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Crispy Air Fryer Tacos

crispy air fryer tacos - featured image

Quick and easy crispy tacos made in the air fryer with seasoned ground beef and simple toppings, ready in just 12 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
  • Toppings: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, salsa (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula until browned and cooked through (around 5 minutes).
  2. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Lightly spray or brush both sides of each tortilla with oil. Fold each tortilla in half and secure with a toothpick if needed to hold shape.
  4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into each tortilla. Sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the filling.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place tacos in the basket standing up or lying flat—avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until shells are crisp and cheese has melted.
  6. Remove toothpicks carefully. Add desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately for best crunch.

Notes

Use toothpicks to secure folded tortillas to prevent filling from escaping. Lightly oil tortillas for best crispness. Cook tacos in batches if air fryer is small to avoid sogginess. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy tacos, air fryer tacos, quick tacos, easy snack, ground beef tacos, homemade tacos