Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs

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Crispy, golden, and oozing with savory fillings—Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs are the ultimate handheld comfort food. Each bite delivers a mouthwatering explosion of seasoned taco meat, melty cheddar cheese, and chopped veggies all wrapped in a flaky pastry. It’s a delicious twist on taco night, combining bold Tex-Mex flavors with the ease of air frying for a mess-free, irresistible snack or dinner option.

These stuffed pastry pouches are ideal for game nights, family dinners, or make-ahead lunches. The best part? They cook in minutes with minimal oil thanks to the air fryer, creating a crispy shell without deep frying. With only a few basic ingredients and quick prep, these taco bombs are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
• Cooking spray or melted butter (for brushing)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs

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Step 1: Cook the Taco Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Stir until well combined and the mixture is slightly thickened. Toss in diced red bell pepper and onions (if using), cooking for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

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Step 2: Prep the Biscuit Dough

Separate the biscuit dough into 8 rounds. Flatten each biscuit into a 4-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin. This will give you enough room to stuff them without tearing.

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Step 3: Fill and Seal

Place a spoonful of the taco meat mixture in the center of each flattened biscuit. Top with a generous pinch of shredded cheddar cheese. Carefully pull the edges of the dough up and around the filling, pinching the seams to seal completely. Shape into a ball and place seam-side down.

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Step 4: Air Fry the Taco Bombs

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the sealed taco bombs in a single layer, leaving space between each. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.

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Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

In the final 2 minutes of cooking, open the air fryer and sprinkle a bit more shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bomb. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Carefully remove the cheesy taco bombs from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.

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Storage Instructions

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Refrigeration:
Allow any leftover Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 4–5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Freezing:
To freeze, wrap each cooled taco bomb tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 340°F for 8–10 minutes or until heated through and crisp.

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Estimated Nutrition (per bomb)

Calories: 280
Protein: 13g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 520mg

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands or ingredient modifications.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What type of biscuit dough works best?

Refrigerated flaky biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands) works best. You can also use crescent roll dough in a pinch.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles, black beans, or lentils, and keep the rest of the recipe the same.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, feel free to use pepper jack, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for added flavor.

How do I prevent them from bursting open while cooking?

Make sure the seams are tightly pinched and placed seam-side down. Don’t overfill the dough.

Can I prepare them in advance?

You can assemble the bombs a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to air fry.

What dipping sauces pair well with these?

Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, queso, or even spicy ranch are fantastic options.

Are these spicy?

Not by default. But you can spice things up by adding chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.

Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Yes, bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

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