Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells – Cheap Simple Recipes

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 cup diced onion and bell pepper (optional)
12 jumbo pasta shells
12 cubes Colby Jack cheese
Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Additional taco seasoning mix, for seasoning sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare Taco Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Add the taco seasoning mix and prepare according to package instructions. If using, add diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare Pasta Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
Stuff Shells: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it with a spoonful of the taco meat mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Place a cube of Colby Jack cheese in the center of each stuffed shell.
Air Fry: Place the stuffed shells in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 17-20 minutes, or until the shells are crispy and golden brown.
Prepare Taco Sour Cream Dip: While the shells are cooking, mix sour cream with some taco seasoning mix in a bowl to create a flavorful dip. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Serve: Once the stuffed shells are cooked to your desired crispiness, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them hot with the taco sour cream dip on the side for dipping.
Enjoy: Dig into these delicious Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells, enjoying the crunchy exterior, flavorful taco meat, and gooey melted Colby Jack cheese. They make a perfect appetizer or main dish for any occasion!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other toppings such as diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños before serving. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful taco stuffed shells straight from the air fryer!

Here are some helpful tips to make your Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells even more delightful:

Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ground beef or turkey, fresh vegetables, and good-quality Colby Jack cheese for the best flavor and texture in your stuffed shells.
Season Taco Meat Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning the taco meat. Ensure it’s well-seasoned with the taco seasoning mix and consider adding extra spices such as cumin, chili powder, or garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
Pre-Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are just al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly in the air fryer. Overcooking them initially can result in mushy shells once they’re air-fried.
Ensure Even Stuffing: Fill each pasta shell with an equal amount of taco meat mixture to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the dish.
Use Room Temperature Cheese: Allow the Colby Jack cheese cubes to come to room temperature before stuffing them into the pasta shells. This helps them melt more evenly and ensures a gooey, cheesy center.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before adding the stuffed shells to ensure they cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
Space Out Shells: Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Spray Shells with Cooking Oil: Lightly spray the stuffed shells with cooking oil before air frying to help them crisp up and develop a golden brown exterior.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the stuffed shells as they cook in the air fryer, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Serve with Fresh Toppings: Garnish the finished stuffed shells with fresh toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice to add brightness and freshness to the dish.

By following these tips, you’ll take your Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells to the next level, ensuring they’re crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside, and absolutely delightful to enjoy!

Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells:

Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time: Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. This includes cooking and seasoning the taco meat, chopping vegetables, and cubing the cheese.
Customize Taco Seasoning: Create your own taco seasoning blend using a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Adjust the spices to your taste preferences for a perfectly seasoned filling.
Properly Drain Taco Meat: After cooking the taco meat, make sure to drain any excess grease before stuffing the shells. Excess grease can make the shells soggy and affect the texture of the filling.
Mix Cheese with Taco Meat: For extra cheesy goodness, mix some shredded cheese into the taco meat mixture before stuffing the shells. This ensures a gooey, cheesy filling in every bite.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before adding the stuffed shells. Preheating ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking and helps to achieve a crispy exterior on the shells.
Lightly Oil the Shells: Lightly spray or brush the stuffed shells with oil before air frying to help them crisp up and develop a golden brown color.
Don’t Overstuff the Shells: Avoid overstuffing the pasta shells with filling, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking. Aim for a generous but manageable amount of filling in each shell.
Arrange Shells in a Single Layer: Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Flip Shells Halfway Through Cooking: For even browning, flip the stuffed shells halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides of the shells are crispy and golden brown.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. Serve them with your favorite toppings and dipping sauces for a delicious meal everyone will love.

By following these secrets, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells that are sure to impress!

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers related to Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells:

Can I use different types of meat for the filling?
- Yes, you can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles as a substitute for the taco meat filling, depending on your dietary preferences.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- To make vegetarian Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells, omit the meat and use a combination of beans, vegetables, and cheese as the filling. You can use black beans, corn, bell peppers, onions, and shredded cheese for a flavorful vegetarian option.
Can I use different types of cheese?
- Absolutely! While Colby Jack cheese is commonly used in this recipe, you can experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells?
- Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before air frying them. Arrange the stuffed shells on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for longer storage. When ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells?
- Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells pair well with a variety of side dishes such as Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, avocado salsa, or a simple green salad with a tangy dressing.
Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to air fry. Simply cover the prepared shells tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How do I reheat leftover Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells?
- Reheat leftover stuffed shells in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
What can I dip Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells in?
- You can dip Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells in a variety of sauces such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chipotle aioli for extra flavor and creaminess.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking to the air fryer basket?
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil before adding the stuffed shells to prevent them from sticking during cooking.
Can I make these in a traditional oven instead of an air fryer?
- Yes, you can bake the stuffed shells in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.