If you love the bold flavors of tacos but want to shake things up a bit, this Air Fryer Taco Ring is the perfect recipe for you. It’s a fun twist on traditional tacos, combining all the delicious taco ingredients wrapped in a flaky, golden crescent roll ring. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare in the air fryer, making it a great weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and versatility. You can customize the fillings to suit your tastes, from adding more vegetables to experimenting with different types of cheese. Plus, cooking it in the air fryer ensures that the taco ring comes out crispy on the outside while keeping the inside flavorful and juicy. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get started!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Crescent Roll Dough: Crescent roll dough is the base of this recipe. It’s easy to use, pre-made, and bakes up into a deliciously flaky crust. When it’s baked in the air fryer, it turns golden brown and crisp—perfect for holding all the taco fillings inside.
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds a rich, savory flavor to the taco ring. It’s the classic choice for taco meat, but you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning is the key to making your filling flavorful. This pre-made mix combines all the spices you need—chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and more—to give the meat that signature taco flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and complements the taco filling perfectly. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory taco filling. It’s perfect for dipping, and you can use it as a topping for extra flavor.
Salsa: Salsa provides a fresh, zesty kick to the taco ring. It adds some juicy moisture to the filling and a burst of flavor. You can choose mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
Olives: Olives add a salty bite that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out, or swap for other toppings like jalapeños.
Lettuce and Tomatoes: These fresh toppings bring a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, flavorful taco filling. Adding them after baking ensures that they stay fresh and vibrant.
Ingredients List
- 1 can of crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sliced olives (optional)
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
How to Make Air Fryer Taco Ring
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling
Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning, following the instructions on the packet (usually adding water and simmering for a few minutes). Once the seasoning is mixed in, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Open the can of crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Arrange them in a circle on a piece of parchment paper, with the wide ends overlapping slightly in the center of the air fryer basket. The points of the triangles should be facing outward, forming a ring shape.
Step 3: Fill the Taco Ring
Spoon the taco filling onto the center of the crescent dough. Spread it evenly, but don’t go all the way to the edges. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the filling. Fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling, tucking them underneath to form a sealed ring.
Step 4: Air Fry the Taco Ring
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the taco ring in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and crispy. Check halfway through to ensure it’s cooking evenly.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Once the taco ring is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully transfer it to a serving plate, then top it with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of sour cream, and salsa. Add olives if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For a healthier version, try swapping the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Use a variety of cheeses to mix things up. Monterey Jack or pepper jack will add a nice kick.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked taco meat or ground beef leftovers to speed up the prep.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper! It helps prevent the dough from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Add extra toppings like guacamole, diced onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crescent rolls for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to let the dough thaw before using it to avoid tearing.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or even beans as a substitute for the ground beef.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover taco ring in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the taco ring and refrigerate it (without baking) until you’re ready to cook it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!