Air-Fried Taco Meat: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Making taco meat in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to spice up taco night. It's also a great option for meal planning and batch cooking. The air fryer method produces tender, juicy, and flavourful meat with minimal prep and cleanup.

To make taco meat in an air fryer, you'll need ground beef or a combination of ground beef and ground chicken or pork. You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own with a blend of spices. The cooking process is simple: mix the meat with the seasoning, place it in the air fryer, and cook for around 9–10 minutes, breaking up the meat halfway through.

You can serve the taco meat in traditional tacos, burritos, or taco salads, or get creative with dishes like Mexican lasagna, spicy taco soup, or Tex-Mex egg rolls.

Choosing your meat

The amount of meat you need will depend on the number of people you're serving and the type of tacos you're making. For tacos, burritos, or taco salads, a good rule of thumb is to allow for 4-6 ounces of cooked meat per person.

When preparing the meat, it's essential to break it apart and crumble it while cooking to ensure even cooking. Additionally, using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your taco meat is fully cooked and has reached a safe internal temperature.

Seasoning options

Seasoning is a key component of taco meat, and there are several options to choose from. You can opt for a packet of store-bought taco seasoning, which is convenient and easy to use. Alternatively, you can make your own homemade taco seasoning, allowing you to customise the flavours to your taste.

If you want to make your own, a simple option is to combine taco seasoning with garlic, onion, and water. You can also get creative and experiment with different spices and ingredients like orange juice, vinegar, and various types of chilli powder.

For a healthier option, it's worth noting that store-bought taco seasoning tends to be high in salt, so making your own allows you to control the amount of salt and other ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more flavourful option.

Additionally, when making taco meat in an air fryer, it's important to note that the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer, so keep a close eye on the meat to avoid overcooking or burning it.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking times and temperatures for making taco meat in an air fryer vary depending on the type of taco meat and the specific air fryer being used. However, here is a general guide:

When cooking ground beef, it is recommended to cook it for 5 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit, and then use a meat masher to crumble the beef. Add the taco seasoning and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.

For chicken, it is best to cook boneless skinless chicken thighs at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If using chicken breasts, cook for 10 minutes, and if using beef or pork, adjust the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-6 minutes.

When preparing the taco shells, corn tortillas should be warmed in the microwave or skillet first to prevent cracking. Brush the outside of the tortillas with olive oil or cooking spray and place them in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For store-bought hard taco shells, heat them in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat is fully cooked and has reached a safe internal temperature.

Filling options

The beauty of tacos is that you can fill them with whatever you like! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Meat

• Ground beef is the most common option, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
• If you're feeling fancy, you can try using steak or boneless skinless chicken thighs.
• For a vegetarian option, fill your tacos with beans and cheese.

Seasoning

You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own blend with spices like orange juice, vinegar, garlic, chile powder, ground coriander, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and dried cumin.

Toppings

• The sky's the limit when it comes to toppings! Here are some ideas:
• Lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, hot sauce, guacamole, salsa, avocado slices, lime wedges
• Cheese (shredded Mexican cheese or your favourite variety)
• Black beans, pinto beans, refried beans
• Sour cream, homemade pico de gallo, guacamole or lime crema
• Green onions, fresh cilantro

Reheating and storing

Storing your taco meat and fixings is a great way to ensure you have a quick meal ready to go during a busy week. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your taco feast.

Storing

Taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four to five days. It is also a great option for freezing. Divide your meat into portions and freeze. When you are ready to eat, simply pull out the portion you need, heat, and serve.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat your taco meat. You can use the air fryer, set it at 300°F and heat until warmed through, this should take about five minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Storing Fixings

Soft corn or flour tortillas can be stored in the fridge, but they are best eaten fresh. If you are making your own hard taco shells, these can be stored in an airtight container. Any leftover fixings such as salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo should be stored in airtight containers in the fridge.

Reheating Fixings

Hard taco shells can be reheated in the air fryer, set to 360°F for four minutes. Soft tortillas can be warmed in the microwave for around 20 seconds, or in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side.

Frequently asked questions