Description
Easy and delicious air fryer taco bombs filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings. A quick and fun weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough (large size)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the taco seasoning has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If using onion and green bell pepper, add them to the taco meat mixture. Stir them in and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they are slightly softened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the taco meat filling cool slightly before assembling the taco bombs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough. Gently separate each biscuit.
- On a lightly floured surface, flatten each biscuit into a thin circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the taco meat filling in the center of each flattened biscuit. Top with a generous sprinkle of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Carefully bring the edges of the biscuit dough up and over the filling, pinching them together to completely seal the taco bomb.
- Gently roll the sealed taco bomb in your hands to form a smooth, round ball. Place the taco bombs seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the taco bombs from sticking.
- Place the taco bombs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each one to allow for even cooking.
- Air fry the taco bombs for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the biscuit dough is fully cooked. Check them halfway through and flip them over if necessary to ensure even browning.
- To ensure the taco bombs are fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If the toothpick comes out clean, they are done. If not, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully remove the taco bombs from the air fryer basket and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
- Serve the taco bombs warm, with your favorite toppings.
- Offer a variety of toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Let everyone customize their own taco bombs to their liking.
Notes
- Use different meats: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded chicken for a lighter option.
- Add Beans: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans to the taco meat filling for added protein and fiber.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the taco meat filling for extra heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or a mixture of beans, corn, and vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the taco bombs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze the taco bombs, assemble them as directed, but do not air fry them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, air fry them from frozen for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the taco bombs with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, cheese sauce, or a spicy mayo.
- Garlic Powder: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the ground beef while browning for extra flavor.
- Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, a teaspoon of onion powder can enhance the savory flavor of the filling.
- Cumin: If you want a more pronounced taco flavor, add an extra half teaspoon of cumin to the meat mixture.
- Chili Powder: For a deeper, richer flavor, add a quarter teaspoon of chili powder.
- Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky flavor to the taco meat.
- Cornstarch Slurry: If the taco meat filling is too watery after simmering, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the mixture. Cook for a minute or two until thickened.
- Brush with Butter: For an extra golden and flavorful crust, brush the taco bombs with melted butter before air frying.
- Sprinkle with Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco bombs with a little extra taco seasoning or everything bagel seasoning before air frying for added flavor and texture.
- Use Smaller Biscuits: If you prefer smaller taco bombs, use the smaller size refrigerated biscuit dough. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add Cream Cheese: Mix a couple of tablespoons of softened cream cheese into the taco meat filling for a creamier and richer flavor.
- Use Different Peppers: Instead of green bell pepper, try using red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor. You can also add a diced jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
- Add Corn: Add a half cup of frozen or canned corn to the taco meat filling for added sweetness and texture.
- Add Diced Tomatoes: Add a half cup of diced tomatoes to the taco meat filling for added moisture and flavor.
- Use Different Herbs: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the taco meat filling for added freshness.
- Make Mini Taco Bombs: Cut each biscuit
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes