What is the best meat for fried tacos?

Great question! The truth is, there’s no single “best” meat—it really depends on your taste. That said, seasoned ground beef is the most common filling for fried tacos . It’s juicy, flavorful, and cooks quickly. Shredded chicken or pork carnitas are also fantastic options if you're aiming for deeper, slow-cooked flavor. Want something extra tender? Try birria —a rich, stewed beef or goat filling that’s dipped in its own broth before frying. Talk about flavor overload!

Can I make fried tacos ahead of time?

You sure can, but timing is key. If you’re prepping fried tacos for a party or busy night, make the filling and tortillas ahead of time. Then, store everything separately until you're ready to fry. Fried shells can lose their crispiness fast, so it’s best to cook them right before serving. Want a head start? You can also partially fry the tacos, then finish them off in the oven just before mealtime. It saves time and keeps them crunchy.

How do I keep them crispy for longer?

Nobody wants a soggy taco, right? To keep your fried tacos nice and crispy, drain them well after frying. Place them on a wire rack instead of a paper towel—that way, air can circulate underneath and prevent steaming. Also, avoid stacking them while hot. Instead, space them out so they cool evenly. This trick works wonders, especially when making large batches!

Are fried tacos gluten-free?

They sure are—at least compared to deep-fried ones. Air fried tacos use very little oil, which cuts down on fat and calories. You still get a crispy shell, especially with corn tortillas. Just spray lightly with oil and you’re good to go.

Fried Tacos: 7 Irresistible Recipes That’ll Blow Your Mind

Description

These Fried Tacos are crispy, golden, and loaded with flavor. Whether filled with seasoned beef, chicken tinga, or creamy avocado, they’re a crunchy twist on taco night that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

8 corn tortillas
1 lb ground beef (or shredded chicken, pork, or beans)
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup pico de gallo or salsa
1/4 cup sour cream or chipotle crema
1 cup oil for frying (canola or avocado oil)
Optional toppings: slaw, guacamole, pickled onions, hot sauce

Instructions

Warm the tortillas on a skillet until soft and pliable.
In a pan, cook the ground beef with taco seasoning until fully cooked.
Fill each tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of meat and a sprinkle of cheese.
Fold each tortilla in half and secure with a toothpick if needed.
Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry each taco until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
Top with lettuce, pico de gallo, and sauces of your choice. Serve hot.

Notes

You can use an air fryer or bake for a lighter version.
Corn tortillas are best for crisp texture, but flour tortillas work too.
Make ahead by prepping filling and frying just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 290 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: fried tacos, crispy tacos, beef tacos, air fried tacos, taquitos, taco night ideas, easy taco recipes, golden fried tacos, crunchy tacos