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Crispy juicy and packed with flavor these smash burger tacos bring together everything I love about a great cheeseburger and the fun of taco night With just a few simple ingredients you get a quick delicious meal that never fails to impress whether it is for lunch dinner or a casual get together
The first time I tried these smash burger tacos my family could not believe how easy and delicious they were Now they are on rotation every week for busy nights
Ingredients
- Small tortillas: for that handheld taco crunch I like to use flour tortillas since they get super crisp in the air fryer Check for fresh pliable tortillas so they do not tear
- Ground beef: about quarter cup per taco the classic burger flavor Look for eighty twenty beef for a juicy bite
- Salt: simple but essential for bringing out the natural beefy flavor Use kosher salt if you have it
- Cooking spray: helps get those tortillas ultra crisp and keeps things from sticking A neutral high heat spray works best
- Cheese slices: optional but totally worth it for that gooey cheesy burger layer Use real cheddar or American and look for slices that melt easily
- Burger toppings: such as lettuce pickles burger sauce or tomatoes for custom flavor and crunch Fresh is always best so slice up crisp veggies right before serving
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for five minutes so it is hot and ready for crisping the tortillas
- Prep the Tacos:
- Spread about a quarter cup of ground beef evenly over each tortilla Press the meat all the way to the edges for even cooking and a complete meat crust on each taco Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top and lightly mist everything with cooking spray
- Air Fry:
- Lay the prepared tortillas meat side up in a single layer in your air fryer basket You may need to work in batches for best results Cook at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the tortillas are golden and crisp
- Add Cheese:
- Lay a slice of cheese over the hot beef as soon as it comes out or while the basket is still in the air fryer Turn off the heat and close the basket for about one minute The residual heat perfectly melts the cheese into a gooey blanket
- Assemble and Serve:
- Remove the tacos from the air fryer and load them up with your favorite burger toppings Gently fold each one by hand They are best enjoyed fresh while hot and crispy
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One of my favorite parts is watching the cheese bubble and melt over the hot beef right as I add it The creamy cheese and crispy tortilla take these over the top My kids usually fight over who gets the crispiest taco
Storage Tips
Any leftovers should be cooled completely before storing Place them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge They reheat best in the air fryer for a few minutes so the tortillas get crispy again Avoid microwaving or the tortillas will go soft
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef There are also plant based crumbles that work well for a vegetarian option Gluten free tortillas crisp up nicely in the air fryer as well and vegan cheese melts perfectly if you need a dairy free version
Serving Suggestions
Serve these smash burger tacos with classic burger sides like oven fries sweet potato fries or a crisp pickle spear A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness They also make a great party finger food just slice in halves for sharing
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Easy History of the Recipe
Smash burger tacos became a viral hit online because they combine the best parts of two classic comfort foods Burgers and tacos go way back but this air fryer method makes everything even faster and crunchier This modern twist is all about quick comfort in every bite
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use any air fryer for this dish?
Yes, any air fryer with a flat basket works well. Adjust timing slightly based on your appliance.
- → What kind of tortillas are best?
Small flour tortillas hold up best and get nice and crispy, but you can use corn tortillas, too.
- → How do I prevent the tortillas from sticking?
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray before arranging the beef-covered tortillas.
- → What toppings work well with these tacos?
Classic burger toppings like lettuce, pickles, tomato, onions, and a sauce such as ketchup or mayo are popular choices.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the beef-tortilla bases ahead and quickly reheat in the air fryer when ready to serve.