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Air Fryer Taco Sticks

Name: Air Fryer Taco Sticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup taco meat (prepared); 1 tube Pizza Dough (or Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Rolls); 5 sticks Colby Jack Cheese; 2 tablespoons butter (melted, and unsalted); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or minced garlic); 3 teaspoons parsley

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Air Fryer Taco Sticks –Are you looking for an easy way to add flavorful flair to your next taco night or party? Look no further than air-fried taco sticks! These tasty treats are a fan favorite and incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Transform your leftover taco meat into something extraordinary with this fantastic recipe – get ready for the most delicious take on tacos that your guests won’t be able to resist!

Taco night just got upgraded with a new, delicious recipe that is easy to make and totally customizable—Air-Fried Taco Sticks! Sure, the classic taco dinner is always a hit in our house, but introducing the air fryer takes things to a whole new level.

Not only do these delightful “stacks of joy” look great on any plate you serve them on, but they also require minimal effort from prep time to clean up. And if that wasn’t enough reason to try them out for your next taco party, keep reading—this tasty dish can be modified or bulk-made according to everyone’s tastes!

It’s the perfect twist on homemade taco night!

What Are Taco Sticks?

Everyone loves tacos, but have you ever heard of taco sticks? If not, don’t worry—we’re here to tell you all about them! Taco sticks are a delicious, savory snack with classic Mexican flavors.

This simple fiesta food is quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to game nights – or just as an afternoon nibble!

The Best Air Fried Taco Stick Recipe

If you’ve ever been to a Mexican restaurant, you may have seen something quite unusual on the menu—taco sticks! But what exactly are taco sticks? Taco sticks are a unique culinary experience that combines Latin American and Mexican flavors.

They offer an exciting twist on typical tacos using biscuit dough instead of tortillas. The result is an explosion of flavor in each bite. Whether served as finger foods or part of a main course, taco sticks will become one of your favorite dishes!

Of course, the hot air that circulates the taco sticks makes air-frying them the best (and perfect) way to cook these delicious snacks! The best part is that these melty cheese delights are cooked in less than 10 minutes!

Air Fryer Taco Stick Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make an easy taco stick recipe in the air fryer.

Remember the step-by-step instructions and nutritional information in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Taco Meat: Seasoned ground beef adds savory flavor and hearty texture to the taco sticks.
Pizza Dough or Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: Whether using Pillsbury Crescent Rolls or Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheets, these options provide a convenient and versatile base for the taco sticks.
Colby Jack Cheese Sticks: Melting into gooey goodness, Colby Jack cheese sticks bind the taco ingredients together and add a creamy texture.
Butter (Unsalted and Melted): Melted butter, brushed over the dough, adds richness and enhances the golden brown color of the taco sticks.
Garlic Powder or Minced Garlic: Infuses the taco sticks with aromatic garlic flavor, elevating the overall taste profile.
Parsley: Sprinkled over the top for a pop of color and freshness, parsley adds a touch of herbaceousness to the taco sticks.
Marinara or Pizza Sauce for Serving: Perfect for dipping, marinara or pizza sauce complements the taco flavors and adds extra moisture to each bite.

How To Make Taco Sticks In Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step directions for making air-fried taco sticks.

Step One: Roll Out The Dough

Start by removing the dough from the tube and then roll it flat on a cutting board. Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into ten equal-sized rectangular portions. Using crescent rolls that are not sheets, use your fingers to seal the seams together. I usually use Crescent Sheets.

Step Two: Add your Fillings

Add your taco meat to the middle of the dough, about 1-2 tablespoons per pizza/crescent dough rectangle. Cut your cheese slices in half, then add the half cheese sticks to the taco meat. Season with garlic powder and parsley before pinching the dough together with your hands.

Step Three: Air Fryer

Spray your basket with nonstick spray, or brush it with olive oil. Place taco sticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer and brush with the melted butter. Set the temperature to 350 degrees F, and set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process. Remove when golden brown.

Step Four: Serving

Serve with marinara sauce or pizza sauce and your favorite taco toppings!

Pro Tips:

Meat Options: Feel free to use ground beef, ground chicken, ground pork, or a great way to use your leftover taco meat!
Parchment Paper: Line the basket with parchment paper or a reusable silicone liner. I usually do not use parchment paper, but you can line your basket if the dough sticks, making cleanup quicker!
Dough: Another great option is to use tubes of pizza dough located in your local grocery store.
Cheese: You can also use shredded cheese or mozzarella cheese sticks.
Seasonings: For added spice, add red peppers, black pepper, or green chiles to your taco sticks. You can also add another taco seasoning package before preparing them.
Reheat: If your taco meat is not at room temperature, you can either reheat it in the microwave or heat it until warm.

How To Store Leftover Taco Sticks

This is a great and quick air fryer appetizer or snack you can make beforehand!

Refrigerator: Prepare as directed, cool to room temperature, and place into an airtight container lined with paper towels.
Freezer: Let the taco sticks cool to room temperature, then place them on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until frozen solid. Remove the frozen taco sticks and put them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last for 2-3 months.

Reheating Taco Sticks In Air Fryer

Reheating taco sticks in the air fryer is a quick way to get your favorite snack hot and crispy again. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Place the taco sticks into the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried taco sticks are an easy and tasty snack that can be enjoyed with various sides. Here are some of my favorite toppings:

Guacamole: Dip your taco sticks in the creamy and flavorful guacamole for added flavor.
Sour Cream: Drizzle a dollop of sour cream over your taco sticks for an excellent, tangy addition to the mix.
Salsa: Pile on a spoonful of salsa to give your taco sticks an extra kick of heat and spice. Try my recipe for homemade salsa!
Cheese: Sprinkle some cheese over the top for a cheesy finish to your air-fried tacos.
Hot Sauce! Adds some heat!
Salad: Enjoy your taco sticks as a delicious salad with vegetables, beans, and additional toppings like jalapenos or cilantro.

More Air Fryer Recipes:

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