Do you want to know the secret to cooking frozen mini tacos to perfection? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! In just 6 minutes, you can have deliciously crispy and golden mini tacos that will satisfy any craving. Whether you prefer mini beef tacos or mini chicken tacos from popular brands like Trader Joe’s, Costco, or El Charrito, this easy air fryer recipe has got you covered. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make frozen mini tacos in an air fryer!
The Benefits of Making Frozen Mini Tacos
Frozen mini tacos may not be the healthiest food option, but there are plenty of reasons why people love them. First and foremost, they are a crowd pleaser! These bite-sized treats disappear quickly, especially on game days. Plus, when compared to deep-frying, air frying offers a healthier alternative. You can enjoy the crispy texture without the excess fat and calories.
Another great benefit of using an air fryer is the speed. With just 6 minutes of cooking time, you can have mini tacos on the table in no time. The air fryer ensures that the taco shells come out crunchy and golden brown, something you won’t achieve with other cooking methods.
Air Fryer Mini Tacos Ingredients
For this recipe, all you need are frozen mini tacos, an air fryer, and possibly a meat thermometer. You can find mini tacos from various brands, but make sure to adjust the cooking time if the size differs from the ones used in this recipe. It’s also a good idea to have some taco dips on hand for extra flavor.
How to Air Fry Frozen Mini Tacos
Cooking frozen mini tacos in an air fryer couldn’t be easier. Simply arrange the mini tacos in a single layer on your air fryer tray or basket. Avoid piling them on top of each other to allow the air to circulate freely, ensuring crispy perfection.
Mini Tacos Air Fryer Cooking Time and Temperature
To cook frozen mini tacos in an air fryer, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200C) and cook for a total of 6 minutes. If you’re using an air fryer oven, place the tray on the top rack. After cooking for 3 minutes, flip the mini tacos and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Let them rest for 2 minutes before serving, as this will help them crisp up even more. If your mini tacos contain chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
Leftovers and Serving Suggestions
It’s best to cook only as many mini tacos as you need for immediate consumption. However, if you have leftovers, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 400F (200C). When it comes to serving, mini tacos pair perfectly with freshly shredded lettuce and a variety of dips. Salsa, guacamole, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, keto cheese sauce, and sriracha are all excellent choices.
Calories, Net Carbs, Protein
Each serving of air fryer mini tacos (four Trader Joe’s frozen mini beef tacos) contains approximately 190 calories, 18 grams of net carbs, and 10 grams of protein. It’s important to note that the nutrition information may vary depending on the brand of mini tacos you use.
Expert Tips from a Dietitian
Frozen mini tacos fall into the category of ultra-processed foods, so it’s crucial to make them part of a balanced diet. They are typically low in volume and high in calories, making portion control challenging. To turn these mini tacos into a full meal, consider adding non-starchy veggies and more protein. Refried beans and Greek yogurt for dipping, along with a side salad, can help create a better balance of macronutrients and keep you feeling full.
While mini tacos can fit into a relaxed low-carb diet with their approximately 20 grams of net carbs per serving, they are not suitable for a strict keto plan unless you use low-carb taco shells. Additionally, keep in mind that most store-bought mini tacos contain chicken or beef, making them unsuitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. However, you can make your own mini tacos using refried beans for an easy plant-based option. Lastly, always check the ingredients to determine if the filling is gluten-free.
FAQs
- Do you grease the air fryer basket for mini tacos? No, there’s no need to spray oil on the tacos. Taco shells typically contain enough fat or oil, and adding more may make them greasy. Simply place the frozen mini tacos in the air fryer basket as they are.
- How to cook frozen mini tacos in an oven? Preheat your oven to 425F (218C) and bake the frozen mini tacos on a cookie sheet in the middle of the oven for 6-8 minutes. Let them rest for 1-2 minutes to finish crisping up before serving.
- How to microwave frozen mini tacos? The microwave times will vary depending on your oven’s power. Arrange 4-6 frozen mini tacos in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1 minute.
- How to pan fry frozen mini tacos? Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet, add the frozen mini tacos in a single layer, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side. Let them rest on paper towels for 2-3 minutes before enjoying.
- How to make homemade mini tacos? You can buy street taco tortillas and fill them with your favorite taco seasonings and fillings. Alternatively, you can trim large tortillas to mini taco size using a glass as a guide.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Once you’ve mastered the art of cooking frozen mini tacos in an air fryer, you can move on to other delicious recipes. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Frozen Taquitos in Air Fryer
- Frozen Fish in Air Fryer
- Best Frozen Foods for Air Fryer
For those who can’t get enough of tacos, here are additional air fryer taco recipes to satisfy your cravings:
- Air Fryer Taco Meat
- Air Fryer Nachos
- Taco Bell Beefy 5 Layer Burrito
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The Disclaimer…
Please note that all recipes on this website may or may not be suitable for your specific needs and preferences. Consult a registered dietitian or your physician to determine the best dietary plan for you. The provided nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients you use. The calorie information on food labels can sometimes be inaccurate, so don’t dwell too much on the numbers. For more information on how our recipe levels can help with weight management goals, refer to our overnight oats no sugar post. Let’s get cooking!
