Nothing is better than your batch of Air Fryer Taco Boats on Taco Tuesday. Filled to the brim with ground beef or chicken and a plethora of fresh vegetables, finished with a homemade cilantro-lime sour cream.
If you were looking for something fun for the entire family on Taco Tuesday, this is it, made with wholesome ingredients. You can now skip the drive-thru and make your own!
Whether you call them air fryer crispy basket burritos or even air fryer barquitas, you get the same amazing taste, and no one can resist their creation. So make a huge taco bar and have the family fix their toppings. This is perfect for even the pickiest eater in your house!
If you are looking for some more kid-friendly and family-friendly air fryer recipes, some of my favorites are HOW TO MAKE MEATLOAF IN YOUR AIR FRYER, AIR FRYER SOUTHWESTERN SHRIMP TACOS, AIR FRYER GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN RECIPE, and my kid’s favorite, AIR FRYER PAD THAI CHICKEN EGG ROLLS.
Air Fryer Taco Boats
These are so easy to prepare with the help of the air fryer. Today, while I used ground beef, you can easily change the protein to anything from a vegan option to grilled chicken.
You can easily make your own taco boats using a special fluted tortilla shells maker, available at most big-box retailers and Amazon (affiliate link). These taco shells are available at my local American Grocery Stores; Ortega or Old El Paso manufactures them.
As soon as my son saw them, he was in love. I mean, what is better than making your taco boat? And the air fryer does an amazing job at crisping the tacos up!
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Taco Boats
Discover the joy of bite-sized goodness with our Air Fryer Taco Boats recipe! These adorable, miniaturized versions of the classic taco are a fun and easy way to enjoy all your favorite taco fillings in a convenient, edible bowl. Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this fun kid-friendly air fryer taco boats!
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, seasoned beef and melted cheese.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly over the hot taco filling, adding a creamy and savory layer of cheese goodness.
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful base, seasoned with taco spices to give a delicious and savory taste.
- Sofrito: Offers a rich, buttery texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with the seasoned beef and other toppings.
- Mini Taco Boats: Soft, boat-shaped tortillas that hold all the delicious fillings, making them easy to eat and fun to serve.
- Pico De Gallo or Salsa: Adds a tangy, spicy kick and a fresh tomato flavor that complements the seasoned beef.
- Fresh Cilantro
- Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that adds a classic Mexican flavor to the ground beef, enhancing the overall taste of the taco boats.
- Cilantro Lime Sour Cream: Adds a cool, creamy element that balances the spiciness of the taco seasoning.
How To Make Air Fryer Taco Boats
Here are the step-by-step directions to make homemade Taco Boats in Air Fryer:
Brown Ground Beef: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat. Place ground beef into the pan and break it up into small pieces. After 1 minute, add the taco seasoning. Continue to break up and brown the beef for 5 minutes. Pour in the Sofrito and lower heat to a simmer for 5 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 5 minutes. Fill the taco boats: Add about 3 tablespoons of taco meat to the taco boats. Top with a pinch of cheese.
Place taco boats into the air fryer (in a single layer) and cook for 5 minutes.
Remove taco boats from the air fryer. Top with shredded lettuce, Pico de Gallo, and cilantro lime sour cream. Garnish with cilantro, and enjoy!
Recipe Variations Air Fried Taco Boats
- Chicken Taco Boats: Substitute ground beef with shredded or diced cooked chicken. Season with taco seasoning and follow the same steps for assembly and air frying.
- Vegetarian Taco Boats: Replace the ground beef with black beans or a mixture of black beans and corn. Season with taco seasoning for a delicious meat-free alternative.
- Breakfast Taco Boats: Fill the taco boats with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and top with shredded cheese. Air fry until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then top with salsa and avocado.
- Seafood Taco Boats: Use cooked shrimp or fish instead of ground beef. Toss the seafood in taco seasoning before filling the taco boats. Air fry until warmed through and top with fresh lime juice, avocado, and cilantro.
- Taco Boats with Rice: Add a layer of cooked Mexican rice or Spanish rice to the bottom of the taco boats before adding the seasoned ground beef. This adds extra texture and flavor.
Pro Tips Air Fryer Taco Boats
- Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overfill the taco boats to prevent them from spilling over and to ensure even cooking. Keep the fillings level with the top of the boat.
- Light Spray of Oil: Lightly spray the taco boats with cooking spray before air frying to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place heavier ingredients, like ground beef, at the bottom and lighter ingredients, like cheese, on top. This helps prevent the boats from becoming soggy.
- Use Air Fryer-Safe Dishes: Ensure your mini taco boats are made of materials suitable for air frying. Aluminum foil boats or air fryer-safe silicone molds work well.
- Crispier Texture: For an extra crispy texture, air fry the taco boats without filling for a few minutes before adding the seasoned ground beef and cheese.
- Check Frequently: Air fryers can vary in cooking times, so check the taco boats a few minutes before the recommended cooking time to avoid overcooking or burning.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning of the ground beef to suit your taste. Adding spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the taco boats immediately after air frying to enjoy the best texture and flavor. They tend to soften if left to sit too long.
- Garnish Right Before Serving: Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and avocado right before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings, such as beans, corn, or diced bell peppers, to add variety and extra nutrition.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh toppings like homemade salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo can elevate the flavor of your taco boats significantly.
Faq’s Air-Fried Taco Boats
Can I use different types of meat for taco boats? Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Adjust cooking times as needed since leaner meats may cook faster than ground beef.
How long should I cook taco boats in the air fryer? Cook the assembled taco boats at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco boats are crispy.
Do I need to pre-cook the meat before filling the taco boats? Yes, cook the ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, etc.) and season it before filling the taco boats. This ensures the meat is fully cooked and flavorful.
How do I prevent the taco boats from becoming soggy? Pre-cook the taco boats for a few minutes in the air fryer before filling them. This helps them stay crispy. Also, avoid overfilling with wet ingredients.
Can I make taco boats ahead of time? You can prepare the meat filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and air fry the taco boats just before serving to maintain crispiness.
What toppings go well with taco boats? Common toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
Can I use soft tortillas instead of mini taco boats? Yes, you can shape soft tortillas into boat shapes using small oven-safe bowls or molds and air fry until they hold their shape and become crispy.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover fillings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reassemble and reheat the taco boats in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Can I use a conventional oven instead of an air fryer? Yes, you can bake the taco boats in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the boats are crispy.
Do I need to spray the taco boats with oil? Lightly spraying the taco boats with cooking spray before air frying can help achieve a golden, crispy texture, but it is optional.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER STEAK FAJITAS
- FROZEN BEEF AND BROCCOLI IN AIR FRYER
- AIR FRYER QUARTER POUNDER WITH CHEESE
- AIR FRYER PATTY MELT
Air Fryer Taco Boats
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup Iceberg Lettuce, Shredded
- ½ cup Mexican Cheese, Shredded
- 1 lb Ground Beef, Lean
- ¼ cup sofrito
- 2 boxes mini taco bowls, 12 bowls per box
- Pico de gallo, or salsa of choice
- Cilantro, garnish, fresh
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
Instructions
- Brown Ground Beef. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and swirl to coat. Place ground beef into the pan and break it up into small pieces. After 1 minute, add the taco seasoning. Continue to break up and brown the beef for 5 minutes. Pour in the sofrito and lower heat to a simmer for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Fill taco boats. Add about 3 tbsp of taco meat to the taco boats. Top with a pinch of cheese.
- Place taco boats into the air fryer (in a single layer) and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove taco boats from the air fryer. Top with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and cilantro lime sour cream.
- Garnish with cilantro, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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