Crispy taco shells bring extra crunch and flavor to any taco night. Making them in an air fryer is quick, easy, and healthier than deep-frying. Air-fried taco shells come out golden and crunchy without the excess oil.
Serve them with your favorite fillings like seasoned beef, shredded chicken, or roasted vegetables for a delicious meal.
Air fryers create a crispy texture using minimal oil, resulting in shells that are light yet crunchy. Adjusting the cooking time and temperature helps control the crispiness to match your preference.
Tips for Crispy Taco Shells
Now let us take a look at some tips on how to make excellent crispy taco shells.
- Use corn tortillas – Corn tortillas crisp up better than flour ones due to their lower moisture content.
- Preheat the air fryer – A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and crispiness. Set it to 375°F (190°C) for optimal results.
- Light oil coating – Lightly spray or brush the tortillas with oil to help them crisp without becoming greasy.
- Shape the shells correctly – Fold the tortillas over a metal taco rack or place them between the grates of the air fryer basket to hold their shape.
- Avoid overcrowding – Cook in batches if necessary to ensure hot air circulates evenly around each shell.
- Flip halfway through – Flipping the shells ensures even browning and crisping on both sides.
- Cool before filling – Let the shells cool for about 1–2 minutes after cooking to help them firm up further.
Crispy Taco Shells in an Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Tongs
- Small ramekins or aluminum foil balls (for shaping)
Ingredients
- 6 small corn tortillas 6-inch
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Salt optional
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the Air Fryer:Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 2–3 minutes.2. Prepare the Tortillas:Lightly spray or brush both sides of each tortilla with cooking spray or olive oil.If desired, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the tortillas for added flavor.
- 3. Shape the Taco Shells:To create the classic taco shape, fold each tortilla in half and use small ramekins or aluminum foil balls to hold them open.Alternatively, drape them over the edge of the air fryer basket or use the grill rack to hold them in place.4. Air Fry:Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket without overcrowding them.Air fry for 3–5 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy.Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- 5. Cool and Set:Once crispy, carefully remove the taco shells with tongs.Let them cool for about 1 minute to set their shape before filling.
Video
Notes
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Potassium: 45mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Vitamin A: 0 IU
- Vitamin C: 0 mg
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 0.5 mg
How About Alternative Ingredients?
If you’re looking to switch things up or adapt the recipe to dietary needs, there are plenty of alternative ingredients you can use for making crispy taco shells in an air fryer. Instead of traditional corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas for a softer, slightly chewy texture with a crisp edge.
For a gluten-free option, try cassava flour tortillas or almond flour tortillas, both crisp up beautifully in the air fryer while keeping the recipe grain-free.
If you prefer a low-carb option, cheese taco shells are a great alternative. Simply sprinkle shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) onto parchment paper in the air fryer, cook until melted and golden, then shape it into a shell while it’s still warm.
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat tortillas or even spinach or beet wraps for added nutrients and color. If you want to experiment with flavor, try brushing the tortillas with flavored oils like garlic-infused or chili-infused oil before air frying.
You can also sprinkle on seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to give your shells a bold flavor profile. For a plant-based option, coconut-based wraps can work well, but keep an eye on them as they cook faster and may need less time in the air fryer.
Summary
Making crispy taco shells in an air fryer is a game-changer for taco night!
With just a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can create crunchy, golden shells that are lighter and healthier than traditional fried versions.
Plus, experimenting with different tortillas and seasonings allows you to customize the flavor and texture to suit your preferences.
I’m Leo McIntyre, and my love for cooking was born in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I discovered the magic of traditional Southern recipes. Inspired by her passion and the flavors of my childhood, I started SouthernParm to share these treasured family dishes and keep the rich culinary traditions of the South alive for everyone to enjoy.
