Air Fryer Mini Tacos – Quick and Delicious

Published Date: December 17, 2022

Category: Air Fryer Appetizers

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Whether it’s taco Tuesday, or taco any day, you’ll be so glad you picked these up from the grocery store so you can make AIR FRYER MINI TACOS as an easy appetizer or a delicious and quick snack.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Mini Tacos

We all know how comforting and satisfying Mexican food can be, well these mini beef tacos are no exception.

You’ll love that you can cook them in small amounts for an easy snack, and that you can customize them with your favorite taco toppings, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, making these crispy mini tacos the perfect appetizer.

Benefits Of Using Frozen Mini Tacos

While you can certainly cook a homemade taco in the air fryer, using frozen mini tacos is a great way to get a quick snack or appetizer without the time and effort of making your own.

The frozen mini tacos are already cooked and ready for you to season as desired, so all you need to do is heat them up in the air fryer.

Plus, they come pre-portioned so you can easily control how many tacos you eat in one sitting (which is a big plus because these are super tasty).

The Best Way To Cook Frozen Mini Tacos

There are a few different cooking methods for these, and while it comes down to personal preferences, I have found the air fryer always gives the best results.

The hot air results in crispy shells that are golden brown, and using a small amount of cooking spray stops them from drying out.

Other ways you can cook these include:

In the oven
In the microwave
In a convection oven

🛒 Ingredients

8 oz Frozen Mini Tacos, I use Jose Ole’ Beef & Cheese
Cooking Oil Spray

*see recipe card for detailed amounts

Can I Use Other Brands Of Mini Tacos?

Absolutely. I choose to use the Jose Ole brand because I know they taste fantastic and I always end up with crunchy shells (an absolute must), but you can choose your favorite brand or grab whatever is available to you.

Other frozen mini tacos you can use include:

Don Miguel Mini Tacos
Costco Mini Tacos
Sam’s Club Mini Tacos
Trader Joe’s Mini Tacos

Be sure to check the cooking time for these as they may vary slightly, however, all of the other tips and suggestions here will still apply.

How to Make Frozen Air Fryer Mini Tacos

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil spray
Place as many frozen mini tacos in your air fryer at one time in a single layer without overcrowding them. (I use a Cosori Dual Blaze and can fit about 10 tacos in at once).
Air fry the frozen tacos for 6 minutes at 400 degrees F, flipping halfway through the cook time until they are heated through and crispy.
Remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favorite toppings, such as chopped lettuce, salsa, guacamole, cheese dip, and sour cream, etc (see below for more topping ideas).

Recipe Tips

You may need to cook these in batches depending on how large your air fryer basket is.
Wipe your basket out with paper towels between batches and respray the basket with cooking spray before cooking the next batch.

Topping Ideas

When it comes to taco toppings, the possibilities are truly endless.

From traditional toppings like sour cream, cheese, and tomatoes to unique add-ins like sautéed veggies or cilantro lime slaw, you can customize your tacos however you’d like.

Here are some topping ideas:

chopped lettuce
salsa verde
Pica De Gallo
queso
sour cream
refried beans
corn – like our Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
guacamole
pickled jalapenos
cheese dip
hot sauce
cilantro lime slaw
sautéed peppers and onions

How To Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to 4 days. You can use parchment paper between the layers to stop the tacos from sticking to each other.

To reheat your leftovers, the best way to definitely in the air fryer. This will ensure they become nice and crispy again.

Simply preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.

FAQS

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking?

Preheating your air fryer isn’t necessary when cooking frozen mini tacos, as the cooking time is relatively short. However, it may help with even browning and better results.

Do I need extra oil to cook frozen mini tacos?

No, a light spray of cooking oil on the cooking basket is enough for these. Too much will make them greasy and can also leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

Do you grease the air fryer basket for mini tacos?

Yes, it is important to spray the basket with a light coating of cooking oil before adding the tacos.

This will help them crisp up and prevent them from sticking to the basket.

Can I make these tacos without an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen mini tacos in the oven (on a baking tray at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes flipping halfway through) or in the microwave (for 1 – 2 minutes depending on your microwave). Allow tacos to stand for a minute after cooking.

You can also try using a convection oven, however, cooking times may vary.

For all recipes, you should lightly spray the tacos with cooking oil spray to ensure they don’t dry out.

Can I stack the mini tacos in the air fryer?

No, they should be placed in a single layer without overcrowding them. If you stack them, they won’t cook evenly or become crispy.

Can I freeze these tacos?

Yes, you can freeze these tacos. Place cooled tacos in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer for best results.

Other Appetizers To Serve With Air Fryer Mini Tacos

Serve up these air fryer appetizers with the mini tacos and create your own snacky feast.

Air Fryer Smoked Queso

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks

Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

Other Air Fryer Mexican-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love

Air Fryer Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Air Fryer Enchiladas

Air Fryer Chicken Nachos

Air Fryer Southwest Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Taco Casserole

Overall, air fryer frozen mini tacos are a quick and easy snack or appetizer that is sure to please the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can quickly whip up a batch of these crispy tacos – no fuss required!