This simple recipe will turn your leftover taco meat into a buttery, fluffy, and cheezy delight. Air fryer taco sticks offer an incredible taste that your family and friends will love. Recipes that deliver rich flavors and textures in less time with just a few ingredients are my favorites, and Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks are a big hit in this category.
In this post, I will share my secret recipe to cook Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks, my bonus tips, and much more. We will cover everything from start to end, so stay tuned to this post, read my cooking instructions carefully, and become a master chef.
Why I Love Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Crispy and Healthy: Air fryer cooking requires no or little oil, which makes these taco sticks a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.
- Easy and Quick: You can have these cheesy delights ready in just 12 minutes. Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect go-to snack for busy days or impromptu gatherings.
- Versatile Ingredients: Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, you can easily customize the filling to your preference.
- Kid-Friendly: These taco sticks are popular with kids and adults alike, which makes them a great option for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- Taco Meat - 1 cup
- Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Rolls - 1 tube
- Colby Jack Cheese Sticks - 5 sticks
- Butter (Melted) - 2 tbsp
- Garlic Powder - 1 tsp
- Parsley (chopped) - 2 tsp
- Your favorite Sauce for serving (Optional)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Bowl
- Brush
- Pizza Cutter
How To Cook Cheesy Taco Sticks In Air Fryer
- Remove the crescent roll sheets from the tube and use your finger to pinch the seams together.
- Now cut the crescent roll sheet into 10 equal rectangle-shaped pieces using a cutter.
- Add taco meat in the middle of all rectangles evenly. There should be some room between the taco meat and the edges of the rectangles.
- Cut the colby jack cheese sticks in half and take the half one by one to place them on all rectangles.
- Carefully pinch the opposite ends of rectangles lengthwise to securely seal the taco meat and cheese sticks. It is important to prevent the leakage of filling.
- Add melted butter and garlic powder to a bowl and prepare an even mixture.
- Now take a brush and apply this mixture on all rectangles evenly. Sprinkle chopped parsley on each rectangle and gently press so that the parsley will stick to the rectangles.
- Place these taco sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave a proper space between each for hot air circulation.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook your cheesy taco sticks for 6 minutes.
- Flip the cheesy taco sticks to get the even crispness and owning on both sides. Cook again for 6 minutes or until they are cooked and crisp to your preference.
My Bonus Tips
- Leave some space between cheesy taco sticks in the air fryer basket for proper hot air circulation. It is essential to achieve evenly crisp and brown results.
- If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper, jalapeno, or hot sauce to taco sticks.
- Carefully seal the edges to prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking.
- If you are looking for a vegetarian option, then substitute taco meat with black beans and a medley of veggies.
- Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them immediately after cooking for the best gooey and crispy experience.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Fresh Salsa: A vibrant and zesty salsa will add a burst of freshness to the taco sticks.
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich guacamole is the perfect dip to pair with taco sticks.
- Sour Cream: Cool and tangy sour cream is a classic choice to balance out the richness of the cheesy taco sticks.
- Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette dressing provides a healthy contrast to the cheesy taco sticks.
- Fruit Salsa: A fruity salsa made from diced mango, pineapple, jalapenos, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice provides a tropical touch to your taco sticks.
Filling Variations For Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Spicy Chicken Taco Sticks: Substitute the taco meat with spicy shredded chicken seasoned with taco seasoning. Add some diced jalapenos and pepper jack cheese for a unique taste.
- Vegetarian Version: Create a vegetarian version by using sautéed bell peppers, onions, black beans, and corn as the filling. Top it with a blend of Mexican cheeses for a burst of flavor.
- BBQ Pork Taco Sticks: Swap the taco seasoning for BBQ seasoning and use pulled pork as the filling. Drizzle some BBQ sauce inside the rolled dough for a tangy twist.
- Breakfast Taco Sticks: Fill the dough with scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese. Serve with a side of salsa for a healthy breakfast.
- Pizza-Style Taco Sticks: Turn the taco sticks into a pizza-inspired delight by filling the dough with marinara sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
- Seafood Taco Sticks: Incorporate the flavors of the sea by using cooked and seasoned shrimp or crab meat as the filling. Add a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for a coastal touch.
- Buffalo Chicken Taco Sticks: Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce before filling the dough. Add blue cheese or ranch dressing for a bold and tangy flavor.
How To Store And Reheat Leftovers
In my recommendation, it is best to use cheesy taco sticks when they are fresh. But if you have leftovers, then it is very easy to store them.
- Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- For reheating, place them back in the preheated air fryer at 350°F for 4 minutes or until they are warm and crispy.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks beautifully combines the flavors of tacos and melted cheese in one irresistible snack. Their golden, crispy crust and gooey, cheesy filling will inspire everyone. Cook and serve air fryer cheese taco sticks to your family or friends, and watch them disappear in no time!
Loving my recipe? Share your feedback in the comments section. Thanks!
My Other Air Fryer Recipes
- Frozen Potato Skins In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Hot Pockets
- Cornbread In Air Fryer
- Frozen Mini Tacos In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Kielbasa
FAQ's
Can I Use Different Meat Options For The Filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute taco meat with ground turkey, pork meat, or chicken. You are free to change the filling that suits your taste.
Is It Possible To Make A Vegetarian Version Of Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the meat and fill the dough with a combination of black beans, sautéed veggies, and your favorite cheese for a delightful vegetarian option.
Can I Prepare The Filling In Advance?
Absolutely! To save time, you can cook and season the meat in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook the taco sticks.
What Other Toppings Can I Add To The Filling?
Get creative with your toppings! Try adding sliced olives, green onions, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra taste.
Can I Use Homemade Dough Instead Of Pre-Made?
Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just ensure that it is rolled out thinly to avoid a doughy texture.
Can I Use A Regular Oven Instead Of An Air Fryer?
While the air fryer is the best to get crispy results. But you can use a regular oven to cook cheesy taco sticks. Set the temperature of your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the taco sticks for approximately 15-18 minutes, turning them halfway through.
What Are The Best Serving Optinos For Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks?
You can serve air fryer cheesy taco sticks with fresh salsa, guacamole, sour cream, fresh salad, and fruit salsa.
Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks
⏱️Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
🥘Ingredients
- Taco Meat - 1 cup
- Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Rolls - 1 tube
- Colby Jack Cheese Sticks - 5 sticks
- Butter (Melted) - 2 tbsp
- Garlic Powder - 1 tsp
- Parsley (chopped) - 2 tsp
- Your favorite Sauce for serving (Optional)
📝Instructions
- Remove the crescent roll sheets from the tube and use your finger to pinch the seams together.
- Now cut the crescent roll sheet into 10 equal rectangle-shaped pieces using a pizza cutter.
- Add taco meat in the middle of all rectangles evenly. There should be some room between the taco meat and the edges of the rectangles.
- Cut the Colby jack cheese sticks in half using the cutter. Take the half one by one and place them on all rectangles.
- Carefully pinch the opposite ends of rectangles lengthwise to securely seal the taco meat and cheese sticks. It is important to prevent the leakage of filling.
- Add melted butter and garlic powder to a bowl and prepare an even mixture.
- Now take a brush and apply this mixture on all rectangles evenly. Sprinkle chopped parsley on each rectangle and gently press so that the parsley will stick to the rectangles.
- Place these taco sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave a proper space between each for hot air circulation.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook your cheesy taco sticks for 6 minutes.
- Flip the cheesy taco sticks to get the even crispness and owning on both sides. Cook again for 6 minutes or until they are cooked and crisp to your preference.
📝Recipe Notes
- Leave some space between cheesy taco sticks in the air fryer basket for proper hot air circulation. It is essential to achieve evenly crisp and brown results.
- If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper, jalapeno, or hot sauce to taco sticks.
- Carefully seal the edges to prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking.
- If you are looking for a vegetarian option, then substitute taco meat with black beans and a medley of veggies.
- Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Sticks are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them immediately after cooking for the best gooey and crispy experience.
🔍Nutrition
Calories: 155kcallFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol:22mgCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 6gSodium: 210mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gIron: 1mg
These values are approximate and can differ based on the specific recipe and ingredients.
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