Air-Fryer Hack: Tortilla Bowls Made Easy

Making tortilla bowls in an air fryer is a simple and fun way to elevate your taco nights. This method is healthier than frying and can be done in just a few minutes. You will need an air fryer, burrito-sized flour tortillas, and some bowls to help mould the tortilla into the right shape. You can also use cooking spray to give the tortilla a nice, flaky crisp.

Choosing the right tortilla size

When making tortilla bowls in an air fryer, the size of the tortilla you use is important. The size will depend on the size of your air fryer, as well as the size of the bowls you use to mould the tortillas.

If you have a small air fryer, you will need to use smaller tortillas, typically 8-inch tortillas, also known as taco-sized tortillas. This is because the larger bowls needed to form a bigger tortilla bowl may not fit into a smaller air fryer.

For larger air fryers, you can use either 8-inch or 10-inch tortillas. The 10-inch variety are often referred to as burrito-sized tortillas.

It's important to note that the size of the tortilla should be proportional to the size of the mould you use. You don't want too much tortilla hanging over the edges of the bowls, as this can affect the shape of your tortilla bowl.

When choosing the right tortilla size, also consider the amount of filling you plan to use. Bigger tortillas will allow for larger portions, which is ideal if you're serving the tortilla bowls as a main course. Smaller tortillas, on the other hand, might be more suitable for side dishes or appetisers.

In addition to the size of the tortilla, the type of tortilla can also make a difference. Flour tortillas are commonly used for making tortilla bowls, but corn tortillas can also be an option, especially for those who prefer gluten-free options.

Using a suitable cooking spray

To use the cooking spray effectively, start by laying a flour tortilla on a cutting board or flat surface. Lightly coat one side of the tortilla with the cooking spray. Then, place the tortilla, coated side down, into a large outer bowl that is suitable for your air fryer. Use your hands to gently press the tortilla into the bowl, moulding it into a bowl shape.

Once you are happy with the shape, lightly coat the tortilla with cooking spray again. This will ensure that your tortilla bowl has an even crispness and a golden colour. After spraying, place a smaller inner bowl on top of the tortilla to sandwich it between the bowls. This inner bowl is crucial as it acts as a weight and prevents air bubbles from forming in the centre of the tortilla.

Now your tortilla is prepared and ready for the air fryer! Place your bowl setup into the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 5 minutes. This initial cooking step helps to form and set the tortilla bowl shape. After 5 minutes, carefully remove the outer bowl, leaving the tortilla and inner bowl in place. Air fry at the same temperature for another 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial for browning the outside of the tortilla bowl.

If you are satisfied with the colour and crispness of your tortilla bowl, you can remove it from the air fryer. However, if you desire additional browning on the inside of the bowl, you can remove the inner bowl and air fry for another 1 to 2 minutes. To avoid the tortilla bowl from flying around in the air fryer, flip it over during this final step.

Getting the temperature right

The first step to making tortilla bowls in an air fryer is to preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures for this, ranging from 350°F to 400°F. However, the majority of recipes recommend preheating to 375°F.

Once preheated, you can place your tortilla and bowl setup into the air fryer. The cooking temperature for this stage is consistent across recipes, with all sources recommending a temperature of 350°F.

The cooking time at this temperature varies depending on the recipe and the size of your tortilla. For a burrito-sized tortilla, you will likely need a longer cooking time, around 5 minutes, to form the tortilla bowl. For a smaller tortilla, 3 to 4 minutes may be sufficient.

After this initial cooking period, you will need to remove the outer bowl and cook the tortilla for an additional 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F to brown the outside.

If you want to add some extra browning to the inside of the tortilla bowl, you can remove the inner bowl and cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the tortilla during this step to ensure it reaches your desired level of crispness.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary, and the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted slightly depending on your particular air fryer model. Always keep an eye on your tortilla bowls during the cooking process to avoid burning.

Using the right bowls to mould the tortilla

For smaller, taco-sized tortillas, a combination of a 6-inch bowl and a 3.5-inch bowl or a 3-inch bowl (for the inner bowl) can be used. The larger, 6-inch bowl serves as the outer mould, with the smaller bowl placed inside to weigh down the tortilla and prevent air bubbles from forming. Alternatively, a ramekin or any oven-safe object of similar size can be used as the inner mould.

If you're working with larger, burrito-sized tortillas, opt for an 8-inch bowl as the outer mould and a 6-inch bowl as the inner mould. As with the smaller tortillas, ensure that the bowls are oven-safe to avoid any mishaps.

It's worth noting that the size of your air fryer will also dictate the maximum size of the bowls you can use. If you have a small air fryer, stick to the smaller bowls and tortillas to ensure they fit comfortably inside the appliance.

When preparing the tortilla bowls, it's essential to spray both sides of the tortillas with cooking spray or oil to achieve a flaky, crispy texture. This step should not be skipped, as it enhances the flavour and texture of the final product.

Filling ideas

Once you've made your tortilla bowls in the air fryer, it's time to fill them with your favourite ingredients. Here are some ideas:

• Romaine greens mix, avocado or guacamole, ground taco-seasoned meat, salsa, cilantro, and sour cream.
• Chicken Taco Bowls with a zesty green salsa chicken filling.
• Taco Salad.
• Chipotle-Lime Cauliflower Taco bowls.
• High-Protein Breakfast Taco bowls.
• Shrimp Taco Bowls, such as Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema.
• Refried beans, shredded chicken or beef, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
• Rice, such as Easy Cilantro-Lime Rice.
• Mexican Street Corn or Esquites.
• Grilled avocados.
• Gazpacho.

Frequently asked questions