Air Fryer Taco Cups
Air fryer taco cups are a fun and crispy twist on traditional tacos. These bite-sized treats are made by shaping tortillas into cups, filling them with seasoned meat or vegetables, and cooking them in the air fryer to golden perfection. They are perfect for quick dinners, parties, or meal prep, offering a healthy, flavorful alternative to deep-fried tacos. Customize the fillings and toppings to suit any taste and enjoy these easy-to-make taco cups with minimal cleanup.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – 1 unit
- Muffin tin (optional) – 1 unit
- Skillet (1 unit)
- Sharp knife – 1 unit
- Cutting Board: 1 unit
- Spatula (1 unit)
- Airtight Container for storage (1 unit)
Ingredients
- 2 large tortillas flour or corn
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken, turkey, or beans for a vegetarian option
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water for seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or preferred cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa optional
- 1/2 cup sour cream optional
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro optional
- 1/4 cup chopped lettuce optional
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the meat is fully coated with seasoning and the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the tortillas: Use a round cutter or a cup to cut smaller circles from your tortillas, about the size of your air fryer basket or muffin tin cups. Brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil.
- Shape the tortilla cups: Press each tortilla circle into a muffin tin or directly into the air fryer basket to form a cup shape. Make sure they fit snugly and are secure.
- Fill the cups: Add a spoonful of seasoned ground beef or your filling choice into each tortilla cup. Top with shredded cheese.
- Air fry the taco cups: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the taco cups are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer, sprinkle more cheese on top halfway through for an extra cheesy topping.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove the taco cups from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Add optional toppings such as salsa, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve your taco cups immediately with your favorite sides or as a fun snack.
Notes
- You can easily customize the taco cups by using ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian filling like black beans or tofu.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle chili flakes on top before air frying.
- If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can shape the tortillas directly in the air fryer basket, but be sure to keep the cups secure.
- These taco cups can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days and reheated in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.