Quick and Easy Air Fryer Taco Bombs

Taco night is always a favorite in many households, but what about transforming those leftover taco ingredients into something new and exciting? Enter Air Fryer Taco Bombs – a fun, crispy, and cheesy twist on traditional tacos, perfect for a quick dinner, an afternoon snack, or a unique appetizer. If you’re looking for a way to reinvent your taco leftovers or simply try a creative new dish, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

What Are Air Fryer Taco Bombs?

Air Fryer Taco Bombs are bite-sized bundles of flavor packed with taco-inspired ingredients, wrapped in golden crescent dough, and crisped to perfection in an air fryer. They’re loaded with seasoned taco meat, melty cheese, and a variety of toppings you can customize to your taste. Whether you’re using leftover taco meat or starting fresh, this recipe is perfect for both scenarios. These tasty bombs can be served as appetizers, a quick dinner, or even as a fun snack for any occasion.

In this recipe, we’ll explore how to make Air Fryer Taco Bombs that are perfectly crisp on the outside and packed with cheesy, flavorful goodness on the inside.

Why Make Air Fryer Taco Bombs?

• Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, and these taco bombs cook in just 10-12 minutes.

• Versatile: You can customize the filling with different meats or even vegetarian options. Shrimp, chicken, and beef are all great choices.

• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few ingredients, which makes this recipe simple and approachable for beginners.

• Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is ideal for repurposing leftover taco meat, so you don’t have to throw away extra food.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Taco Bombs

One of the best things about Air Fryer Taco Bombs is that they require just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ½ pound ground beef or ground turkey (feel free to use ground chicken, pork, or any leftover cooked meat)

• 1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade, more on that below)

• ½ to 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (shredded, to make it melty)

• 1 can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (or any similar dough for wrapping)

Optional toppings:

• Sour cream

• Salsa

• Guacamole

• Pico de gallo

• Fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges

• Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick

How to Make Air Fryer Taco Bombs: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process of creating these flavorful Air Fryer Taco Bombs. From cooking the taco meat to assembling and air frying the bombs, we’ll walk through everything to ensure your taco bombs turn out perfect every time.

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by browning your ground meat. You can choose between ground beef, turkey, chicken, or any meat that you enjoy in tacos. If you have leftover taco meat, this is the perfect opportunity to repurpose it into something new. Here’s how:

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground meat. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

• Air Fryer Method: Alternatively, you can cook the ground meat directly in the air fryer, but be sure to break it up well for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes.

Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat, and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Add taco seasoning to your cooked meat. You can use store-bought taco seasoning or create your own mix. If you’re opting for homemade seasoning, combine the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• Pinch of cayenne pepper

• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Stir the seasoning into your cooked meat. If the mixture is dry, you can add a little water to help distribute the spices more evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough

Now, it’s time to prep the dough for the taco bombs. Unroll the Pillsbury Crescent Rolls or your preferred dough and separate it into squares. Each square should be about 4 inches in size, but feel free to make smaller or larger squares depending on the size of the taco bombs you prefer. Make sure to pinch the perforated edges to seal the dough properly.

Customizing Your Taco Bombs

This is where the fun begins. Air Fryer Taco Bombs are super versatile, so feel free to get creative with the fillings and toppings. You can experiment with various ingredients, including:

• Different Meats: Ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or even shrimp!

• Cheese: While Mexican cheese blend works well, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.

• Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, corn, and roasted vegetables as a filling for a veggie-friendly version of taco bombs.

• Add-ins: Consider adding ingredients like diced tomatoes, chopped onions, or olives for extra flavor and texture.

Once the dough squares are ready, it’s time to assemble the taco bombs!

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Bombs

Place about ½ cup of taco meat in the center of each dough square. If you’re using smaller dough squares, adjust the amount of taco filling accordingly. After adding the taco meat, sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese on top. Fold the corners of the dough square to the center and pinch tightly to seal the taco bomb.

Make sure each taco bomb is tightly sealed so the fillings don’t leak out while cooking. You can also try pressing the dough slightly to ensure a more secure seal.

Air Fryer Cooking Tips for Perfect Taco Bombs

To achieve that perfect crispy exterior, follow these tips:

• Grease the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease the basket or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the taco bombs in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will prevent them from crisping up properly.

• Check for Doneness: After 10-12 minutes at 320°F (160°C), check to ensure that the crescent dough is golden and crispy. You can also check the internal temperature of the filling to ensure it’s heated through.

Optional Oven Instructions

If you don’t have an air fryer or prefer to use the oven, you can easily bake these taco bombs:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Place the taco bombs on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.

• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Taco Bombs

Once your Air Fryer Taco Bombs are out of the air fryer (or oven), they’re ready to be devoured! But before you dive in, consider pairing these little flavor bombs with some classic taco toppings to elevate the taste experience. Here are some tasty options to try:

• Sour Cream: A cool, creamy contrast to the spicy taco meat.

• Salsa: A zesty salsa, whether mild, medium, or hot, will add a fresh burst of flavor.

• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and balances out the spices.

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh, chunky salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing crunch.

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds a tangy finish.

• Jalapeños: If you like a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños will do the trick.

Additionally, consider serving your Air Fryer Taco Bombs with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans to make it a complete meal.

Why Are Air Fryer Taco Bombs Perfect for Any Occasion?

The beauty of Air Fryer Taco Bombs lies in their versatility. They are not just a great quick dinner option; they can be served in a variety of settings, making them a go-to recipe for many occasions. Here are some reasons why these taco bombs are perfect for any event:

1. Great for Parties: Air fryer taco bombs are an excellent party snack. Serve them at a game night, Super Bowl party, or family gathering. They’re easy to make in batches and will please a crowd.

2. Quick Weeknight Meal: Short on time? These taco bombs take less than 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making them a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

3. Kid-Friendly: Kids love finger foods, and these taco bombs are no exception. They’re bite-sized, easy to hold, and packed with flavors that children will enjoy.

4. Customizable for Dietary Needs: Whether you prefer a low-carb option (using low-carb dough or a lettuce wrap) or a vegetarian version, the recipe is highly adaptable to suit different dietary preferences.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Taco Bombs

Made too many Air Fryer Taco Bombs and need to store some for later? No worries. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

Storing:

• Allow the taco bombs to cool to room temperature.

• Place them in an airtight container.

• Store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating:

To maintain their crispy texture, reheat your taco bombs in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.

Alternatively, you can use an oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed and the exterior is crisp.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Taco Bombs

If you’re watching your calorie intake or just curious about the nutritional value, here’s an overview of the estimated nutrition facts per serving of Air Fryer Taco Bombs (this may vary depending on ingredients used):

These nutritional values are based on using ground beef, crescent rolls, and Mexican cheese blend. To make your taco bombs healthier, feel free to swap out ingredients like using lean ground turkey or low-fat cheese.