why make this recipe
Air Fryer Pasta Tacos are a fun and delicious twist on two popular foods: pasta and tacos. This recipe combines the hearty flavors of taco filling wrapped in tender pasta, then cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer. It’s a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party treat. Plus, it’s customizable and can be served with your favorite toppings!
how to make Air Fryer Pasta Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 8 ounce box manicotti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 1 10 ounce can tomatoes with green chiles, such as RO*TEL®, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 Tablespoons milk or half and half
- 3 cups finely crushed tortilla chips
- Salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, and/or guacamole for serving
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling with a spoon until evenly browned, about 7 minutes.
- Add the taco seasoning, green chiles, and RO*TEL. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese.
- Fill each pasta shell with the beef mixture and freeze for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs and milk in a shallow dish. Place crushed tortilla chips in a second shallow dish. Lightly coat the filled pasta with the egg wash and coat in the crushed crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere if necessary.
- Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Working in 2 batches, air fry the pasta tacos for 10 to 12 minutes. Serve with desired toppings.
how to serve Air Fryer Pasta Tacos
Serve the Pasta Tacos hot with salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, and/or guacamole. You can also set out a toppings bar with additional ingredients such as chopped onions, lettuce, and avocado for everyone to customize their own.
how to store Air Fryer Pasta Tacos
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through or use a microwave.
tips to make Air Fryer Pasta Tacos
- Make sure to freeze the filled pasta shells before breading to help them hold their shape while air frying.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Experiment with different cheese types, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a twist in flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for even cooking.
variation
For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils, and add extra veggies like corn or bell peppers to the filling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like jumbo shells or large cannelloni, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I prep these tacos in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble and freeze the filled pasta shells a day ahead and then cook them when you are ready to serve.
How do I make these tacos spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning. You can also serve them with hot salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Air Fryer Pasta Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling with a spoon until evenly browned, about 7 minutes.
- Add the taco seasoning, green chiles, and RO*TEL. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese.
- Fill each pasta shell with the beef mixture and freeze for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs and milk in a shallow dish. Place crushed tortilla chips in a second shallow dish.
- Lightly coat the filled pasta with the egg wash and coat in the crushed crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere if necessary.
- Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Working in 2 batches, air fry the pasta tacos for 10 to 12 minutes.