Air-Fryer Rolled Tacos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make rolled tacos, whether you're using corn or flour tortillas, and with a variety of fillings. You can make chicken, beef, or potato tacos, and even use frozen taquitos. The key to getting the tacos crispy is to heat the tortillas first so that they're soft and pliable before filling and frying. You can fill your tacos with beef, chicken, beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and more, and then air fry for around 6-10 minutes at around 400°F.

Warming tortillas in a pan/skillet

Warming tortillas in a pan or skillet is a great way to prepare them for rolling into tacos. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect tortilla warmth and pliability:

Firstly, you'll want to select a pan or skillet that is larger than the diameter of your tortillas. Heat this over medium heat; there is no need to add any oil or non-stick spray to the pan. You can use a variety of heat sources, including gas, electric, or induction burners, but it's worth noting that some people claim that gas burners produce the best flavour.

Once your pan is hot, place a tortilla directly into the centre. Heat the tortilla for around 45 seconds or until the bottom is browned in spots. You are aiming for a light charring, which will enhance the flavour. Use tongs or a fork to flip the tortilla and heat the other side for around 45 seconds as well.

Remove the tortilla from the pan and place it on a plate or a clean surface. Repeat this process with the rest of your tortillas. You can stack them as you go.

If you prefer a quicker method, you can heat your tortillas directly over a gas flame. Turn your gas burner to medium so that the flame just barely reaches the top of the grate. Place a tortilla directly onto the burner and heat for about 15 seconds, until the bottom is browned. Use tongs to flip it over and heat the other side for the same duration. Remove the tortilla and repeat with the rest.

Warming your tortillas in a pan or skillet gives them a nice toasty taste and makes them softer and more pliable, which is ideal for rolling tacos. It's worth noting that corn tortillas, in particular, benefit from being heated as they can be dry and crack when folded or bent otherwise.

Filling the tacos

Ingredients and Preparation:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a simple filling, you can use shredded chicken or beef, taco seasoning, and cheese. You can also add in some diced onions, garlic, green chilies, and your choice of hot sauce or salsa. If you're feeling adventurous, try refried beans, cream cheese, or avocado.

Warm your tortillas in a pan on the stove. Spray the pan with a little oil to prevent sticking and heat the tortillas until they are soft and pliable. This will make them easier to roll without cracking.

Filling and Rolling:

Once your tortillas are warm, it's time to fill and roll them. Place your filling ingredients in the center of each tortilla. Start with a few tablespoons of your meat, followed by cheese, and any other desired ingredients. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and cause the tacos to break open during air frying.

Roll the tortillas carefully. Place the filling towards the center of the tortilla and fold one side over, then roll it up tightly. You can use a toothpick to secure the tortilla, but this is usually not necessary if the tortillas are warm and pliable.

Air Frying:

After filling and rolling your tacos, it's time to place them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the tacos in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.

Air fry your tacos for 6-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispness. For chicken tacos, 4-5 minutes at 400°F should be sufficient. For beef tacos, you may need a little longer.

Toppings:

Once your tacos are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and serve. You can add toppings before or after air frying, depending on your preference. Some people like to add all their toppings, including lettuce, before air frying so that everything is warm and slightly toasted. Others prefer to add fresh toppings after cooking.

Some popular topping options include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, green chilies, and shredded cheese. You can also add hot sauce, cilantro, red onion, or diced tomatoes.

Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings to find your favorite combinations!

Air-frying the tacos

Once your tortillas are soft, it's time to fill them. You can fill your tacos with a variety of ingredients, such as shredded chicken, beef, cheese, salsa, beans, and vegetables. If you're making chicken tacos, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken at home. For beef tacos, it's best to use lean ground beef and crumble it as you cook. Don't forget to season your filling! You can use a packet of taco seasoning or make your own.

After filling your tacos, it's time to place them in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to fit around four tacos in a single layer in the basket. Make sure the tacos are not touching each other. Brush or spray the tacos with oil to help them crisp up.

Now, you're ready to air fry! Set your air fryer to 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook your tacos for 6-9 minutes, or until golden brown. If you're cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.

Once your tacos are crispy, it's time to enjoy them! You can top them with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion.

Toppings and sides

There are many different toppings and sides that you can use to elevate your rolled tacos. Here are some ideas:

Toppings

• Sour cream
• Mexican tomato sauce
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Green chillies
• Hot sauce
• Cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Jalapenos
• Diced tomatoes
• Red onion
• Cilantro

Sides

• Refried beans
• Black beans
• Spanish rice
• Guacamole
• Salsa

Reheating and storing tacos

Reheating Tacos in an Air Fryer:

The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can quickly reheat tacos while maintaining their texture and taste. Here are the steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 375°F. This ensures that your tacos reheat evenly.
• Place the tacos in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket to allow adequate airflow and even heating.
• Set the timer for 2 to 3 minutes. This short duration in the hot air fryer will crisp up the shell without drying out the filling.
• Once the timer goes off, let the tacos cool for a minute before serving.

Storing Tacos for Reheating:

To ensure your tacos are ready for a quick reheat, it's best to store them properly. Here are some tips:

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
• Separate different types of tacos, such as soft and hard shell tacos, to ensure they stay intact and don't get soggy.
• Label and date your containers to keep track of when they need to be reheated or consumed by.
• Add a packet of silica gel or a paper towel to the container to absorb any excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy tacos anytime. The air fryer's versatility allows you to reheat store-bought, homemade, or leftover tacos from your favourite Mexican restaurant. So, the next time you have leftover tacos, don't settle for a cold or soggy meal. Break out your air fryer and enjoy a fresh-tasting, hot, and crispy taco feast!

Frequently asked questions