You’ve probably heard the joke that Mexican food is all the same, and it’s funny, because it’s true. If you really think about it, most Mexican dishes are basically a tortilla or some sort of corn vessel with meat, beans, cheese, creama, and salsa. Arrange it in different combinations, change the presentation and toppings, and you get tacos, flautas, burritos, tamales, nachos, sopes, tostadas, gorditas, enchiladas, chilaquiles, and more.
All kidding aside, Mexico’s gastronomy goes way beyond a taco. But, as a Mexican who’s cooking skills plateaued at so-so, I’ve had to figure out ways to cook my favorite Mexican dishes without much hassle when I’m missing the flavors from home.
Enter the air fryer, that little machine of pure magic has been a life-saver when it comes to making my family’s favorite meals, because the hype is real, it does makes things so much easier. Here is a list of my favorite air fryer Mexican recipes for your next Taco Tuesday.
Air Fryer Salsa
The one thing you will always find in a true Mexican kitchen is salsa. Any salsa, but if it’s a salsa molcajeteada, it’s always better. Many salsa recipes call for roasted ingredients, and it turns out you can roast your chiles and tomatoes in your air fryer. I found a basic salsa recipe here you can customize.
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
There’s something special about home made tortilla chips, and if you can skip the deep fried part, they’re even better! Use this recipe to make chilaquiles, nachos, or chips and salsa.
Air Fryer Roasted Chiles Poblanos
Poblano peppers are one of my favorite things, but having to “tatemar” the chiles directly on the stove is something I could live without. Use this hassle-free guide to roast your poblano peppers (or your favorite peppers) in the air fryer and make your favorite rajas con queso, chiles rellenos, or anything poblano!
Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn
Only a few things can beat the feeling of biting down on a delicious elote preparado. Use your air fryer to cook the corn and then put your favorite toppings on it.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas is a staple of Mexican food in Texas and now it’s even easier to make some delicious chicken fajitas in your air fryer.
Air Fryer Flautas
My children love flautas. Every time we go visit my parents in Mexico, they have to have some delicious crispy flautas. This is a quick an easy Mexican dish and it’s great in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Empanadas
Empanadas are these delicious puffy dough turnovers filled with a variety of ingredients. They are also usually deep-fried. A great way to enjoy this Mexican delicacy is to air-fry. Here’s an easy empanada recipe.
Air Fryer Tacos Dorados
These taquitos de papa are very popular all over Mexico. They’re quick, cheap, and easy to make, and using your air fryer makes them healthier. They’re also a great option for meatless Monday.
Air Fryer Carnitas
The Mexican equivalent to pulled pork is called “carnitas” (literally translates as little meats). Everybody loves a good taco de carnitas. Try them using this recipe in your air fryer.
Churros
I had to finish this list with something sweet. Who doesn’t think of churros when thinking about Mexican desserts? This is a great recipe to make churros in your air fryer, and since you’ll be saving the deep-fryer part, maybe you can have an extra churro or two.
