These air fryer taco egg rolls are crispy and delicious, and packed with your favorite taco flavor in a rolled form! They’re the perfect appetizer for Cinco de Mayo, but equally great for game day, tailgating, and any time you want a tasty taco-inspired snack.
Take taco seasoned ground beef with onions and peppers, then add some Mexican style cheese and salsa and wrap it all in an egg roll wrapper. Air fry to golden brown perfection, and you’ve got some amazing taco egg rolls!
Just like regular tacos, you can customize these crispy egg rolls any way you like. Change the proteins, the cheese, and even the toppings (which are fillings in this case) to make your own version!
Egg rolls are a great appetizer or snack option! The taco flavoring makes this version perfect for Cinco de Mayo, but I also serve them at my Super Bowl party, on Taco Tuesday, or just for entertaining in general.
Ingredients List
1 pound lean ground beef
1-ounce packet taco seasoning
¼ cup water
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
½ medium yellow onion, diced
1 poblano pepper, diced
¼ cup salsa
1 cup shredded Mexican style cheese
12 egg roll wrappers
Olive oil spray (or similar)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can swap in other proteins besides ground beef, including ground turkey or chicken, or chicken breast that’s diced
Feel free to use homemade taco seasoning instead of store bought
For a spicier option, use a jalapeno pepper instead of the poblano, or add spicy salsa and/or some hot sauce to your filling
Any Mexican style cheese is fine. I usually use taco blend, fiesta blend, or shredded queso quesadilla blend. You can also use crumbled cotija or queso fresco
Dipping sauces are optional, but you can serve with taco sauce, sour cream, southwest ranch, cilantro lime sauce, or queso for some tasty options!
Step By Step Instructions
In a skillet on the stove, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium high heat. Add the diced poblano and onion and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes
Add the ground beef, breaking up the meat as it cooks, and cook until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes
Drain any excess grease, then add thegarlic and the taco seasoning, along with about ¼ cup of water, then cook until thickened
Stir in the salsa, then remove from heat
Lay an egg roll wrapper down on a clean work surface in a diamond orientation, and keep a small bowl of water nearby
Add 2-3 Tbsp of the taco meat to the center of the egg roll wrapper, and top with about 1 Tbsp shredded cheese
Wet the edges of the egg roll wrapper by dipping your finger in the water and running it around the outside edge
Roll the egg roll by first bringing the bottom corner over the filling, pressing to secure. Then, fold in the two sides, also pressing to secure. Lastly, roll the entire thing away from you, until the final side is rolled up, creating a cylinder shape. Repeat until all egg rolls are rolled
Place your egg rolls in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer with space between them, and spray them with a mist of olive oil (or similar)
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 6 minutes. Then, flip, spray with more oil, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Note: for subsequent batches, 3-4 minutes on each side should be sufficient as the air fryer will be hotter to start
What Ingredients Do I Need for Air Fryer Taco Egg Rolls?
You’ll need taco seasoning, ground beef, cheese, egg roll wrappers, and some oil spray, such as olive oil.
However, you can add optional fillings like onions, peppers, salsa, or serve with dipping sauces as well.
How Long Do I Cook Taco Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer?
Cook them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Once the air fryer is hotter (after a batch has been completed), the time is usually closer to 6-8 minutes. Times will vary between different air fryers, though, so adjust as needed.
Can I Use Other Fillings Besides Beef?
Yes, you can customize your egg rolls with shredded chicken, beans, or veggies to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Feel free to use different kinds of cheese, homemade taco seasoning, or other adjustments as desired as well.
How Do I Prevent the Egg Rolls from Sticking to the Air Fryer Basket?
Usually sticking is not a problem, but if this is an issue for you, lightly coat the basket or rack with cooking spray before placing the egg rolls to help prevent sticking.
You may also use perforated parchment liners instead, but do not use something that entirely blocks air flow, as this will affect the crispiness of the egg rolls overall.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Taco Egg Rolls?
Salsa, guacamole, or a creamy chipotle dipping sauce are great options to complement the flavors of the egg rolls.
You can also use cooler options like sour cream, crema, cilantro lime sauce, or a southwest ranch, depending on your preferences.
Recipe Pro Tips
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe since I flip the egg rolls during cooking. I do 6 minutes on the first side and 5 on the second in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other air fryers may vary slightly in terms of cooking time
For the best seal, make sure to keep the egg roll wrapper edges clean of filling, seal each corner as you roll, roll tightly, and do not overstuff. This should help reduce the number of leaks you get during cooking!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover taco egg rolls in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
To reheat taco egg rolls, air fry at a lower temp of 350°F for 3-4 minutes, until warmed through and re-crisped
Air fryer taco egg rolls are the perfect crispy appetizer, filled with taco seasoned ground beef and cheese. I add peppers, onions, and salsa to round things out, but it’s a really customizable recipe for your own favorites.
Serve them up for your Cinco de Mayo celebration, Taco Tuesday, or even for game day! They’re crunchy, cheese, dippable, and delicious, making for a crowd-pleasing finger food option.
You can even roll them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a day or two, then cook them in the air fryer before serving. Egg rolls are ready in under 15 minutes, making them a quick and easy option for all your snacking needs!
Air Fryer Taco Egg Rolls (With Ground Beef)
These air fryer taco egg rolls come out crispy and delicious with far less oil than deep frying. They’re filled with taco seasoned ground beef, cheese, and more for a delicious appetizer option.
In a skillet on the stove, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium high heat. Add the diced poblano and onion and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes
1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ medium yellow onion, 1 poblano pepper
Add the ground beef, breaking up the meat as it cooks, and cook until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes
1 pound lean ground beef
Drain any excess grease, then add the garlic and the taco seasoning, along with about ¼ cup of water, then cook until thickened
1 ounce packet taco seasoning, 1 tsp garlic, ¼ cup water
Stir in the salsa, then remove from heat
¼ cup salsa
Lay an egg roll wrapper down on a clean work surface in a diamond orientation, and keep a small bowl of water nearby
12 egg roll wrappers
Add 2-3 Tbsp of the taco meat to the center of the egg roll wrapper, and top with about 1 Tbsp shredded cheese
1 cup shredded Mexican style cheese
Wet the edges of the egg roll wrapper by dipping your finger in the water and running it around the outside edge
Roll the egg roll by first bringing the bottom corner over the filling, pressing to secure. Then, fold in the two sides, also pressing to secure. Lastly, roll the entire thing away from you, until the final side is rolled up, creating a cylinder shape. Repeat until all egg rolls are rolled
Place your egg rolls in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer with space between them, and spray them with a mist of olive oil (or similar)
olive oil spray
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 6 minutes. Then, flip, spray with more oil, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Note: for subsequent batches, 3-4 minutes on each side should be sufficient as the air fryer will be hotter to start
Serve with dipping sauce if desired, and enjoy
Notes
You can swap in other proteins besides ground beef, including ground turkey or chicken, or chicken breast that’s diced
Feel free to use homemade taco seasoning instead of store bought
For a spicier option, use a jalapeno pepper instead of the poblano, or add spicy salsa and/or some hot sauce to your filling
Any Mexican style cheese is fine. I usually use taco blend, fiesta blend, or shredded queso quesadilla blend. You can also use crumbled cotija or queso fresco
Dipping sauces are optional, but you can serve with taco sauce, sour cream, southwest ranch, cilantro lime sauce, or queso for some tasty options!
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe since I flip the egg rolls during cooking. I do 6 minutes on the first side and 5 on the second in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other air fryers may vary slightly in terms of cooking time
For the best seal, make sure to keep the egg roll wrapper edges clean of filling, seal each corner as you roll, roll tightly, and do not overstuff. This should help reduce the number of leaks you get during cooking!
Store any leftover taco egg rolls in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
To reheat taco egg rolls, air fry at a lower temp of 350°F for 3-4 minutes, until warmed through and re-crisped
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and variety of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
