Introduction:
Air Fryer Taco Bombs are a fun, crispy, and cheesy twist on classic tacos — all the flavors you love, wrapped in biscuit dough and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or parties, these little flavor-packed bites are quick to prepare and guaranteed to please.
Origin:
This recipe draws inspiration from American-Mexican fusion cuisine. Taco Bombs are a modern spin-off of tacos and empanadas, combining Tex-Mex flavors with the convenience of American-style biscuit dough. The use of an air fryer modernizes the dish, cutting down on oil while still delivering that craveable crunch.
Ingredients (for 8 Taco Bombs):
- 1 can (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (optional for heat)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Olive oil spray (for air fryer)
Optional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (for extra creaminess inside)
- 1/4 cup chopped onions (sautéed with meat)
- Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole (for dipping)
- Pickled jalapeños instead of fresh
- Crushed tortilla chips (for added crunch inside)
Instructions:
- Cook the Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Flatten each biscuit into a 4–5-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Fill the Bombs:
- In the center of each biscuit, add 1 tablespoon of taco meat, a mix of cheddar and mozzarella, and any optional fillings (like cream cheese or jalapeños).
- Fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal and forming a ball shape.
- Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
- Brush each taco bomb with beaten egg and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Place in the air fryer basket (in batches if needed), seam side down.
- Cook at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 3–5 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overfill the biscuit dough — too much filling will cause them to burst.
- Pinch seams tightly to prevent leaking during air frying.
- Let the filling cool slightly before sealing to avoid making the dough soggy.
- Use parchment air fryer liners for easier cleanup.
Recommendations:
- For Kids: Leave out the jalapeños and serve with ketchup or mild salsa.
- For Parties: Make mini versions using smaller biscuits or cut dough in half.
- For Meal Prep: Cook and freeze them; reheat in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes at 350°F.
- For a Veggie Version: Swap meat for black beans, corn, and sautéed peppers.
Nutrition (Per Taco Bomb – estimated):
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on brand of ingredients and optional add-ins.