Crispy Air Fryer Tacos Recipe

I recently tackled this air fryer taco recipe, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners. The crispiness of the tortillas paired with the savory meat and melted cheese, all complemented by your choice of fresh toppings, truly transforms a simple meal into a festive, flavorful delight.

These quick, tasty tacos are made in the air fryer. They could just as easily be baked.

Why not put the air fryer to work making tacos? Ground beef, or ground turkey, with a taco seasoning packet makes for a flavorful taco filling.

Shredded cheddar cheese and optional refried beans add tasty richness to these tacos. Customize with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a taco that truly is a delightful meal!

Crispy Air Fryer Tacos Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Rich in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that adds flavor and aroma.
• Small Corn or Flour Tortillas: Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Source of calcium; adds creaminess and richness.
• Olive Oil Spray: Healthy fat; helps crisp the tacos.

Crispy Air Fryer Tacos Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup refried beans (optional)
• Olive oil spray
• Salt to taste
• Your choice of toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, sour cream, salsa, guacamole

How to Make this Crispy Air Fryer Tacos Recipe

1. Set the temperature of your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and let it sit for around 5 minutes.

2. In a frying pan over medium-high heat, sizzle the ground beef or turkey until thoroughly brown. Pour away any extra fat.

3. Include the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water in the well-cooked meat. Stir thoroughly and allow it to simmer for several minutes until the sauce is delectably thick.

4. When spreading, use a thin layer of refried beans on each tortilla, if you decide to use them.

5. Put a spoonful of well-seasoned meat and a liberal handful of shredded cheddar cheese on half of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas in half, in the shape of tacos.

6. Spray a light mist of olive oil on both sides of each taco and sprinkle on a little salt.

7. Place the tacos in a 375°F air fryer, they should be arranged in a single layer with no overlap. You will likely need to do this in batches; not recommended to overcrowd the basket.

8. Fry the tacos in an air fryer, set to 400°F/200°C, for about 5-6 minutes, flipping them at the halfway mark. They should come out crispy and golden brown.

9. Remove the tacos from the air fryer. If you have any remaining tacos, repeat the process.

10. Hot crispy tacos form the base of this supper. Top them with any of these ingredients, or go wild and combine a few of them: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes (or a spoonful of tomato salsa), diced onions (or a spoonful of onion salsa), sour cream, and guacamole. That’s right; there’s no stopping you now.

Crispy Air Fryer Tacos Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Frying pan
3. Spatula
4. Measuring cup
5. Spoon (for spreading)
6. Knife (for topping preparation)
7. Cutting board
8. Oil spray bottle
9. Serving plate

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat for the tacos?Certainly! You can replace it with any of the following:
  – Ground chicken
  – Ground pork
  – Any other meat option
  – C tofu
  – T or any other soy product
  – Seitan (wheat meat)
  – Crumbled up any other meat alternative
• Can I prepare these tacos in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer?Certainly. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the tacos on a baking sheet to bake for 15-20 minutes. They should be nice and crisp when you take them out.
• How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming too hard in the air fryer?An easy way to help them crisp up is to spray them lightly with olive oil and keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook.
• Are flour or corn tortillas better for this recipe?Your preference. For tacos, corn tortillas are the more traditional option and can deliver a delightful crunch. Flour tortillas, on the other hand, are softer and more pliable.
• What are some recommended toppings for these tacos?Typical toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onion, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Top with your favorite ingredients.
• Can I add beans to the filling?Indeed, you are allowed to mix into the meat assembly 1/2 cup of refried beans, which serve to enhance the assembly’s flavor and texture.
• How do I store leftover tacos?Put them in an air-tight container and store them in the refrigerator for no longer than 3 days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Crispy Air Fryer Tacos Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Gound beef or turkey can be replaced with ground chicken or meat crumbles that are plant- based.
Homemade taco seasoning can replace store-bought versions. I mix cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in equal parts (1/4 cup or so) to make about a cup of taco seasoning. Ingredients can be adjusted to personal taste. If anything, my blend leans a little on the side of sweetness (smoked paprika does that), but I like it that way.
Monterey Jack cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative may be used in place of Cheddar cheese.
Black beans or pinto beans can be used instead of refried beans for a change in texture.
You can substitute olive oil spray with avocado oil spray or coconut oil spray.

Pro Tips

1. Tortilla Prep Tip Warm your tortillas slightly before assembling the tacos. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when you fold them. You can do this by microwaving them for 15-20 seconds or warming them briefly on a pan.

2. Cheese Melting Tip For perfectly melted cheese, add a small sprinkle of cheese directly onto the hot meat before assembling the tacos. This ensures even melting and adds a richer flavor.

3. Refried Beans Spread If using refried beans, consider seasoning them with a bit of additional taco seasoning or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra layer of flavor.

4. Crunchy Tortillas For extra crispy tacos, brush a thin layer of olive oil on each tortilla instead of just spraying, and sprinkle a pinch of salt directly on the oil-brushed surface before air frying.

5. Toppings Arrangement Keep your toppings ready and prepped while the tacos are air frying. Chopping and organizing toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in advance makes it easy to quickly serve and enjoy the tacos while they’re still hot.