How to Make Air Fryer Mexican Potato Tacos / Tacos de Papa Dorados Recipe

Looking to enjoy delicious Mexican potato tacos at home? This guide will teach you how to make these tasty tacos using your air fryer. Everything from the filling and assembling to frying and preparing the potatoes is covered, so you can enjoy perfect tacos every time. Plus, delicious side dishes and variations are included so you can customize your taco experience. Dive into our step by-step guide on air frying Tacos de Papa Dorados. Unleash the cheesy, crispy goodness of Mexican potato tacos from your kitchen!

Making Tacos de Papa Dorados: An Introduction

The Delicious Journey of Mexican Potato Tacos

Ah, the humble potato. A versatile vegetable, a staple food worldwide, and the start of our today's delicious journey - into the realm of Tacos de Papa Dorados, or Mexican Crispy Potato Tacos. And trust me when I say, this journey is going to be crispy, cheesy, and filled with mouthwatering goodness!

Why We Love Tacos de Papa Dorados

Loving Tacos de Papa Dorados is as easy as pie, or should we say, as simple as a potato! They're budget-friendly; with just potatoes and corn tortillas, you can cook up a storm. Perfect for our vegetarian friends, with decadent Mexican flavor wrapped in each bite. And talk of versatility! Add salsas, or cheese, or go wild with your toppings! Lastly, got leftover mashed potatoes? Whip up a batch of these tasty tacos instead of discarding them. Now, who wouldn't fall in love with a dish like this?

The Essentials for Tacos de Papa Dorados

The Must-have Ingredients

For your taco adventure, you will need:

• Potatoes
• Cotija cheese
• Spices: Taco Seasoning. You may also opt for ancho or guajillo powder, or paprika.
• Vegetable oil
• Corn tortillas. You can also use flour tortillas.
• Toppings: Pico de gallo, queso fresco, sliced radish, chili flakes, adobo sauce. Be creative with your choices!

Equipping your Kitchen for the Perfect Tacos

To craft your perfect Tacos de Papa Dorados, you're going to need some essential kitchen equipment:

• Knife and cutting board: For chopping your potatoes
• Pot: For boiling potatoes
• Bean masher or potato masher: To mash your boiled potatoes
• Large frying pan and tongs: To fry your tacos
• Large plate lined with paper towels: To drain excess oil from fried tacos
• Optional but handy: An air fryer for a healthier, less oily version of these delicious tacos
• And last, but not least, put on a Mexican apron and cook up some fiesta!

Tacos de Papa Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Potatoes

Begin this tantalizing taco journey with the star, the potatoes. Follow these steps:

1. Give the potatoes a good scrub, clean all the dirt, no need to peel them.
2. Place these potato chunks in a pot and cover with cool water.
3. Turn on the heat, bring it to a low boil.
4. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, until they are fork tender, you know, the kind where the fork goes in smoothly.
5. Drain the potatoes well. Say bye to that starchy water.
6. And voila! Your potatoes are ready to be mashed!

How to Make the Filling and Assemble Tacos

To make the filling and assemble the Tacos:

1. Add butter and Mexican crema or sour cream to your cooked potatoes.
2. Season it with garlic powder, cumin, and salt. You've got a delicious Mexican-style mash.
3. Take a corn tortilla, spread about 1/4th cup of the potato filling, and fold it in half like a mini sandwich.
4. Press gently to spread the filling evenly.
5. Prepare all the tacos this way and set them aside.
6. Congratulations, your tacos are now ready for some frying!

Frying till it’s Crispy and 'Dorado'

Now, let's get frying!

1. Heat up vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is heated, carefully, place the tacos in the pan.
3. Cook for about 2-4 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
4. Flip those beauties over using a spatula or tongs, cook the other side till it matches.
5. Use tongs to remove the tacos from the oil, let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Be patient and let them cool down a little before adding toppings. You're just moments away from taco heaven!

How to Air Fry Dorados de papas

Thinking of a healthier way to enjoy these crispy treats? Then, air frying is your answer!

1. Preheat your air fryer at 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the prepared tacos in the air-fryer basket, leaving some space in between each of them.
3. Cook for around 5 minutes, until the tacos turn golden brown.
4. Mind that smaller air fryers might require working in batches.
5. And that's it! Healthy and crispy Tacos de Papa, without the extra calories from oil. Enjoy!

Serve it Right: Setting up Your Taco Table

Traditional Taco Toppings

The beauty of Tacos de Papa Dorados lies in not just the crispy shell or the creamy filling, but also the vibrant toppings that accompany them. Here are some traditional choices:

• Queso fresco or Cotija cheese
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Pico de gallo or Salsa
• Lettuce: Shredded or thinly sliced
• Avocado or guacamole

Feel free to be as minimal or as generous as you want with these toppings. Experiment and find your favorite combination!

Side Dishes and Pairings

Pair your Tacos de Papa Dorados with a variety of sides and refreshments to enrich the flavor experience. Here are a few ideas:

• Elote Queso, or Mexican Street Corn Cheese
• 5-Ingredient Guacamole - because who doesn't love guacamole?
• Instant Pot Refried Beans or Homemade Refried Beans (Frijoles Refritos)
• Easy Stovetop Mexican Rice
• Homemade Arroz Verde
• And of course, what's Mexican food without a glass of chilled agua fresca? Take your pick!

Tweaks and Add-ons: Make it Yours

Creative Variations of Tacos de Papa

Want to add your personal twist to these traditional Tacos de Papa Dorados? Here are some ideas for you:

• Add plant-based protein like seasoned lentils or black beans to the mashed potato filling.
• Spice up your mash with some hot sauce or green chilies for that fiery kick.
• Experiment with different cheeses for the filling - try some spicy jalapeno cheddar!
• Go vegan with vegan cheese and vegan sour cream or vegan mayo in place of Mexican crema.
• And why not try different kinds of tortillas too? Whole grain, spinach, or sun-dried tomato tortillas could result in some delicious results!

Pro Tips and Recommendations

Essential Tips for Perfect Tacos de Papa

Ease your taco-making process with these quickly but effective tips:

• Add the mashed potato filling while it's still hot. This makes it easier to spread.
• Be mindful not to overcrowd your pan while frying. Keep enough space to flip the tacos without breaking them.
• Use tortillas that are fresh and soft. Otherwise, they may break when folded.
• If you prefer less oil, use non-stick spray in the air fryer.
• Always let fried tacos rest on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Keeps them crispy and not soggy.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Tacos

Wondering how to save and revive your leftover Tacos de Papa Dorados? Follow these simple steps:

• After allowing the tacos to cool completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. No one likes a soggy taco!
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
• Remember, only garnish the tacos you're about to eat. This way, you can store and reheat the leftovers easily!

Frequently Asked Questions about Tacos de Papa Dorados

What if I have leftover mashed potatoes? Can I still use them?

Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work great for making Tacos de Papa Dorados. Take note of the flavors already in your potatoes (like butter or extra spices), but as long as those flavors work with your taco recipe, feel free to use those leftovers. A delicious way to reduce food waste!

Can Tacos de Papa be frozen for later use?

While freezing Tacos de Papa Dorados isn't typically recommended (as the texture of defrosted and reheated potatoes might not be to everyone's taste), you certainly can try. Be sure to freeze them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, you can fry or bake them directly from frozen - no thawing needed!