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Recipe from Simpler Savory

The recipe

Low Carb Air Fryer Ground Beef Tacos

Prep
10 min
Cook
12 min
Total
22 min
Servings
4 servings

Nutrition Facts

Serving multiplier

Nutrition values scale; ingredient amounts stay as written.

Original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
380

2× the original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
760

3× the original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
1140
Values are reproduced from the source recipe; this site only applies the selected linear multiplier and does not estimate nutrients.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika — use 1–2 tsp to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano — pinch
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt — plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium beef broth or water — plus more as needed
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne or chipotle powder — optional, to taste
  • 1 lime — cut into wedges, for serving
  • 8 low carb tortillas (6-inch) — or make cheese shells
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack — for cheese shells or topping
  • avocado oil spray — or olive oil spray
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage — patted dry
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes — patted dry
  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 1 avocado — sliced or use guacamole
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup cotija or additional shredded cheese — optional
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt — optional
  • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños — optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 to 4 minutes so the basket is hot for quick browning.
  2. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and cayenne if using; stir in the tomato paste and 1 tablespoon broth to form a loose paste.
  3. Crumble the ground beef in an even layer in the hot air fryer basket and cook 2 minutes undisturbed to sear.
  4. Break up beef into small crumbles, toss with the spice paste, and add the remaining broth to help the spices bloom.
  5. Air fry, shaking or stirring once or twice, until no pink remains and edges are lightly crisp, 6 to 8 minutes total. Taste and adjust salt; squeeze in a little lime if desired.
  6. For soft tacos, lightly mist tortillas with oil and air fry 1 to 2 minutes until warm and pliable.
  7. For crispy tacos, drape tortillas on a taco rack or over the air fryer basket bars and cook 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned and crisp.
  8. For cheese shells, place small mounds of shredded cheese on a parchment-lined insert; air fry until bubbling and deep golden, then drape over a spoon handle to cool and set.
  9. Pat lettuce and tomatoes dry; chop onion and cilantro, slice avocado, and set out cotija and jalapeños so shells stay crisp.
  10. Divide the beef among warmed shells and top with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, avocado, cilantro, and cheese as desired.
  11. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a few pickled jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately while crisp.
  12. Spread beef in a single layer and preheat well to prevent steaming and ensure browning.

Notes

Store cooked beef separately from shells and toppings. Cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days or freeze 2–3 months (press plastic wrap on the surface to reduce freezer burn). Reheat beef in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–5 minutes, stirring once, or in a skillet with a splash of water. Warm tortillas or cheese shells just before serving so they stay crisp.

Source: https://simplersavory.com/low-carb-air-fryer-ground-beef/