You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients are needed to create incredibly flavorful air fryer taco meat. No cooking spray is necessary for this recipe, as the natural fat from the beef helps prevent sticking and aids in browning:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (approximately 454 grams; a 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for balancing flavor and leanness)
• 5 teaspoons taco seasoning (you can use your favorite store-bought blend or follow our simple homemade recipe below)

While ground beef is the classic choice, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a different protein or are avoiding beef. The cooking method remains largely the same, delivering delicious results.

Begin by combining the ground beef with your chosen taco seasoning. Using clean hands, thoroughly mix the seasoning into the meat. It’s important to crumble the raw ground beef well at this stage to ensure even seasoning distribution and facilitate quick, uniform cooking. Spread the seasoned beef in a single layer across the bottom of your air fryer basket. If you’re using an air fryer oven, place it on the top rack for optimal air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to steaming rather than browning. If you’re cooking a larger batch, work in batches to maintain a single layer.

How long does it take to cook ground beef in an air fryer? What temperature is best for ground beef in an air fryer? For this recipe, it takes a total of just 5 minutes in an air fryer set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C) to perfectly air fry your ground beef. This rapid cooking time is one of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for this dish.

• ▢ 1 lb. lean ground beef (454 grams; ideally 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio)
• ▢ 5 teaspoons taco seasoning (use your favorite store-bought or the homemade mix detailed in the recipe notes below)

• In a bowl, combine the ground beef and the taco seasoning, mixing thoroughly with clean hands. Ensure the raw ground beef is crumbled well into small, even pieces. Spread the seasoned beef in a single layer into your air fryer basket. For air fryer ovens, place it on the top rack.
• Air fry the beef for 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C). After 5 minutes, check the beef. If it’s not browned enough or if there are still large clumps, use a metal spatula (or clean hands) to further chop and crumble the beef. Return it to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1 minute at 375°F (190°C) until fully browned. The safe internal temperature for ground beef is 160°F (71°C).

  To create delicious air fryer taco bowls, refer to the detailed directions provided in the recipe notes below!

🧂 Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Stir all ingredients together to create your homemade taco seasoning. Use this mix in place of 5 teaspoons of store-bought taco seasoning from a packet.

💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule

This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Air fryer taco beef offers a lean protein option to enhance your meals. If you opt for the taco bowl salad recipe, you’ll create a light yet satisfying meal under 550 calories, perfect for those monitoring calorie intake.

If you have higher energy needs or are looking for a more substantial meal, consider adding whole-grain crackers or croutons to your taco salad. This will introduce additional B vitamins and fiber, ensuring all your food groups are covered. Alternatively, serve the air fryer taco meat in traditional taco shells, flour tortillas, or corn tortillas with all your favorite classic taco fixings like sour cream, guacamole, or extra cheese.

Here are some more compelling benefits of making ground beef in the air fryer:

• Easy to customize: This air-fried ground beef can be flavored in countless ways beyond taco meat. Experiment with BBQ seasoning, steak seasoning, a dash of liquid smoke, bold Cajun spice, or even Mediterranean herbs for diverse culinary experiences.
• Enjoy beef with no oven: This recipe is particularly wonderful during warmer months. By using the air fryer, you avoid heating up your entire kitchen with the oven, keeping your home cooler and more comfortable.
• Lower fat: A key advantage of air frying ground beef is that the fat renders and drips away into the air fryer’s collection tray as it cooks. In contrast, when cooked in a skillet, the beef often sits in its own fat unless you diligently drain it off.
• Keto, low carb friendly: A single serving of this air fryer taco meat contains less than 1 gram of net carbohydrates, making it an excellent and flavorful fit for very low-carb and ketogenic diets.
• Naturally gluten-free: This air fryer ground beef recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use a taco seasoning blend that is also certified gluten-free. Homemade seasoning offers the easiest way to guarantee this.
• Nutrient-rich: Beef is an exceptional natural source of bioavailable heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body. It also provides a significant array of other essential nutrients, including zinc, selenium, and various B vitamins, contributing to overall health.
• Simply delicious: This straightforward air fryer recipe is a fantastic way to prepare a variety of incredibly tasty meals. Its rich flavor enhances burritos, tacos, vibrant salads, comforting soups, hearty stews, and bubbling casseroles, making every dish more enjoyable.

🌮 How to Make Air Fryer Taco Bowls

To create these vibrant and satisfying Air Fryer Taco Bowls, gather the following fresh ingredients:

• 1 prepared recipe of Air Fryer Taco Beef
• 1 avocado, perfectly ripe and chopped
• 1 lime, freshly juiced
• 8 cups crisp iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 3 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (approximately ¾ cup, or 85 grams)
• 15½ ounces canned black beans, thoroughly drained (439 grams)
• 1 large tomato, finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen roasted corn, thawed (Trader Joe’s brand is excellent if available)
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup sliced pickled jalapenos (adjust to your spice preference)
• 8 tablespoons of your favorite salsa

To assemble, gently sprinkle the chopped avocado with fresh lime juice; this simple step helps prevent browning and adds a zesty flavor. Evenly distribute the chopped iceberg lettuce among four individual salad bowls. Next, generously top each salad with one-quarter of the air fryer taco beef, grated cheddar cheese, the lime-kissed avocado, black beans, diced tomatoes, and sweet roasted corn.

Finally, garnish each salad with one-quarter of the sliced scallions and pickled jalapenos. For the best taste and texture, add the salsa right before serving. If you’re preparing these taco bowls as part of your meal prep, keep the salsa in a separate dressing container until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Remember, as with all salad recipes, feel free to substitute ingredients to perfectly fit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Some roasted red peppers or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro would be absolutely fabulous additions here. Enjoy your customized, easy-to-make taco bowls!

Nutrition information is provided for one serving of the air fryer taco meat with homemade taco seasoning only. Air Fryer Taco Meat Bowls, including all toppings listed, typically have 539 calories, 23.9g fat (9.1g saturated fat), 41.7g total carbohydrates, 14.1g fiber, 38.5g protein, 30.4% DV calcium, 36.5% DV iron, 716.9mg potassium, 59.3% DV vitamin A, and 38.3% DV vitamin C.