Easy Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells

These Easy Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells are packed with seasoned taco meat, stuffed into tender pasta shells, and finished with melty cheese on top. They cook fast, come out crispy on the edges, and taste like taco night and comfort food had a very good idea together.

If taco night and pasta night got bored and teamed up, this would be the result. Easy Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells are loaded with seasoned taco meat, tucked into jumbo pasta shells, and topped with melty cheese that gets slightly crisp around the edges in the air fryer.

It’s quick, filling, and way more fun than another tray of plain tacos—perfect for busy nights when you want real comfort food without babysitting the oven

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• It’s ready fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights when everyone’s hungry and patience is gone.
• The air fryer gives the shells crispy edges while the cheese stays melty and irresistible.
• Taco flavors mixed with pasta mean zero complaints at the dinner table.
• It’s a great way to use up leftover taco meat without feeling like leftovers.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor, and barely any cleanup, always a win.

This recipe is a spin on my very popular Instant Pot Carnitas, this is a great way to use up leftover pulled pork, and it’s so good! This is one of my family’s favorites, and it’s so kid-friendly and delicious!

Ingredients Needed

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells that hold plenty of filling and cook up tender with slightly crisp edges in the air fryer.
• Pork Carnitas: Slow-cooked, seasoned pork that adds rich, savory taco flavor to every bite.
• Cheddar Cheese Sticks: Cut into portions so they melt right inside the shells without leaking everywhere.
• Cooking Spray: Keeps the shells from sticking and helps the outside get lightly crisp.
• Sour Cream: Creamy and cool, balancing the rich pork and melted cheese.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds bold flavor to the sauce; adjust the amount to match your heat tolerance.

Recipe Variations

• Beef Taco Version: Swap the pork carnitas for seasoned ground beef for a classic taco flavor everyone recognizes.
• Chicken Taco Shells: Use shredded rotisserie or taco-seasoned chicken for a lighter but still filling option.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or pepper jack cheese inside the shells for heat lovers.
• Loaded Style: Top finished shells with diced tomatoes, green onions, and a drizzle of sour cream or taco sauce.
• Low-Carb Swap: Skip the pasta and stuff the filling into mini bell peppers, then air fry until tender and bubbly.

How To Make Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

Step One: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Shells should be fully cooked, not al dente. Drain pasta and rinse with cool water.

Step Two: Cupping a pasta shell in your palm, place about a tablespoon of the carnitas into the shell. Wedge a stick of cheese over the carnitas.

Step Three: Wrap a second shell over the open side of the stuffed shell to form a “lid.” Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Step Four: Set the stuffed shells in the air fryer’s basket, leaving just a bit of space between each shell. Continue assembling the stuffed shells. Once the air fryer basket is filled, you can begin cooking the batch.

Step Five: Spray the tops and exposed sides of the stuffed shells in the basket. Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, using air fryer setting, and set cook time for 10-13 minutes until the shells are crispy and light golden brown. Remove shells from the basket and keep warm while cooking the remaining batches.

Easy Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

• Stir together sour cream and taco seasoning for an easy, tasty dip.
• You can spray the cooking spray over the cooked pasta shells and toss (or toss with vegetable oil) to prevent them from sticking to one another while assembling.
• You want to make sure these are contained. Do not overfill, and be sure the second shell wraps around the stuffed shell to keep everything in an excellent little package.
• These do not need to be flipped in the air fryer. Best results are achieved without flipping, but ensuring that there is some breathing room between the shells in the air fryer – we found eight at a time fit best in our air fryer. Of course, this will depend on what size air fryer you own.
• Exact cook times will vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer. We recommend testing one shell to get started and adjust accordingly.
• Use any of your favorite taco meats here – seasoned ground beef or chicken would also be great. You can also vary the type of cheese. Some great options would be Monterey Jack or Shredded Mozzarella Cheese.
• If your pasta is not cooked all the way through, it will be al dente and crisp from the air fryer – cooking the pasta ultimately ensures a crisped pasta that is easy to bite into and tastes delicious

Storing Instructions

• Storing: Let the taco stuffed shells cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days to keep them fresh.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooked shells individually or layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving is faster but may make the shells soft.

Easy Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe Faqs

Can I use different meat for the filling? Yes! Swap pork carnitas for ground beef, shredded chicken, or even turkey for a different taco flavor.

Do I need to cook the pasta shells fully before stuffing? Yes, cook them until tender (not al dente) so they hold the filling and cook evenly in the air fryer.

Can I make these ahead of time? You can assemble the shells ahead and store them in the fridge, then air fry just before serving for the best texture.

Any topping ideas? Try diced tomatoes, green onions, fresh cilantro, extra cheese, or a drizzle of sour cream or taco sauce for added flavor and presentation.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH HASSELBACK WITH BACON
• AIR FRYER PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
• HOW TO REHEAT APPLE PIE IN AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER SHREDDED CHICKEN
• AIR FRYER CHEESECAKE RECIPE

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