Air fryer Taco Stuffed Shells are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos and pasta shells. This recipe transforms classic taco ingredients into a crispy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
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My family fell in love with air fryer taco stuffed shells. They’re not your everyday tacos – they’re a foodie’s dream that spices up our dinners. The air fryer gets it right every single time, creating a dreamy crunch on the pasta shells. It’s the perfect match for the cheesy, gooey, taco-filled goodness inside. Give it a try and see if your family loves it just as much as mine does! More of our favorite easy appetizers are Air Fryer Empanadas and Air-fried Toasted Ravioli.
How to Make Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells in Air Fryer
Please refer to the recipe ingredients and nutrition information at the bottom of this post. Gather the following ingredients for this delightful dish:
You’ll need jumbo pasta shells, ground beef or turkey (depending on your preference), one medium onion finely chopped, taco seasoning for that classic Mexican kick, cream cheese (or ricotta if you prefer a lighter option), and shredded cheese like Mozzarella, cheddar or Mexican cheese blend for topping. Each ingredient brings its unique character to the dish—ground meat makes it hearty; onions add sweetness and depth; taco seasoning punches in with spice; and cream cheese add a smooth finish.
Directions
Cook the pasta shells. Begin by boiling the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly. This step is crucial because overcooked shells can fall apart when you try to stuff them. Aim for al dente (about 10 minutes), as they’ll cook further in the air fryer.
Make the Taco Filling. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the taco filling. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil and chopped onions. Cook until soft and translucent, About 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can Cook Onion in the Air fryer. Then add ground beef or turkey, using a wooden spatula to break it up, and cook until browned. Add taco seasoning and follow the package instructions for adding water. Allow the mixture to simmer until well combined and thickened.
Assemble the stuffed shells. Fill each cooked shell with a tablespoon of the meat mixture followed by a small dollop of cream cheese (or Ricotta cheese). Place the stuffed shells into a baking dish or directly into your air fryer basket. You can line it with parchment paper for an easy clean-up. Top each shell with the shredded cheese of choice. Here I used a mix of Mozzarella and cheddar. (Picture below).
While you’re assembling the shells, preheat your air fryer at 350°F (180°C). Cook on the air fry setting for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding any additional toppings you desire before serving.
Serve. Once your air fryer taco stuffed shells are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool for 3 minutes and serve with your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, avocado slices, sour cream, or hot sauce. I chose to dip them in my favorite Homemade Chipotle Mayo. These stuffed shells make for a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Storage and Variations
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, sprinkle more cheese on top and pop them back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to reheat. This way, they’ll stay crispy and delicious!
Experiment with different toppings or fillings for your taco stuffed shells. Try adding some diced avocado, corn, or black beans for an extra flavor and texture. You could also mix in some shredded chicken or beef for a heartier option.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils.
Another great thing I love about taco stuffed shells is that they make a perfect make-ahead or on-the-go meal option. Simply pack them up in individual containers and reheat them at work or school for a tasty lunch that will have everyone asking for a bite. I’m already excited to make these up for my friend’s Super Bowl bash. I bet these yummy bites will be the talk of the game.
More Crispy Appetizers You’ll Love
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Easy Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 1 Box Jumbo Pasta Shells I used Barilla brand. Feel free to make half a box (about 20 jumbo shells)
- 1 pound Ground beef Or chicken, turkey
- 1 Medium onion Yellow or sweet. finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive oil or Avocado oil
- 2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning Follow directions on a package. My taco seasoning pack said to add 2 tablespoons per 1 pound of ground beef.
- 2 Oz Cream cheese or Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Shredded cheese of choice. I used a mix of Mozzarella and Cheddar. 1 cup of shredded cheese equals about 110 grams.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells. Begin by boiling the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly. This step is crucial because overcooked shells can fall apart when you try to stuff them. Aim for al dente (about 10 minutes), as they'll cook further in the air fryer.
- Make the Taco Filling. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the taco filling. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil and chopped onions. Cook until soft and translucent, About 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can Cook Onion in the Air fryer. Then add ground beef or turkey, using a wooden spatula to break it up, and cook until browned. Add taco seasoning and follow the package instructions for adding water. Allow the mixture to simmer until well combined and thickened.
- Assemble the stuffed shells. Fill each cooked shell with a tablespoon of the meat mixture followed by a small dollop of cream cheese (or Ricotta cheese). Place the stuffed shells into a baking dish or directly into your air fryer basket. You can line it with parchment paper for an easy clean-up. Top each shell with the shredded cheese of choice. Here I used a mix of Mozzarella and cheddar.
- While you assemble the shells, preheat your air fryer at 350°F (180°C). Cook on the air fry setting for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding any additional toppings you desire before serving.
- Serve. Once your air fryer taco stuffed shells are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool for 3 minutes and serve with your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, avocado slices, sour cream, or hot sauce. I chose to dip them in my favorite Homemade Chipotle Mayo. These stuffed shells make for a delicious and satisfying meal which is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
