Air Fryer Pasta Tacos Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) box manicotti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 ounces diced green chiles
• 1 (10 ounce) can tomatoes with green chiles, such as RO*TEL, drained
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half
• 3 cups finely crushed tortilla chips
• Salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, and/or guacamole for serving

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, crumbling with a spoon, until evenly browned, about 7 minutes.
3. Add taco seasoning, green chiles, and RO*TEL, stirring well to incorporate. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you stir. Remove from heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese.
4. Fill each pasta shell with the beef mixture. Place the filled pasta shells in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs and milk in a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, place the crushed tortilla chips.
6. Lightly coat the filled pasta shells with the egg wash, then coat them in the crushed tortilla chips, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere.
7. Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C) following the manufacturers instructions.
8. Working in two batches, air fry the pasta tacos for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden and crispy.
9. Serve the pasta tacos with your choice of salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, and/or guacamole.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	522
Total Fat	33g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	218mg
Sodium	1120mg
Total Carbohydrate	17g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	38g
Vitamin C	50mg
Calcium	411mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	626mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Air Fryer Pasta Tacos

Air Fryer Pasta Tacos are a modern fusion dish that combines the comfort of Italian pasta with the vibrant flavors of Mexican tacos. This inventive recipe originated in the United States, where home cooks and food bloggers began experimenting with air fryers in the 2010s. By taking traditional manicotti pasta, filling it with taco-seasoned beef and cheese, and coating it with crushed tortilla chips, this dish reimagines classic Italian and Mexican staples into a crispy, handheld delight. It quickly gained popularity as a creative, fun-to-make appetizer or main course.

Regional Variations and Influences

Although primarily associated with American cuisine, the dish reflects a blend of regional flavors. In the Southwestern United States, diced green chiles and RO*TEL tomatoes are commonly used to give the tacos a slightly spicy and tangy taste. Some variations include different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend, while others may swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives. In urban areas with a strong fusion food culture, these pasta tacos are sometimes garnished with avocado crema, pico de gallo, or even pickled jalapeos for an added twist.

What Sets Air Fryer Pasta Tacos Apart

Unlike traditional tacos, which use soft or hard tortilla shells, these tacos are built using pasta shells, offering a unique texture and structure. The air fryer cooking method ensures a crunchy outer layer without deep frying, differentiating them from other baked or fried pasta appetizers. They also stand apart from stuffed pasta dishes like manicotti or cannelloni because the filling is distinctly taco-flavored, blending cumin, chili powder, and cheddar cheese instead of Italian herbs and ricotta.

Where Youre Likely to Find Them

Air Fryer Pasta Tacos are commonly served at casual gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners where novelty dishes are appreciated. They are also a popular choice for game day snacks or kids parties due to their handheld nature and playful presentation. Some trendy restaurants and food trucks specializing in fusion cuisine have adopted this dish as a menu item, presenting it alongside salsas, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The concept of using pasta as a taco shell emerged from experimental home cooking communities sharing recipes online.
• Air frying reduces the oil content compared to traditional deep-frying, making this a slightly healthier yet equally crispy option.
• The dish demonstrates the growing trend of cross-cultural culinary innovation, blending Italian and Mexican flavors seamlessly.
• Freezing the filled pasta shells before air frying helps them maintain their shape and achieve an even crunch.
• Despite its unconventional approach, this dish retains the comfort-food appeal of both tacos and cheesy pasta, making it a hit across age groups.

FAQ about Air Fryer Pasta Tacos Recipe

Comments