Looking for the perfect way to serve your taco salad? These homemade crispy taco salad shells are just what you need! Made from simple flour tortillas, fried to golden perfection, and baked for an extra crunch, these edible taco bowls are the ideal vessel for all your favorite fillings. This easy recipe will elevate your taco night and add a satisfying crunch to every bite. Perfect for Taco Tuesday, family dinners, or entertaining guests, these crispy taco salad shells are customizable, fun to make, and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

4 large flour tortillas (10-inch diameter)
2 tablespoons extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil like canola oil)
Kosher salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set oven-safe bowls over a baking sheet, ensuring you have a ladle or something similar to help shape the tortillas.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil reaches around 350°F (use a thermometer), add the first tortilla. Fry for 30-45 seconds on one side, then flip and fry for another 30-45 seconds on the other side. The tortilla should be golden brown in spots and puffing up.
Using tongs, immediately remove the fried tortilla and place it over an oven-safe bowl. Use a ladle or smaller bowl to gently press the tortilla into the shape of the bowl. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
Once all tortillas are shaped into bowls, place them on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the shells are crispy and golden brown.
Remove the shells from the molds and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These crispy taco salad shells are the perfect base for any taco salad. With a deliciously crunchy texture and golden-brown exterior, they provide an ideal vessel for your favorite fillings. The shells are easy to make, crispy, and customizable with just a few simple ingredients. The fried tortillas are perfectly shaped into edible bowls, elevating your salad presentation while adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. Whether for Taco Tuesday or a fun dinner party, these shells are a crowd-pleaser.

Tips

Oil Temperature: Be sure to heat the oil to around 350°F before frying the tortillas. If the oil is too cool, the tortillas will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
Shape the Shells Quickly: After frying, shape the tortillas while they are still hot and pliable. This helps them hold their bowl shape as they cool.
Salt: For extra flavor, sprinkle kosher salt on the warm shells right after they come out of the oil.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option: If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour tortillas.
Baked Version: For a lighter option, you can bake the tortillas directly in the oven without frying them. Simply brush them with oil, shape them over the bowls, and bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
Spicy Shells: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the oil for a bit of heat and extra flavor in the shells.

FAQs

Can I make these taco salad shells ahead of time? Yes, you can! The shells can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Simply reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can use corn tortillas. However, they may be a bit more fragile than flour tortillas, so handle them carefully when shaping them into bowls.

How do I prevent the shells from becoming soggy? Ensure that the shells are fully crisp before filling them with salad ingredients. Also, avoid overfilling the shells and use ingredients that are not too watery to maintain their crisp texture.

Serving

These crispy taco salad shells are perfect for serving with your favorite taco salad ingredients. Fill them with lettuce, seasoned beef, chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, salsa, sour cream, or any toppings you prefer. They’re also great for serving as a fun appetizer with dips like guacamole or queso.

Suggestions

Try using these shells for more than just salads! They also make great vessels for serving chili, nachos, or even as a fun twist on serving dips. The crispy texture and shape make them a versatile addition to many dishes.