Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Elevate burger night with Air Fryer Taco Burgers! Juicy beef patties seasoned with taco spices, topped with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Taco Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic burger, combining the juicy goodness of beef patties with the bold spices of taco seasoning. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these burgers have a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside.

Topped with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings like melted cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and tangy taco sauce, they’re a mouthwatering option for lunch or dinner. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, these taco burgers are sure to become a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Bold Taco Flavor: These burgers bring the zest of tacos into a handheld classic, perfect for satisfying Tex-Mex cravings.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal prep, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for endless possibilities.
• Perfectly Cooked Every Time: The air fryer ensures juicy burgers with a crispy outer layer.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, these burgers are sure to please everyone at the table.

If you love easy air fryer burger recipes, try my recipe for Copycat Red Robin Oktoberfest Burger Recipe, Air Fryer Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole, or Ninja Foodi Hamburgers.

Ingredients Needed

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 for some great and flavorful burgers!
• Ketchup: Gives your ground beef, some great moisture, and flavor.
• Mayonnaise: GIves the beef some moisture, and flavor.
• Mustard: Adds some zing to your taco burgers.
• Cheddar Cheese Slices: Or use your favorite cheese. Mexican cheese would work amazingly here as well.
• Shredded Lettuce: Either use shredded butter lettuce or shredded iceberg for some great texture.
• Pickles: Either homemade or store-bought!

How To Make Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Here are the simple steps to make air fryer smash burger tacos:

Step One: Brown the ground beef and drain. Stir in ketchup, mayo, and mustard. Place into a bowl and set aside. 

Step Two: Use a rolling pin to flatten sesame seed buns. Place onto a metal taco stand. If one is not available, use foil and shape it into a V for the burger bun taco shells to hold their shape. 

Step Three: Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.

Step Four: Place a slice of cheese onto each taco bun. Scoop ground beef into the center. Place into the air fryer, and set cook time for 3-5 minutes.  Top with shredded lettuce and pickles.

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef: The juiciness of your burger will be unparalleled when you use 80% lean beef. The higher fat content also means that it won’t dry out as quickly on the grill, which is great for those who love their meat juicy!
• Avoid Overmixing: To get a light and fluffy burger, don’t mix the ground beef too much.
• Use The Right Temperature: Cook your burger patties over medium-low to high heat. This will keep them juicy and not dry out too quickly, which is ideal for eating on the go!

Air Fryer Taco Burgers Recipe Tips

• Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste! If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• Toast the Buns: To get a crispier texture on the taco buns, lightly toast them in the air fryer for a minute or two before assembling the burgers.
• Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite type, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a unique twist on this recipe.
• Don’t Overcrowd: For even cooking, ensure the taco buns are spaced apart in the air fryer. Overcrowding the basket may prevent them from crisping properly.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce, pickles, and any other toppings will elevate the flavor of these taco burgers.
• Adjust Cook Time Based on Size: If your taco buns are larger or smaller than the recipe’s recommendation, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Check after the initial cook time to ensure everything is cooked to perfection.
• Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or sour cream for more flavor and texture.

Storing

• Storing: Store leftover air fryer smash burger tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the toppings separate to prevent sogginess.
• Reheating: Reheat the taco burgers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispness. If you prefer, you can also microwave them, but the texture may not be as crispy.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the air fryer smash burger tacos tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Smash Burger Tacos

Air Fryer Smash Burger Tacos pair perfectly with a variety of sides that complement their crispy, savory flavor. Serve them with classic accompaniments like crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness. You can also go for homemade coleslaw for a crunchy contrast, or grilled vegetables for a lighter option. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a zesty corn salad or Mexican street corn (Elote) for a touch of vibrant flavors. Don’t forget to offer a selection of dipping sauces like chipotle mayo or ranch dressing to elevate the experience!

Air Fryer Taco Burgers Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the Air Fryer Taco Burgers? Yes, you can substitute the cheese with your favorite variety, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack, depending on your preference.

How do I prevent the taco buns from getting soggy? To avoid soggy taco buns, make sure to toast them lightly in the air fryer before assembling the burgers. You can also use a metal taco holder or foil to keep the buns upright while cooking.

Can I make these taco burgers ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the taco burger patties in advance, refrigerate them, and assemble the burgers just before air frying. The taco buns can also be prepped ahead of time and stored until ready to use.

Can I freeze the Air Fryer Taco Burgers? You can freeze the taco burger patties and taco buns separately. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw them in the refrigerator and then air fry as directed.

What other toppings can I add to the Air Fryer Taco Burgers? You can customize your taco burgers with various toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado, onions, guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for added flavor.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER BEEF KABOBS
• AIR FRYER WALLEYE
• AIR FRYER ROCKFISH

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