How To Make Taco Shells In The Air Fryer

Make crispy taco shells in the air fryer with less oil! Perfect for taco night, this easy recipe turns soft tortillas into crunchy goodness!

Taco Shells In The Air Fryer

If you’re a fan of tacos, you’ll know that the taco shell can make all the difference.

A crispy, golden shell can elevate the flavor and texture of any taco, but it can be challenging to achieve that perfect crunch without deep-frying or baking them.

However, the air fryer is a great way for achieving a crunchy taco shell without the added oil and less mess than deep-frying.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to cook taco shells in the air fryer to achieve that perfect crispy crunch.

If you love an easy air fryer recipe you may also want to try my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Gnocchi and my Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets (Vegan & Gluten Free).

Once you try this crispy air fryer hard tacos recipe you will be hooked! Follow these simple steps for an easy way to enjoy traditional tacos.

Using this technique you can also make homemade tortilla chips to pair with dips, a taco salad or make tortilla bowls.

This makes such a tasty meal that is easily customizable depending on your personal preference.

You can make chicken tacos, beef tacos, and any of of your favorite fillings.

There are a variety of different air fryers, so it may take a little more or less time to make the taco shells depending upon your air fryer oven.

You will need to heat taco shells for only 1-2 minutes in some air fryers and 2-3 minutes in others, but either way it’s taking very little time to make these crispy shells.

WHY IS AIR FRYING BETTER THAN DEEP FRYING?

Air frying is often considered a healthier alternative to deep frying because it uses much less oil than traditional deep frying.

Instead of completely submerging the food in hot oil, an air fryer uses hot air to circulate around the food in a single layer and cook it to a crispy texture.

This method results in food that is similar in texture and taste to deep-fried food but with significantly less oil.

This means that air-fried food is generally lower in calories and fat than its deep-fried counterpart.

Additionally, air frying is more convenient than deep frying because it eliminates the need to handle hot oil in a large pot. Air fryers are also typically easier to clean than deep fryers.

However, it’s worth noting that air frying may not produce the exact same texture as deep frying, especially for certain foods like fried chicken or doughnuts.

Nonetheless, air frying can be a healthier and more convenient cooking process for many types of fried foods.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE HARD SHELL TACOS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these restaurant style tacos (the exact measurements and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Soft Shells – corn tortillas, or small flour tortillas easily found at the grocery store.
• Spray Sides of Each Tortilla (Optional) – a little bit of oil for brushing or spraying the sides of the tortilla. Avocado oil spray, olive oil spray, vegetable oil, etc.
• Favorite toppings – taco meat, sour cream, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, hot sauce, melty cheese, refried beans, pico de gallo, lime juice, etc.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE TACO SHELLS

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before we get started, you need to preheat your air fryer. Set 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 Taco Shells

While your air fryer is heating up, it’s time to prepare your taco shells. Take the number of taco shells you need and heat them in the microwave for .5-10 seconds to make them more pliable.

Step 3: Spray Your Taco Shells with Nonstick Cooking Spray

Next, lightly spray the sides of the tortillas with non-stick cooking spray for the best way to help them get crispy and golden brown in the air fryer, be sure to spray both sides of the taco shells to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Place Your Taco Shells in the Air Fryer

Once your taco shells are sprayed with cooking spray, place them in the air fryer basket in the taco shell stands. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Cook 

Cook your taco shells in the air fryer for 1-2 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 with your favorite taco ingredients.

Step 7: Fill With Favorite Toppings

Now it’s time to fill your taco shells with your favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer ground beef with taco seasoning, chicken, or veggies, the possibilities are endless.

Top them off with shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, and any other toppings you like.

You can also make air fryer tortilla chips using the same method. Such an easy and quick food hack that the entire family will love.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MAKING THE BEST AIR FRYER TACOS

1. Use corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for making golden shells. They have a slightly nutty flavor and are sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking.
2. Choose the right size: Make sure to choose tortillas that are the right size for your taco shell holders.
3. Soften the tortillas: Softening the tortillas will make them easier to shape into taco shells. You can do this by wrapping the tortillas in a damp towel and microwaving them for 15-30 seconds or by lightly frying them in oil until they are pliable.
4. Season the shells: For added flavor, you can season the taco shells with a sprinkle of salt, chili powder, or other spices before cooking.

CAN I BAKE THESE INSTEAD TO MAKE HARD TACO SHELLS?

Yes, baking the tortillas in the oven is another healthy option and can be just as tasty.

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat the tortillas with cooking spray.

Place them on a baking sheet in the taco holders and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

HOW TO STORE THE AIR FRYER TACO SHELLS

Leftover tortillas can be stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

It’s important to make sure they are completely cool before storing them to prevent any condensation from forming inside the container.

Simply warm tortillas when you are ready to serve them with your favorite taco filling.

In conclusion, this is one of our favorite recipes for cooking taco shells in the air fryer oven.

It’s an easy and convenient way to achieve that perfect crunchy texture without the added oil and mess of deep-frying.

By following this simple air fryer taco shells recipe, you can make your own taco shells that are delicious and crispy to take your taco game to the next level.

So, grab your air fryer, your favorite taco ingredients, (we love gooey cheese) and get cooking!

Other Delicious Air Fryer Recipes You May Like To Try

• Homemade Air Fryer Steak Fries
• Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick and Juicy)
• Air Fryer Pasta Chips (Viral Tiktok Recipe)
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe
• Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles
• Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
• Low Carb Tortilla Pizza Recipe
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Air Fryer Bacon
• Frozen Cauliflower Wings In The Air Fryer

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