Air Fryer Taco Shells

This Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells recipe is a perfect blend of crunchy, cheesy, and savory that makes a fun twist on taco night. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer for a party or a new main dish to liven up weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers a crispy exterior with a gooey, flavorful center that everyone will enjoy.

I first tried this recipe after seeing it viral on Tik Tok and was surprised at how easy it was to make yet how impressive it looked and tasted. Now it’s a favorite for entertaining friends.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells: these hold the filling well and create a nice chewy texture
• Carnitas: choose a flavorful, tender carnitas for best taste but any cooked, seasoned shredded meat works
• Cheddar cheese: cut into sticks adding gooey melted richness and sharpness
• Nonstick cooking spray: used to create a crispy outer shell and prevent sticking in the air fryer
• Sour cream: creamy base for the dipping sauce that balances the flavors
• Taco seasoning: adds authentic taco spices to the dipping sauce enhancing the filled shells
• Quality tips: Look for fresh pasta shells without cracks, high quality carnitas with good seasoning, and a sharp cheddar cheese for the best result.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta Shells:

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them fully through according to package instructions. They should be tender but not mushy so aim for fully cooked rather than al dente. Drain and rinse immediately with cool water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.

Assemble the Stuffed Shells:

Hold a pasta shell in your palm and spoon about a tablespoon of carnitas inside it. Then press a stick of cheddar cheese over the meat, letting it nestle inside the shell. Take a second pasta shell and place it over the open side of the stuffed shell to create a sealed "lid." This double shell technique helps everything stay inside during air frying.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket generously with nonstick cooking spray to keep the shells from sticking and help them crisp evenly. Arrange the stuffed shells in the basket with just a bit of space between each one to allow air circulation.

Cook the Shells:

Continue assembling and placing shells into the basket. Once full, spray the tops and exposed sides of the stuffed shells with more nonstick spray. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 13 minutes undisturbed, allowing the shells to turn crispy and a light golden brown color.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the shells from the basket and keep warm while cooking remaining batches. Mix the sour cream and taco seasoning to taste in a bowl for a simple dipping sauce. Serve the crispy taco stuffed shells hot with the sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy the mix of crunchy and melty flavors.

I’m especially fond of the crunchy exterior that comes from spraying the shells well with nonstick spray and air frying without flipping. That crisp with the melty cheese inside reminds me of fun party nights when we all gather around snacking and chatting.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 days. To keep the shells crisp, reheat in an air fryer or oven rather than the microwave. The microwave can soften the shells too much causing loss of that satisfying crunch. Use gentle reheating to bring back the crispy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap the carnitas with taco seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or pulled pork depending on what you prefer or have on hand. Cheese options like Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend can change the flavor profile while keeping the gooey center. For a dairy free version use a plant based cheese and sour cream alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these taco stuffed shells as an appetizer with a few flavorful dipping sauces such as guacamole, salsa, or a spicy chipotle mayo. For dinner make a side of Mexican street corn or a fresh salad with lime vinaigrette to complement the rich, savory shells. They also pair well with a cold beer or margarita for parties.

These taco stuffed shells are best served hot with the seasoned sour cream for dipping. They make an easy crowd pleasing appetizer or weeknight main that impresses with minimal effort.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What fillings work best for the stuffed shells?

Carnitas is classic, but beef or chicken fajita fillings, pulled pork, or store-bought taco meats also melt beautifully inside the shells.

→ What type of air fryer is ideal for cooking these shells?

A basket-style air fryer delivers even crisping and prevents uneven browning, unlike oven-style models.

→ How crispy are the finished shells?

The shells have a slightly crisp outside while maintaining a tender and cheesy interior chew, offering great texture contrast.

→ Why spray the shells with non-stick spray before air frying?

The spray helps create a light golden crisp on the shells' surface and prevents sticking during cooking.

→ Is flipping the shells necessary during air frying?

No flipping is needed; just ensure they have space to allow even hot air circulation in the basket.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave until hot.