Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside — these Air Fryer Taco Pockets are the perfect snack, appetizer, or quick meal. They’re stuffed with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, all wrapped in a golden, flaky shell and cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Crispy and light: Air frying gives them a perfect crunch without deep frying.
Customizable: Add your favorite fillings — beef, chicken, or veggies.
Kid-friendly: Handheld and perfect for lunchboxes or parties.
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📝 Ingredients
Servings: 4–6
For the Filling:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne, salt to taste)
½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
¼ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pockets:
8 small flour tortillas (6–8 inches) or puff pastry sheets
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving
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🕒 Preparation Time
Prep: 10–15 minutes
Cook: 8–10 minutes in the air fryer
Total: 20–25 minutes
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👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until fully browned.
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons), stirring until the beef is well coated and slightly saucy.
4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and bell peppers if using. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Taco Pockets
1. Lay out the tortillas or puff pastry sheets.
2. Place 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
3. Fold the edges over to create a pocket or turnover shape and press the edges with a fork to seal.
4. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden, crispy finish.
Step 3: Air Fry the Pockets
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the pockets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
3. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pockets are golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serve
Serve warm with your favorite dips: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
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🌿 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Taco Pockets
Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause them to burst.
Seal edges well: Use a fork or press firmly to prevent leaking.
Cheese: Use a good melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
Crispier finish: Lightly spray the pockets with cooking spray before air frying.
Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze uncooked pockets, then cook from frozen for a quick snack later.
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🍽️ Variations
Chicken Taco Pockets: Swap beef for shredded rotisserie chicken with taco seasoning.
Veggie Pockets: Fill with black beans, corn, peppers, and cheese for a vegetarian option.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Breakfast Version: Use scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese for a morning twist.
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❤️ Why This Recipe Works
Air frying ensures the pockets are crispy outside and tender inside without excess oil. The beef mixture is packed with flavor, and the cheese adds that gooey, melty goodness everyone loves. It’s handheld, portable, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack!
Air Fryer Taco Pockets
