Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a creative twist on tacos that’s both easy to make and incredibly tasty. The crescent dough becomes golden and crispy on the outside, while the inside stays cheesy and flavorful. Thanks to the air fryer, you get that crispy texture without all the oil, making it a healthier option than deep frying. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these taco bombs are the perfect bite-sized snack that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough
- 1 cup cooked ground beef (seasoned with taco seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Cooking spray
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef, shredded cheese, and salsa.
- Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture at the wide end of each crescent triangle.
- Roll up the triangles from the wide end to the pointed end, pinching the edges to seal.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the taco bombs inside in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 8 taco bombs (serves 4 if serving as an appetizer or snack).
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans or seasoned lentils for a meat-free version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the filling mixture for an extra spicy kick.
- Other Fillings: You can experiment with other fillings like cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even pepperoni for a different flavor.
- Cheese Varieties: Use different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a bit of heat, or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover taco bombs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
FAQs
How do I make these taco bombs ahead of time?
You can prepare the taco bombs up to the point of cooking and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer for the specified time.
Can I use store-bought taco meat for these?
Absolutely! Using pre-seasoned taco meat is a great time-saver, and it will work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I freeze these taco bombs?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled taco bombs before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, air fry them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes.
Can I use other types of dough?
You can try other dough options, like puff pastry or pizza dough, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly from the crescent dough.
How do I make them crispier?
For an extra crispy texture, brush the top of the dough with a small amount of butter before air frying, or spray it with cooking spray just before cooking.
Can I add more toppings?
Definitely! You can top these taco bombs with extra salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or even shredded lettuce for that fresh crunch.
Is it possible to use a different filling?
Yes, you can get creative with your fillings! You can try ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crescent dough and ensure the taco seasoning is gluten-free.
How can I make these less spicy for kids?
If you want a milder version, reduce the salsa or use a mild taco seasoning, and skip the jalapeños or any spicy toppings.
Can I use a traditional oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these taco bombs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs are a perfect blend of convenience and flavor, offering a crispy, cheesy treat with the savory taste of tacos. Whether you serve them for a party or enjoy them as a quick dinner, they’re sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Plus, with so many ways to customize them, you can make these taco bombs your own and keep everyone coming back for more!
Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 8 taco bombs (serves 4)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs combine the delicious flavors of tacos with crispy, golden dough. Perfect for any occasion, they feature seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and salsa. This quick and easy recipe is made in the air fryer for a healthier, crispy snack without the excess oil. Try them as an appetizer, snack, or meal – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough
- 1 cup cooked ground beef (seasoned with taco seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Cooking spray
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
- Mix the cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, and salsa in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture on the wide end of each crescent triangle.
- Roll up the dough from the wide end to the pointed end, sealing the edges tightly.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the taco bombs in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Add diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with other fillings like cooked chicken, ground turkey, or pepperoni.
- Use different cheese varieties for a gooey texture or extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican
