Air Fryer Taco Shells (Printer-Friendly)
Crispy jumbo pasta shells stuffed with carnitas and cheddar, cooked in an air fryer for delicious texture and flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
1 pound jumbo pasta shells (approximately 48 shells)
→ Filling
02 -
2 cups carnitas
03 -
24 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1-ounce sticks
→ Cooking
04 -
Non-stick cooking spray
→ Dipping Sauce
05 -
1 cup sour cream
06 -
1 tablespoon taco seasoning (adjust to taste)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until fully tender, not al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.
02 -
Hold one pasta shell in your palm, place approximately one tablespoon of carnitas inside, then wedge a stick of cheddar cheese over the meat. Cover with a second shell to form a sealed 'lid'.
03 -
Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket liberally with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crisping.
04 -
Place the stuffed shells in the air fryer basket, ensuring a slight gap between each for even air circulation. Continue assembling until the basket is full.
05 -
Spray the tops and exposed sides of the stuffed shells with non-stick cooking spray to aid crispness during cooking.
06 -
Air fry at 400°F for 13 minutes, or until the shells are crispy and golden brown on the outside.
07 -
Remove cooked shells from the air fryer and keep warm while you prepare remaining batches.
08 -
Combine sour cream and taco seasoning in a bowl, stirring until well blended. Serve alongside the stuffed shells.
09 -
Enjoy the shells hot for the best texture and flavor.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For optimal texture, ensure pasta shells are fully cooked before stuffing to prevent excessive crispiness and maintain chew.
02 -
Use a basket-style air fryer for more even browning; avoid oven-style air fryers for this preparation.
03 -
Non-stick spray facilitates a crisp exterior and prevents sticking during air frying.