Are you looking for a quick, family-friendly dinner that combines the beloved flavors of tacos with the convenience of air frying? Look no further than these incredible Air Fryer Taco Bombs.
These bite-sized bundles of joy pack all your favorite taco ingredients into a crispy, golden wrapper that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or whenever you’re craving something comforting and delicious.
Recipe Information
Serves: 4-6 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Main Dish/Appetizer
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
What Are Air Fryer Taco Bombs?
Air Fryer Taco Bombs are essentially handheld taco parcels made by wrapping seasoned ground beef, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings in refrigerated biscuit dough, then air frying them to crispy perfection.
The result is a golden-brown exterior that gives way to a warm, melty, and flavorful interior that captures all the essence of a traditional taco in one convenient bite.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (3.5-quart or larger recommended)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Kitchen tongs
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Parchment paper (air fryer safe)
Ingredients
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
For Assembly:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 count)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For Serving (Optional):
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Taco Filling
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess fat: Remove excess grease from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- Add aromatics: Add diced onions and bell peppers (if using) to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Season the meat: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Mix well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese while the mixture is still warm, allowing it to melt slightly.
Assembling the Taco Bombs
- Prepare the biscuits: Remove biscuits from the can and separate them. On a clean surface, gently flatten each biscuit with your hands or a rolling pin to about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Fill the bombs: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the taco filling in the center of each flattened biscuit. Be careful not to overfill.
- Seal the bombs: Gather the edges of the biscuit dough around the filling and pinch them together tightly to seal. Make sure there are no gaps where filling could leak out. Place seam-side down.
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and paprika.
Air Frying Process
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare for cooking: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper if desired. Brush each taco bomb with the seasoned butter mixture.
- Cook the bombs: Place taco bombs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Check for doneness: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and the exterior should be golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the taco bombs cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid burns from hot filling.
Pro Tips for Perfect Taco Bombs
- Don’t overfill: Less is more when it comes to filling. Overfilled bombs may burst during cooking.
- Seal properly: Make sure to pinch the seams tightly to prevent filling from leaking out.
- Work in batches: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Let filling cool: Allow the taco mixture to cool slightly before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Brush with butter: The butter mixture helps achieve that beautiful golden color and adds extra flavor.
Variations and Customizations
Protein Alternatives:
- Ground turkey or chicken
- Seasoned black beans for vegetarian option
- Chorizo for extra spice
- Leftover pulled pork or shredded chicken
Cheese Options:
- Sharp cheddar
- Pepper jack for heat
- Queso fresco for authentic Mexican flavor
- Cream cheese mixed with regular cheese for extra creaminess
Additional Mix-ins:
- Corn kernels
- Diced jalapeños
- Black beans
- Rice (small amount)
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover taco bombs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze assembled but uncooked taco bombs for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Taco Bombs are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- As a main dish: Serve 2-3 bombs per person with a side salad and Mexican rice
- Game day appetizer: Cut into smaller portions and serve with multiple dipping sauces
- Lunch box option: Perfect for kids’ lunches when cooled (they’re delicious at room temperature too)
- Party food: Great for potlucks and gatherings
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Bombs bursting open: Ensure proper sealing and don’t overfill. The dough should overlap well at the seam.
Uneven browning: Make sure to flip halfway through cooking and don’t overcrowd the basket.
Soggy bottom: Use parchment paper and ensure your air fryer is properly preheated.
Dry filling: Don’t overcook the initial meat mixture, and ensure some moisture remains.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 taco bomb, based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Vitamin A | 8% DV |
| Vitamin C | 4% DV |
| Calcium | 12% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why Choose Air Fryer Taco Bombs?
Air Fryer Taco Bombs offer several advantages over traditional cooking methods:
- Healthier option: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying while still achieving that coveted crispy exterior.
- Time-efficient: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-friendly: The handheld format and familiar flavors make these a hit with children.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt to dietary restrictions and personal preferences.
- Make-ahead friendly: Can be assembled in advance and cooked when ready to eat.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Taco Bombs are the perfect fusion of convenience, flavor, and comfort food satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a party, or just want to try something new and exciting, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy biscuit dough creates a handheld meal that’s both satisfying and fun to eat.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with different fillings, seasonings, and accompaniments to create your own signature version. So fire up that air fryer and get ready to enjoy what might just become your new favorite dinner solution!