also add diced onions or onion powder to add more flavor. Then, air fry the ground beef at 380-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Next, open the air fryer basket and stir and crumble the ground beef with a meat masher or wooden spoon. This will help to drain the fat, giving you extra lean meat.
At this point, you can add your chosen taco seasoning. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own blend with spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. You will also need to add a bit of water, around 1/4 cup, and stir well. Give the beef a toss and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until it is cooked to your desired level.
Now it's time to fill the tacos. Place the tortillas on a plate and top them with a damp paper towel. Microwave them for 20 seconds to make them more pliable and less likely to crack. You can use flour or corn tortillas, whichever you prefer. Fill each tortilla with a few tablespoons of the ground beef mixture and add some shredded cheese. Then, fold the tortillas in half.
Finally, spritz your air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking and place the filled tacos in a single layer in the basket. Air fry the tacos at 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes, until the tortillas are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them toward the end of cooking to prevent burning.
You can serve these tacos with a variety of toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado salsa, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime juice, extra cheese, salsa, or pico de gallo. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air fryer tacos!
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Cooking the tacos
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Water
- Flour tortillas
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Toppings of your choice (e.g. shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado salsa, cheese, cilantro, etc.)
Instructions
Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. You can add other ingredients like onions, jalapenos, and garlic to enhance the flavor. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, and the vegetables are tender. Drain the grease and return the meat to the pan.
Next, add your taco seasoning and water to the beef, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 3 minutes. While it's preheating, prepare your tortillas. Place the tortillas in a metal taco holder and fill them with the meat mixture. You can also add cheese at this stage if you like your tacos extra cheesy.
Now, pick up each filled tortilla and spray both sides lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial for achieving crispy taco shells. Place the sprayed tacos back into the metal taco holder.
Place the taco holder with the filled tortillas into the air fryer basket and air fry at 390°F for about 4 minutes. Keep a close eye on your tacos to ensure they don't burn.
Once they're golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your desired toppings. Enjoy the fruit of your labor!
Tips
- Always preheat your air fryer for best results.
- You can make a big batch of taco meat and freeze it for future use.
- Leftover ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days.
- If you're short on time, you can cook the ground beef directly in the air fryer without using a skillet. Simply place the raw ground beef in the air fryer basket, breaking it up with a spatula or meat masher, and cook for about 5 minutes at 390°F. Then, add your taco seasoning and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Place raw ground beef in the air fryer basket and use a meat masher to break it apart. Cook for 5 minutes at 390°F. Open the air fryer and use the meat masher to crumble the beef. Add taco seasoning and toss. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
It takes about 7-8 minutes to cook ground beef in an air fryer at 390°F.
Lean ground beef is the best option as it has less fat, but you can also use ground veal or lamb.
Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado salsa, cheese, and cilantro are some popular toppings. You can also add sour cream, lime juice, or extra cheese.
Let the cooked meat cool down, then store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
