Taco shells are a quintessential component of any delicious taco recipe. They add a satisfying crunch to every bite and serve as a vessel for holding all the savory fillings. While traditionally, taco shells are deep-fried in oil, many people are now turning to air fryers as a healthier alternative. Air fryers use hot air circulation to mimic the crispiness of deep-frying without the excessive use of oil. But if you’re wondering how long to cook taco shells in an air fryer to achieve that perfectly crispy texture, look no further! In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step and provide you with all the information you need to make your taco shells just right.
Preparing the Taco Shells
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s crucial to prepare your taco shells properly. Whether you’re using store-bought shells or making them from scratch, a little prep work goes a long way.
1. Choosing the Right Taco Shells
When it comes to taco shells, you have a wide range of options. There are soft corn tortillas, hard corn shells, flour tortillas, and even flavored shells. For air frying purposes, it’s best to choose hard corn taco shells as they hold their shape better and crisp up beautifully. Soft tortillas tend to become too soft or chewy in an air fryer.
2. Shaping the Taco Shells
If you’re using soft corn tortillas and want to transform them into hard shells, you can easily shape them using a taco shell mold or an inverted muffin tin. Place the tortillas over the mold or between the muffin cups, and bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until they become crispy and hold their shape. Once cooled, they are ready for air frying.
3. Preheating the Air Fryer
Before cooking the taco shells, it’s essential to preheat your air fryer. Preheating allows the shells to cook more evenly and achieve better crispiness. Set the air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for around 5 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure your shells turn out crispy rather than soggy.
Cooking Times for Taco Shells in Air Fryer
Now that you’ve prepared your taco shells, it’s time to air fry them to perfection. The cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them during the cooking process. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:
1. Fresh Taco Shells
If you’re using store-bought taco shells or recently made homemade shells, air frying them is a breeze. Place the shells in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook them at 400°F for 3-4 minutes. After 2 minutes, pause the air fryer and flip the shells to ensure even cooking. Resume cooking for the remaining time or until you achieve the desired level of crispiness.
2. Precooked Taco Shells
In some cases, you may have leftover cooked taco shells that need a bit of revival. To crisp them up again, preheat the air fryer to 350°F, then place the shells in a single layer in the basket. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once they reach your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool before filling them with your favorite ingredients.
3. Softening Hard Taco Shells
If you prefer your taco shells to be a little less crispy and more pliable, you can use the air fryer to soften hard shells. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F and place your hard shells in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they become slightly warm and more flexible. This method is particularly helpful if you have pre-baked shells that turned out too crispy.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Taco Shells
Achieving that perfect crispy texture for your taco shells requires attention to detail and a few extra tips and tricks. Here are some pointers to help you nail it every time:
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer
For optimal air circulation, it’s crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each shell enough space to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If needed, cook them in batches.
2. Flip the Shells
Flipping the shells during the cooking process helps them cook evenly and prevents one side from getting too crispy while the other remains soft. Remember to pause the air fryer and flip the shells halfway through the cooking time.
3. Experiment with Time and Temperature
While the mentioned cooking times and temperatures work well in most cases, don’t be afraid to experiment to find your perfect crispiness level. Adjust the cooking time or temperature slightly and keep an eye on the shells until they reach the desired texture.
4. Store Properly
If you happen to have leftover taco shells, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their crispness. Place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and store them at room temperature, away from moisture. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them lose their crunch.
Conclusion
Air frying taco shells can be a game-changer when it comes to achieving that perfectly crispy texture without excessive oil. By preheating the air fryer, cooking the shells for the right amount of time, and utilizing a few helpful tips, you can create perfectly crispy taco shells every time. Whether you’re making hard shells from scratch or reviving leftovers, the air fryer is a fantastic tool that can elevate your taco game to new heights. So, whip out your air fryer, grab your favorite fillings, and get ready to enjoy some delicious and perfectly crispy tacos.