Air Fryer Beef Tacos: Ultimate Recipe in 20 Minutes

Air fryer beef tacos: the words themselves bring a smile to my face. These aren’t just any tacos; they’re a fast, flavorful weeknight lifesaver born from a craving and a slightly dusty air fryer. I remember the first time I made them, my kids devoured them so fast I barely got one! From that day on, air fryer beef tacos became a regular on our dinner rotation, simple enough for a busy weeknight, special enough for a weekend treat. I’m so excited to share my easy and delicious recipe for air fryer beef tacos with you today.

Why You Will Love This air fryer beef tacos Recipe

These air fryer beef tacos are seriously the best for so many reasons. First, the air fryer cooks the beef to juicy perfection in record time. No more standing over a hot stove! The flavor is incredible, a savory blend of spices that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, clean up is a breeze. What’s not to love? Follow us on Pinterest for more easy and yummy recipes!

Ingredients Needed for This air fryer beef tacos Recipe

• For the Beef:

* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend) * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons) * 1/4 cup water

• For the Tacos:

* 12 small corn or flour tortillas * 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese * Your Favorite Toppings (see serving suggestions but consider shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges)

How to Make This air fryer beef tacos Recipe

1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

1. 2. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated and the beef is nicely seasoned.

1. 3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

1. 4. Warm 2 tortillas at a time in fryer 3 minutes. The outside edges should be slightly toasted.

1. 5. Open the tortilla into a “V” shape and fill each tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned beef. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese to your liking.

1. 6. Carefully place the filled tacos in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.

1. 7. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to make sure the tortillas don’t burn!

1. 8. Remove the air fryer beef tacos and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve This air fryer beef tacos Recipe

Serving these air fryer beef tacos should be fun! Set up a taco bar with all your favorite toppings. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole are always a hit. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, fresh finish. I also love to serve them with a side of Mexican rice or black beans. You could even add a side of chips and try some air fryer guacamole.

How to Store This air fryer beef tacos Recipe

Leftover cooked beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Assembled tacos are best eaten immediately, as the tortillas can get soggy if stored. If you do need to store assembled tacos, wrap them individually in foil to help maintain their crispness. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Tips to Make This air fryer beef tacos Recipe

• Ingredient Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
• Success Tip: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will ensure the tortillas get crispy and the cheese melts evenly.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Overfilling the tacos. This can make them difficult to handle and cause the fillings to spill out.
• Pro Tip: For extra crispy tortillas, lightly spray them with cooking oil before air frying. Consider using your air fryer to prepare Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos for a lighter version.

Helpful Notes for This air fryer beef tacos Recipe

Taco seasoning varies in spice level, so adjust the amount according to your preference. I usually use a mild or medium blend for my family. You can also make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. For the tortillas, I prefer small corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor, but flour tortillas work just as well. Choose your favorite!

Variation of This air fryer beef tacos Recipe

• Spicy Air Fryer Beef Tacos: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Air Fryer Beef Tacos: Mix shredded Monterey Jack cheese or pepper jack cheese with the cheddar cheese for a richer, cheesier flavor. My Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos 2 use a similar cheese blend!
• Air Fryer Beef and Bean Tacos: Add a can of rinsed and drained black beans or pinto beans to the beef mixture for a heartier taco. Consider swapping the beef for salmon and make these Air Fryer Salmon Tacos.

FAQs About This air fryer beef tacos Recipe Q: Can I use frozen ground beef? A: Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Drain off any excess liquid after thawing to prevent the beef from becoming watery. Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: You can cook the beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the tacos just before serving to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy. Q: My air fryer is different. How do I adjust the cooking time? A: Air fryer cooking times can vary depending on the brand and model. Keep an eye on the tacos and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.

I hope you enjoy making these unbelievably tasty air fryer beef tacos as much as my family does. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or even a fun weekend gathering. Don’t hesitate to leave any comments or questions below while you savor the deliciousness of these air fryer beef tacos!

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