Air Fryer Hard Taco Shells: Quick, Easy, Crunchy!

Making hard taco shells in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get that perfect crunch without having to deep-fry or bake them. Air-fried taco shells are healthier, less messy, and more convenient than deep-fried ones. Here's a simple guide on how to make them:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. While it's heating up, take your taco shells (corn or flour tortillas) and soften them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable. This step is crucial to prevent cracking. You can also wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or heat them in a skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side.

Next, lightly spray or brush both sides of the taco shells with cooking spray or oil. This will help them get crispy and golden. Place the shells in the air fryer basket, using taco shell stands or creating a tent with aluminium foil to drape the shells over.

Air fry your taco shells for 4-8 minutes at 400°F, checking on them regularly to prevent burning. If using an air fryer with racks, you can also hang the tortillas over the racks. Once golden and crisp, carefully remove the shells and fill them with your favourite toppings and fillings!

How to make taco shells in an air fryer without oil

Ingredients:

• Soft corn tortillas or small flour tortillas
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Favorite toppings (e.g. taco meat, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, hot sauce, cheese, refried beans, lime juice, etc.)

Method:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up for a few minutes to ensure the taco shells cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Taco Shells

While your air fryer is heating up, prepare your taco shells. Take the desired number of taco shells and heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.

Step 3: Spray Your Taco Shells

Lightly spray your taco shells with non-stick cooking spray. This will help them get crispy and golden brown in the air fryer. Be sure to spray both sides of the shells to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Place Your Taco Shells in the Air Fryer

Place the taco shells in the air fryer basket, using taco shell stands if you have them. You may need to cook the shells in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Cook Your Taco Shells

Cook your taco shells in the air fryer for 1-3 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

Step 6: Remove Your Taco Shells from the Air Fryer

Once your taco shells are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool for a few minutes before filling them.

Step 7: Fill With Favorite Toppings

Fill your taco shells with your favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer ground beef with taco seasoning, chicken, veggies, or anything else, the possibilities are endless. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, and any other toppings you like.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use corn tortillas for a slightly nutty flavor and sturdy structure.
• Choose the right-sized tortillas for your taco shell holders.
• Softening the tortillas will make them easier to shape. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp towel and microwaving for 15-30 seconds, or by lightly frying them in oil until pliable.
• Season the shells with salt, chili powder, or other spices for added flavor.
• If you don't have taco shell stands, you can use aluminum foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook.

How to make soft taco shells in an air fryer

Soft taco shells are a delicious alternative to the traditional crispy variety. Here is a step-by-step guide to making soft taco shells in an air fryer.

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Soft corn or flour tortillas
• Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray
• Air fryer
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Taco moulds, aluminium foil, or an upside-down mini muffin pan

Method:

• Prepare the Tortillas: Soften the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp towel and heating them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Alternatively, lightly fry them in oil until pliable. This step is especially important if you are using corn tortillas, as it will prevent cracking.
• Fill and Shape the Tortillas: If desired, fill each tortilla with your chosen filling, such as meat and cheese. Then, fold over to form a taco shape.
• Oil the Tortillas: Lightly brush or spray each tortilla with oil on both sides. This step will help the tortillas crisp up and turn golden brown.
• Place in the Air Fryer: Drape the tortillas over taco moulds, or shape them over aluminium foil or an upside-down mini muffin pan. Place them in the air fryer basket.
• Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for 3-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For softer shells, aim for the lower end of the time range. Check on the tortillas regularly to ensure they don't burn.
• Remove and Serve: Once the tortillas are golden and crisp, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Fill them with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Tips:

• To store leftover soft taco shells, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or sealed bag. They will keep at room temperature for 2-4 days.
• To reheat, use the oven or air fryer at 300-350°F for a few minutes, until warmed through.
• For added flavour, season the taco shells with salt, chilli powder, or other spices before cooking.
• If your tortillas crack while shaping, simply reheat them for a few seconds to make them pliable again.
• If using an air fryer with racks, you can hang the tortillas over the racks to create a space for your fillings.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade soft tacos!

How to make hard taco shells in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Soft corn tortillas
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt, onion soup mix, buffalo wing mix, taco seasoning, red pepper flakes, chipotle chilli powder, or hot sauce (optional)
• Meat, cheese, salsa, avocado, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. (optional toppings)

Utensils

• Pastry brush
• Taco mold (optional)
• Aluminium foil (if no taco mold)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your taco shells. Take the number of taco shells you need and heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.
• Lightly spray or brush both sides of your taco shells with oil.
• Drape the shells over a taco mold and place in the air fryer basket. If you don't have a taco mold, you can use aluminium foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook.
• Air fry for 4-6 minutes at 400°F until golden and crisp. Check after two minutes as the fan may shift the tortilla.
• Carefully remove the taco shells from the air fryer and allow to cool for a few minutes.
• Fill your taco shells with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

How to make taco shells in an air fryer without a taco stand

Ingredients:

• Soft corn tortillas or small flour tortillas
• Oil for brushing or spraying the tortillas (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. taco meat, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, refried beans, etc.)

Method:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 350-400°F and let it heat up for a few minutes. This will ensure that your taco shells cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Tortillas:

While your air fryer is heating up, prepare your tortillas by warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable and easier to shape. You can also wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 15-30 seconds, or lightly fry them in oil until pliable.

Step 3: (Optional) Spray or Brush Your Tortillas with Oil:

Lightly spray or brush both sides of your tortillas with oil. This will help them get crispy and golden brown in the air fryer.

Step 4: Shape Your Tortillas:

If you have a taco stand, drape the tortillas over it and place the stand in the air fryer basket. If you don't have a taco stand, you can shape your tortillas using one of the following methods:

• Use aluminum foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook.
• Place an upside-down mini muffin pan in the air fryer basket and bend the tortillas to fit into the indents of the muffin pan to hold their shape.

Step 5: Air Fry Your Tortillas:

Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350-400°F for 2-6 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

Step 6: Remove and Fill Your Taco Shells:

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

Tips:

• Use corn tortillas for a more traditional taco shell with a slightly nutty flavor.
• Choose the right-sized tortillas for your air fryer basket.
• Season your taco shells with salt, chili powder, or other spices before cooking for added flavor.
• If you prefer softer taco shells, wrap the tortillas in foil before placing them in the air fryer and reduce the cooking time.

How to make taco shells in an air fryer without burning them

Ingredients and Equipment

You will need:

• Soft corn tortillas or small flour tortillas
• Oil (e.g. avocado oil, olive oil, vegetable oil)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Taco shell stands or a mini muffin pan
• Tongs or a spatula

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This will ensure that your taco shells cook evenly and become crispy.
• While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your taco shells. Take the number of taco shells you need and heat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them more pliable.
• Lightly spray your taco shells with non-stick cooking spray. This will help them get crispy and golden in the air fryer. Make sure to spray both sides of the shells to ensure even cooking.
• Place your taco shells in the air fryer basket, using taco shell stands or an upside-down mini muffin pan to hold the shape. You may need to cook the shells in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook your taco shells for 1–3 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Keep a close eye on them to make sure they don't burn.
• Once your taco shells are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before filling them with your chosen toppings and fillings.

Tips to Avoid Burning

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow adequate space for air to circulate when heating the taco shells.
• Keep an eye on your taco shells while they are cooking. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• If you are using corn tortillas, make sure to heat them well before placing them in the air fryer to prevent cracking. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp towel and microwaving for 15–30 seconds, or by lightly frying them in oil until pliable.

Frequently asked questions