If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that the whole family will love, this Air Fryer Taco Casserole is an absolute winner. It’s a perfect blend of seasoned meat, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, all baked to perfection in your air fryer. The best part? It’s ready in no time and doesn’t require a lot of cleanup! I love making this casserole on busy weeknights when I’m craving something tasty but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
This Air Fryer Taco Casserole is loaded with all the bold flavors of your favorite taco ingredients, but in a convenient casserole form. The air fryer ensures that the tortilla chips stay crispy while the cheesy layers melt together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner or for a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings for Mexican-inspired comfort food.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the base of the casserole, offering that rich, savory flavor that tacos are known for. It’s important to cook it until it’s fully browned and seasoned for the best taste.
Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning is a blend of spices that gives the ground beef that signature taco flavor. You can either use a pre-made packet or create your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Tortilla Chips: Tortilla chips add the perfect crunch to the casserole. They also serve as a base layer that soaks up some of the flavors from the beef and cheese while still maintaining their crispness when cooked in the air fryer.
Shredded Cheese: A mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese works wonderfully in this casserole. The cheese melts beautifully and creates a gooey, cheesy layer that binds everything together.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the spiced beef and cheese. You’ll use it as a topping for serving, or you can mix it into the casserole for added richness.
Green Onions: Green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor that balances out the richness of the beef and cheese. They’re great for garnishing the casserole once it’s cooked.
Salsa: Salsa adds a burst of flavor and moisture to the casserole. You can use your favorite store-bought salsa, or make your own if you prefer something with a bit more heat.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning
- 2 cups Tortilla Chips
- 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup Sour Cream (for topping)
- 2 Green Onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 cup Salsa
How to Make Air Fryer Taco Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Stir well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
Place a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of your air fryer basket. Top with a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef, and then repeat with another layer of chips, beef, and the remaining cheese.
Step 3: Air Fry the Casserole
Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook the casserole for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chips are crispy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños or use a spicier salsa to kick up the heat.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it into the air fryer and cook as directed.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to incorporate some vegetables, like diced bell peppers or corn, into the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use Other Proteins: Ground turkey or chicken can easily be swapped in for the beef if you’re looking for a lighter alternative.
FAQs
Can I use tortilla chips without frying them first?
Yes! You can use regular tortilla chips without frying them. The air fryer will still make them crispy and golden when baked in the casserole.
Can I use different kinds of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a bit of spice or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! This casserole can be frozen before cooking. Assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and air fry as usual.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.