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Delicious Air Fryer Beef Tacos Recipe

Tacos are a beloved dish worldwide, and with the introduction of air fryers, preparing the perfect beef tacos has never been easier or healthier. This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavourful beef filling wrapped in a crispy taco shell, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Let’s dive into the details of creating these mouth-watering beef tacos that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 500g minced beef (preferably lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust for spice preference)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 100ml beef broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh coriander (for garnish)

For the Taco Assembly:

• 8 small taco shells (hard or soft, as per preference)
• 100g grated cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Sour cream or Greek yoghurt (for serving)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)

Method

1. Prepare the Beef Filling:

   • In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, approximately 3–4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
   • Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the minced beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
   • Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
   • Pour in the beef broth and let simmer for a further 5 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly reduced.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that lovely crispiness in your taco shells.

3. Fill the Taco Shells:

   • Once the beef filling is ready, take your taco shells and generously fill each one with the beef mixture. Top with grated cheese for an added layer of flavour.

4. Air Fry the Tacos:

   • Carefully place the filled tacos in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
   • Air fry the tacos at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 6-8 minutes or until the shells are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the tacos from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before handling. Garnish with diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and fresh coriander. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and lime wedges for added zest.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Beef Tacos

• Choose Quality Beef: Opt for lean minced beef for a healthier option. You can also experiment with flavours by using beef with a higher fat content for extra juiciness, but remember to drain the excess grease.
• Taco Shells: Hard taco shells tend to hold their shape better in the air fryer, but soft tortillas can also work well. If using soft tortillas, consider rolling them up or slightly folding them to prevent them from opening up during cooking.
• Customise Your Fillings: Feel free to add your favourite toppings and fillings, such as jalapeños, black beans, or corn, to truly make the dish your own.

Conclusion

Preparing beef tacos in an air fryer is not only quick and easy but also delivers a delightful crunch and flavour that will impress your family and friends. Whether for a casual dinner, a party, or simply to satisfy a taco craving, this air fryer beef taco recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in these scrumptious homemade tacos! Enjoy!