Air-Fried Corn Tacos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Corn tacos made in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and tasty meal for any night of the week. You can use corn tortillas or hard taco shells, and fill them with your choice of meat, cheese, and toppings. The air fryer will give you a crispy shell without the need for deep-frying, and you can make them in batches to feed a crowd.

Choosing the right corn tortillas

When it comes to corn tortillas, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best results for your air fryer tacos. Firstly, it's important to choose a good-quality tortilla that can withstand the filling and cooking process without falling apart. Look for tortillas that are pliable, with a good balance of thickness to ensure they are strong yet easy to work with.

Tortilla Texture

The texture of corn tortillas can vary, and this is largely determined by the colour of corn used. White corn tortillas tend to have a chewier texture, while yellow corn tortillas are more traditional and have a stronger, more assertive corn flavour. If you prefer a milder corn flavour, opt for white corn tortillas, but if you want a more authentic, corn-forward taste, go for yellow.

Tortilla Thickness

The thickness of tortillas can also vary, and this will impact their sturdiness and cooking time. Thicker tortillas, such as La Banderita White Corn Tortillas, are pillowy and less likely to break, making them ideal for tearing, folding, and rolling. On the other hand, thinner tortillas, such as those from La Tortilla Factory, offer a different experience. They tend to be firmer and chewier, providing a good bite, but may not be as pliable as their thicker counterparts.

Tortilla Flavour

While corn tortillas should have a subtle corn flavour, some brands offer a more intense corn taste. Mi Rancho corn tortillas, for example, are known for their corn-forward flavour, making them a popular choice for those who want their tortillas to shine through in their tacos. Other brands, like Trader Joe's, offer a simpler, milder flavour with their tortillas made from just white corn, water, and lime.

Tortilla Size

Consider the size of your tortillas, especially if you plan on filling your tacos generously. Larger tortillas, such as those from Mission, provide extra space for more ingredients, making them ideal for taco lovers who want to pile on the fillings. Smaller, street taco-sized tortillas, such as Mi Rancho Taco Sliders, are also a great option, especially for breakfast tacos or when using braised meats as your filling.

Warming Tortillas

When preparing your corn tortillas for air fryer tacos, it's important to warm them before filling. This helps prevent cracking and breaking. Avoid using a microwave, as this can affect the texture and colour of the tortillas and increase the chances of rips and tears. Instead, opt for dry heat. Use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 15 to 30 seconds on each side, or place the tortillas directly over a gas burner on medium-low heat, watching closely and flipping as soon as they start to brown.

Storing Tortillas

If you're not using all your tortillas at once, it's important to store them properly to maintain freshness. Corn tortillas can be stored in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator, where they will last for 4-5 days. For longer-term storage, consider freezing your tortillas to extend their shelf life.

By considering these factors and choosing a tortilla that suits your taste and needs, you can ensure your air fryer corn tacos turn out perfectly crispy and delicious!

Preparing the taco fillings

For the taco fillings, you can choose from a variety of options. You can go for a vegetarian option with beans and cheese, or you can use meat fillings such as ground beef, chicken, or pork. Here is a detailed description of how to prepare some of these fillings:

Ground Beef Filling:

• Heat a large skillet over high heat and add ground beef, breaking it apart as you cook.
• Cook the beef for about 5-6 minutes until it is browned.
• Drain any excess grease and add the taco seasoning and water (follow the instructions on the packet).
• Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Chicken Filling:

• Marinate boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a mixture of orange juice, vinegar, and spices for about 2 hours.
• Lightly oil the air fryer basket and cook the chicken, flipping it once. You can slightly undercook the chicken as it will be cooked again when assembled into the taco.
• After cooking, shred or chop the chicken into small pieces.

Once your fillings are ready, it's time to assemble the tacos. Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel or a towel and microwave them for about 20 seconds to 1 minute. This step is crucial to ensure the tortillas are pliable and don't crack when filled and folded.

Now, it's time to fill and fold the tortillas. You can fill each tortilla with your chosen filling, such as beef or chicken, and add some cheese. Gently fold the tortilla in half. If you're using toothpicks, you can secure the tacos at this stage to prevent them from opening up during cooking.

Brush the outside of the tacos with olive oil or cooking spray, and you're almost ready to air-fry!

Assembling the tacos

To assemble the tacos, you'll first need to prepare your chosen fillings. This could include cooking ground beef or chicken, and preparing any toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onion, salsa, guacamole, or cheese.

Next, warm up your tortillas so they don't crack when you fold them. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for around 20 seconds, or until they're pliable. Alternatively, you can heat them in a dry skillet for about 20-30 seconds on each side.

Once your tortillas are warm, you can start filling them. Add your chosen fillings to each tortilla, then fold it carefully. You can secure the tortilla with a toothpick to prevent it from opening up during cooking.

Brush or spray the outside of the tortilla with oil, then place the tacos in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as you want the air to be able to circulate freely. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tacos in batches.

Now your tacos are assembled and ready to be cooked!

Air-frying the tacos

Firstly, you will need to prepare your fillings and toppings. For a classic taco, you can use ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning, or you can opt for other proteins such as chicken or pork. Cook your protein of choice and have your desired fillings like cheese, beans, or vegetables ready.

Now, it's time to prepare your corn tortillas. This step is crucial to ensure your tortillas don't crack. Wrap your corn tortillas in a damp paper towel or a towel and microwave them for about 20 seconds to 1 minute until they are very warm and pliable. This will make them easier to fold without cracking.

Fill each tortilla with your desired fillings. You can add meat, cheese, beans, or any other fillings of your choice. Be careful not to overfill the tortillas as this can cause them to break or be difficult to fold. Fold the tortillas in half to form the taco shape.

Brush the outside of the tacos with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This will help the tortillas crisp up and turn golden brown. You can also use an oil spray if you have one available.

Place the tacos in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are placed securely and won't tip over or unfold. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the tacos in batches.

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 360-400°F and cook the tacos for around 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. You might need to flip the tacos halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Once the tacos are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer. If you are cooking multiple batches, you can keep the cooked tacos warm in a low oven or serve them as they come out of the air fryer.

Finally, it's time to add your desired toppings. You can add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, or any other toppings you enjoy. Serve the tacos immediately while they are still warm and crispy.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy corn tacos made right in your air fryer. Enjoy your taco feast!

Serving and storing the tacos

Serving and storing your air-fried corn tacos:

Once you've made your tacos, it's time to serve them. You can top your tacos with whatever you like. Some popular options include lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce, and cheese. If you're using cheese, it's best to add it before you cook your tacos so it melts inside the air fryer. However, if you prefer your cheese unmelted, you can add it after cooking.

If you're serving your tacos to guests, you might want to consider providing a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their tacos to their liking. You can set out small bowls of toppings and let everyone build their perfect taco.

In terms of storing leftovers, allow your tacos to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover tacos, you can reheat them in the air fryer or oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warmed through. This will help retain the crispy texture of the shell.

If you're storing unfilled taco shells, you can place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container and keep them at room temperature for a few days.

Now you know everything about serving and storing your air-fried corn tacos. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Frequently asked questions