Air-Fried Hard Shells: Secrets To Crispy Perfection

Making hard taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to achieve a crunchy texture without the added oil and mess of deep-frying. The process is simple: preheat your air fryer, prepare your taco shells, spray them with cooking spray, place them in the air fryer basket, and cook for a few minutes until crispy. You can fill your crispy taco shells with your favourite ingredients, such as ground beef, chicken, veggies, cheese, salsa, or sour cream.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making hard taco shells. By preheating, you ensure that your taco shells cook evenly and become crispy. So, when you're ready to start, set your air fryer to heat up to between 350°F and 400°F. This will usually take just a few minutes.

While your air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your taco shells. Take as many taco shells as you need and heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable. This step will help you shape them into taco shells without cracking. You can also wrap the tortillas in a damp towel and microwave them for 15-30 seconds, or lightly fry them in oil, until they are soft and pliable.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you are ready to cook your taco shells. Place them in the air fryer basket, preferably using taco shell stands to help them hold their shape. You may need to cook the shells in batches if you have a smaller air fryer.

Prepare taco shells

Preparing taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get that perfect crunch for your taco night. Here is a step-by-step guide to making crispy and delicious taco shells:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step ensures that your air fryer is nice and hot, ready to give your taco shells that perfect crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

While your air fryer is heating up, take the number of corn tortillas you need and warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until they become soft and pliable. This step ensures that your tortillas are easy to shape and less likely to crack.

Step 3: Oil the Tortillas

Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with oil. This step is optional but helps to achieve an even crispier texture and a golden brown colour. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a non-stick cooking spray.

Step 4: Shape the Taco Shells

Now it's time to shape your tortillas into taco shells. Drape the tortillas over a taco mold, or if you don't have one, you can create small tents with aluminium foil to lay the tortillas over as they cook.

Step 5: Air Fry the Taco Shells

Place the prepared taco shells into the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning. You may need to flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Step 6: Remove and Fill the Taco Shells

Once your taco shells are golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool down for a few minutes, and then it's time to fill them with your favourite toppings!

Tips and Tricks:

• If you don't have a taco mold, you can use an upside-down mini muffin pan to hold the shape of the taco shells while they air fry.
• Adjust the cooking time according to your desired crispiness. For a softer shell, reduce the time, and for a crunchier shell, add a minute or two.
• If using corn tortillas, be sure to warm them before shaping to prevent cracking.
• Season your taco shells with salt, chili powder, or other spices before cooking for added flavour.
• You can also bake the tortillas in the oven at 375°F for 7-10 minutes as a healthy alternative to achieve crispy taco shells.

Now you have a batch of crispy, delicious taco shells ready to be filled with your favourite toppings! Enjoy your taco night!

Spray shells with cooking spray

Spraying your taco shells with cooking spray is an important step in achieving the perfect crispy texture. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Soften the Tortillas

Before spraying your taco shells, it's recommended to soften the tortillas, especially if you're using corn tortillas. This step helps prevent cracking and makes it easier to shape them into taco shells. Simply wrap the tortillas in a damp towel or paper towel and heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. You can also heat them in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side until they become soft and pliable.

Step 2: Prepare the Cooking Spray

Choose a non-stick cooking spray that is suitable for air frying. You can use options like avocado oil spray, olive oil spray, or any vegetable oil spray. Make sure the spray is easily accessible as you'll need to work quickly once the tortillas are soft and warm.

Step 3: Lightly Spray Both Sides

Take one tortilla at a time and lightly spray both sides with the cooking spray. Be sure to coat the entire surface evenly. This step helps the shells get crispy and golden brown in the air fryer. The spray also helps with even cooking, ensuring that your shells don't burn.

Step 4: Work Quickly

As you spray each tortilla, move swiftly to the next step of shaping and placing them in the air fryer. Working quickly is important because the warmth from the softening step will help the shells hold their shape. If the tortillas cool down too much, they may become less pliable, making it harder to drape them over the taco mold or rack.

Step 5: Repeat for Each Shell

Depending on how many shells you're making, repeat the spraying and shaping process for each tortilla. Remember to spray both sides of each tortilla to ensure even cooking and browning.

By following these steps, you'll be on your way to creating delicious, crispy taco shells with that perfect golden crunch!

Place shells in the air fryer basket

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your shells are ready, it's time to place them in the air fryer basket. If you have taco shell stands, you can place the shells in them. If you don't have stands, you can use aluminium foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook. You can also use a long piece of aluminium foil, wadded up into a rectangular shape, to mould the tortillas around.

If you are cooking multiple shells, make sure they are arranged in an even layer and not overcrowded in the basket. This will ensure that hot air can circulate properly and cook the shells evenly.

If you are using a muffin pan to shape your shells, place the pan upside down in the air fryer basket and position the shells in the indents of the pan.

If you are cooking shells in batches, you can leave the cooked shells on a piece of parchment paper to cool while you cook the next batch.

Fill shells with toppings

Once you've made your taco shells in the air fryer, it's time for the best part: filling them with all your favourite toppings! The beauty of tacos is that they can cater to everyone's tastes, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of fillings and toppings.

Proteins

• Ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder
• Shredded chicken marinated in lime juice, cilantro, and spices
• Black beans, mashed or whole, seasoned with cumin, garlic, and onion
• Grilled or fried fish
• Pan-seared or grilled shrimp
• Crispy fried fish
• Blackened Portobello mushrooms
• Grilled vegetables
• Beans

Vegetables

• Bell peppers, sliced and sautéed
• Onions, chopped and caramelized
• Lettuce, shredded for a crisp texture

Cheese

Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco

Sauces

• Salsa, homemade or store-bought
• Sour cream for a creamy and tangy contrast
• Guacamole, made with ripe avocados
• Cheese sauce
• Hot sauce
• Creamy cilantro sauce
• Avocado crema

Other Toppings

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Onions, chopped
• Squeeze of lime juice
• Diced tomatoes
• Homemade coleslaw
• Salsa
• Chopped onion
• Crispy romaine lettuce

Now that you have all the components ready, it's time to assemble your tacos! Place a warm hard shell on a plate and begin by adding a layer of your desired protein. Then, top with your favourite vegetables, cheese, and sauces. Don't be afraid to load up your tacos, but be careful not to overfill the shells to prevent them from breaking. Finish your taco with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of chopped onions for an extra burst of flavour.

Frequently asked questions