Take stuffed shells and tacos and mash them up and you’ve got a whole new creation! This taco stuffed shells air fryer recipe brings together the best of both dishes in one crunchy, tasty combination!
Taco stuffed shells in the air fryer became a TikTok trend overnight, and with good reason – they’re delicious!
While you can deep fry them, the air fryer gives you a similar texture with way less oil, making them an option you can feel a little bit better about.
That’s not to say they’re a health food, though. These crispy pasta shells are loaded with taco meat, gooey cheese, and lots of flavor!
They’re perfect for a snack, appetizer, or a meal when paired with some other sides. You can prep them ahead of time and just do the final cooking before serving for a time saving option. Plus, they’re sure to be a crowd pleaser!
If you’re looking for a more traditional (Italian) preparation of shells, make sure to check out my Frozen Stuffed Shells in the Air Fryer for a quick weeknight option!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
12-ounce box jumbo shells pasta
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1-ounce packet taco seasoning
½ medium yellow onion, diced
1 poblano pepper, diced
8-ounce block pepper jack cheese, cut into ½” thick pieces about 1” long
Oil or nonstick spray
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Lean ground beef works very well in this recipe (I’m using 93/7) but anything 80/20 or higher is fine. You can also substitute ground turkey, chicken, or meat alternatives or use leftover shredded meats
Feel free to use an equivalent amount of homemade taco seasoning instead of prepackaged, and low sodium is also fine
You can swap the poblano pepper out for a cubanelle, jalapeno, or similar. For less heat, use a green bell pepper
Pepper jack cheese can be swapped for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, cheddar, or even cream cheese if preferred
How to Make Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells: Step By Step
Cook pasta shells according to package directions (mine were 15 minutes in boiling, salted water) and drain. Set aside to cool. Tip: you can coat the pasta in a couple teaspoons of olive oil to prevent them from sticking because of the way we’re using them here
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat
Add the diced onion and pepper and cook until they begin to soften, about 3-5 minutes
Add the ground beef to the skillet and continue cooking, breaking up the beef, until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender
Drain any grease, then add the taco seasoning and stir to combine and remove from heat
To assemble, first grab a shell, placing it in your palm and pinching slightly so it opens up
Add about 1 Tablespoon of the meat mixture to the shell, and top it with a piece of your cheese
Place another shell over the top of the first shell, creating a sealed taco stuffed shell
Repeat until all of your shells are stuffed
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Place the taco stuffed shells into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Spritz the tops of the shells with a little bit of oil mist or spray
Cook on the air fry setting for 8 minutes at 400°F
Flip the shells, reapply oil, and cook for an additional 5-7 more minutes until the desired level of browning and crispiness is achieved
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
What to Serve With Taco Stuffed Shells
Salsa
Queso
Creamy chipotle sauce
Sour cream
Hot sauce
Avocado crema
Guacamole
Mexican rice
Street corn
Refried beans
Southwest salad
There are many great dipping sauces and sides to serve with your taco stuffed shells. For use as an appetizer or snack a dipping sauce (or a few) are the best option. However, a complete meal would benefit from sides as well.
Try your air fryer taco stuffed shells with my recipe for creamy Air Fryer Queso, quick Microwave Refried Beans, or with a side of fresh Air Fryer Corn Fritters.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Air Fry Taco Stuffed Shells?
Yes, you can air fry taco stuffed shells. The air fryer delivers crispy pasta on the outside while heating the taco meat and melting the cheese inside.
Other alternatives are deep frying and baking in the oven.
How Long to Air Fry Taco Stuffed Shells?
On average, you should air fry taco stuffed shells for 10-15 minutes. The time will vary based on how browned and crispy you prefer your exterior to be.
You’ll also want to make sure the cheese is fully melted, which can vary based on the size of the block and the type of cheese.
Can You Reheat Taco Stuffed Shells?
Taco stuffed shells are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them as well. Heat them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F or until warmed through.
Microwaving the shells for about 1 minute also works, but will reduce the crunchiness of the exterior pasta.
Why Are My Jumbo Shells Splitting Apart?
Your jumbo shells may split apart during cooking for a few reasons. Make sure to use a large pot that holds around 4 qts of water. Stir the pasta regularly but gently, salt the water, and make sure to not overcook.
That said, the pasta can and will still break on occasion even if you do everything “correctly” so don’t be disheartened.
Recipe Pro Tips
You can boil the pasta, cook the filling, and stuff the shells ahead of time to save time. Just store in the refrigerator until you’re ready and then cook in the air fryer before serving
While you could technically put the filling in raw and cook it in the air fryer, the vegetables don’t get soft enough for my tastes and the shells become too oily with the excess grease from the meat
If your shells break apart during cooking, you can use them if they’re not too bad. Make sure to put ripped pieces on the inside and cover with a whole piece. They will expand during cooking, which will make the cracks more obvious, though
Assuming you can use every shell successfully, this recipe makes 18 taco stuffed shells (though I’d think closer to a dozen is a safe bet with how many typically break)
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover taco stuffed shells in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days
Air fryer taco stuffed shells are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can reheat them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave for about 1 minute, though they won’t be as crispy
This taco stuffed shell air fryer recipe is going to be your new favorite twist for Taco Tuesday or any night honestly!
They make a great, dippable appetizer and party food, but they’re equally great for dinner when paired with a side or two.
Adjust them to your personal tastes with different meats, cheeses, and flavorings. No matter how you roll, the air fryer will give you crispy, cheesy pockets of goodness to enjoy!
These crispy air fried pasta shells are stuffed with taco meat and cheese. They’re perfect for an appetizer, snack, or even a meal when paired with sides!
8Ounce block pepper jack cheesecut into ½” thick pieces about 1” long
Oil or nonstick spray
Instructions
Cook pasta shells according to package directions (mine were 15 minutes in boiling, salted water) and drain. Set aside to cool. Tip: you can coat the pasta in a couple teaspoons of olive oil after cooking to prevent them from sticking because of the way we’re using them here
12 Ounce Box jumbo pasta shells
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat
1 Tbsp olive oil
Add the diced onion and pepper and cook until they begin to soften, about 3-5 minutes
½ Medium yellow onion, 1 Poblano pepper
Add the ground beef to the skillet and continue cooking, breaking up the beef, until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender
1 Pound ground beef
Drain any grease, then add the taco seasoning and stir to combine and remove from heat
1 Ounce packet taco seasoning
To assemble, first grab a shell, placing it in your palm and pinching slightly so it opens up
Add about 1 Tablespoon of the meat mixture to the shell, and top it with a piece of your cheese
8 Ounce block pepper jack cheese
Place another shell over the top of the first shell, creating a sealed taco stuffed shell
Repeat until all of your shells are stuffed
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Place the taco stuffed shells into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Spritz the tops of the shells with a little bit of oil mist or spray
Oil or nonstick spray
Cook on the air fry setting for 8 minutes at 400°F
Flip the shells, reapply oil, and cook for an additional 5-7 more minutes until the desired level of browning and crispiness is achieved
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
Lean ground beef works very well in this recipe (I’m using 93/7) but anything 80/20 or higher is fine. You can also substitute ground turkey, chicken, or meat alternatives or use leftover shredded meats
Feel free to use an equivalent amount of homemade taco seasoning instead of prepackaged, and low sodium is also fine
You can swap the poblano pepper out for a cubanelle, jalapeno, or similar. For less heat, use a green bell pepper
Pepper jack cheese can be swapped for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or cheddar if preferred
You can boil the pasta, cook the filling, and stuff the shells ahead of time to save time. Just store in the refrigerator until you’re ready and then cook in the air fryer before serving
While you could technically put the filling in raw and cook it in the air fryer, the vegetables don’t get soft enough for my tastes and the shells become too oily with the excess grease from the meat
If your shells break apart during cooking, you can use them if they’re not too bad. Make sure to put ripped pieces on the inside and cover with a whole piece. They will expand during cooking, which will make the cracks more obvious, though
Assuming you can use every shell successfully, this recipe makes 18 taco stuffed shells (though I’d think closer to a dozen is a safe bet with how many typically break)
Store leftover taco stuffed shells in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days
Air fryer taco stuffed shells are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can reheat them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave for about 1 minute, though they won’t be as crispy
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, substitutions, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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!
