Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Tacos offer a crispy, golden shell with a flavorful filling, all achieved with minimal oil and effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or quick meals, these tacos are customizable, family-friendly, and cooked to perfection in minutes. Using the air fryer results in a healthier take on traditional fried tacos without sacrificing texture or taste.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef or ground turkeytaco seasoningwatercorn or flour tortillasshredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheesediced onion (optional)shredded lettucechopped tomatoesour creamsalsaguacamolecooking spray
directions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened. Remove from heat.
Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable, either in the microwave or on a skillet.
Spoon the taco meat and shredded cheese onto one side of each tortilla and fold in half.
Lightly spray both sides of the tacos with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tacos are crispy and golden.
Carefully remove and serve with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 tacos.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 8 minutesTotal time: 18 minutes
Variations
Use shredded rotisserie chicken or refried beans for a meatless option.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Mix in black beans or corn with the taco meat for added texture.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or cotija cheese.
Use mini tortillas for appetizer-sized tacos.
storage/reheating
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortillas soggy.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, both work well—corn tortillas get crispier, while flour ones are softer.
Do I need to pre-cook the meat?
Yes, the meat should be fully cooked before assembling the tacos.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely, use refried beans, tofu, or a plant-based crumble.
How do I keep the tortillas from cracking?
Warming them first makes them more flexible and less likely to break.
Can I freeze air fryer tacos?
It’s best to freeze the filling and assemble fresh for best texture, but cooked tacos can be frozen and reheated.
Can I cook multiple batches?
Yes, cook in batches for even crisping. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
What size tortillas work best?
Small taco-sized tortillas fit best in most air fryers.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Tacos are the perfect blend of convenience, crispiness, and customizable flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick dinner solution, this recipe delivers satisfaction with every bite. Add your favorite toppings, enjoy the crunch, and make taco night easier and healthier than ever.
PrintAir Fryer Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Tacos made with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup salsa (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
- Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Fold the tortillas in half.
- Lightly spray both sides of the tacos with cooking spray.
- Place tacos in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- Remove tacos and top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
- Do not overfill the tortillas to ensure even cooking.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.