Air Fryer Magic: Tortillas To Taco Shells

Making taco shells from tortillas in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get crispy shells without the mess of deep-frying. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, resulting in a similar texture and taste to deep-fried food but with less oil. This makes air-fried food generally lower in calories and fat. It is also more convenient than deep frying as it eliminates the need to handle hot oil. To make taco shells in an air fryer, you can follow these simple steps: preheat your air fryer to 400°F, prepare your taco shells by softening them in the microwave for a few seconds, spray them with cooking spray, place them in the air fryer basket, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Once done, fill your crispy taco shells with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making taco shells. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up for a few minutes. This will ensure that your taco shells cook evenly and become crispy. Depending on your air fryer, the preheating time may vary, but it usually takes around 2-3 minutes. While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your taco shells by warming them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable. This step will help you shape them into taco shells without cracking.

Additionally, you can lightly spray your taco shells with non-stick cooking spray or brush them with oil on both sides. This step is optional but will help your taco shells become crispier and achieve a golden brown colour. Make sure to spray or brush both sides of the taco shells for even cooking. You can also season the shells with a sprinkle of salt, chili powder, or your favourite spices before cooking them in the air fryer.

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature of 400°F, you are ready to place your taco shells inside and start cooking them. Depending on your desired crispness, cook your taco shells for 1-2 minutes in the air fryer. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Prepare your taco shells

To make taco shells in an air fryer, you will need soft corn tortillas or small flour tortillas, a little oil or cooking spray, and your favourite toppings.

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer

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

Step 2: Prepare your tortillas

While your air fryer is heating up, prepare your tortillas. Take the number of tortillas you need and heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable. You can also wrap the tortillas in a damp towel and microwave them for 15-30 seconds, or heat them in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side.

Step 3: Oil your tortillas

Lightly brush or spray your tortillas with oil or cooking spray. This will help them get crispy and golden brown in the air fryer. Be sure to coat both sides of the tortillas to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Shape your tortillas

If you have taco shell stands, drape the tortillas over them. If you don't have stands, you can use aluminium foil to make small tents to lay the tortillas over as they cook. Alternatively, you can place an upside-down mini muffin pan into 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 taco shells

Place your shaped tortillas into the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Check on them after two minutes, as the fan may shift the tortilla. If you are cooking soft shells, air fry at 250°F for 3-4 minutes.

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 favourite taco ingredients.

Spray shells with cooking spray

Spraying your taco shells with cooking spray is an important step in the process of making taco shells in an air fryer. This step helps to ensure that your taco shells come out crispy and golden brown. It is recommended to use non-stick cooking spray, avocado oil spray, olive oil spray, or vegetable oil spray. Spray both sides of the taco shells lightly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking. This step should be done after you have heated and prepared your taco shells, and right before you place them in the air fryer.

If you are making crispy tortillas or tostadas, you can also spray them with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will help give them that crunchy texture and golden colour.

If you don't have cooking spray, you can use a pastry brush to lightly coat each tortilla with oil on both sides.

Place shells in the air fryer basket

Now that you have your taco shells ready, it's time to place them in the air fryer basket. Depending on the type of air fryer you have, you may need to use taco shell stands or create a small tent with aluminium foil to drape the shells over. This will help them hold their shape while they cook. If you're using an air fryer with racks, you can also place the tortilla over the rack, allowing it to hang down and air fry.

If you don't have any stands or racks, another option is to place an upside-down mini muffin pan in the air fryer basket. Bend the tortillas into a taco shell shape and position them in the indents of the muffin pan to hold their form.

Once your shells are in the basket, it's time to air fry! Set your air fryer to the desired temperature—most recipes recommend around 400°F—and cook for 2-6 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on them, as the fan may shift the tortilla, and they can burn easily.

If you're cooking soft shell tortillas, wrap them in foil before placing them in the air fryer basket. Cook these at a lower temperature, around 250°F, for 3-4 minutes.

Fill shells with your favourite toppings

Now that your taco shells are ready, it's time to fill them with your favourite toppings and ingredients. The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Meats

• Seasoned ground beef
• Chicken (shredded or grilled carne asada)
• Crispy fried fish
• Blackened portobello mushrooms

Beans

• Black beans
• Refried beans

Cheese

• Shredded cheese
• Nacho cheese
• Cotija cheese

Vegetables

• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Avocado or guacamole
• Salsa
• Hot sauce
• Lime or lemon juice

Dairy

• Sour cream
• Creamy coleslaw
• Cottage cheese queso

You can also add your favourite taco seasoning, such as onion soup mix, buffalo wing mix, or taco seasoning. For a little heat, try red pepper flakes, chipotle chilli powder, or your favourite hot sauce.

Frequently asked questions