Air Fryer Mashed Potato Tacos Recipe
These Air Fryer Mashed Potato Tacos are a delicious and unique twist on traditional tacos, featuring creamy mashed potatoes blended with cottage cheese and seasoned with a flavorful mix of spices. Crispy air-fried tortillas encase this hearty filling, topped with fresh veggies and cheddar for a satisfying vegetarian meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Russet potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 10 corn tortillas
Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Cheddar cheese
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the Russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large saucepan or Dutch oven and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Boil until Tender: Boil the potatoes for 10-15 minutes until they are fork-tender and easy to mash.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: While the potatoes cook, add the cottage cheese to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy for a silky texture.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot or a bowl. Add the blended cottage cheese and seasonings—salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Mash until mostly smooth but leaving some texture. The mashed potatoes should be thicker than usual to prevent filling leakage; add a splash of milk or more cottage cheese if needed.
- Warm the Tortillas: Place the tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20 seconds to soften for folding.
- Fill and Fold Tortillas: Spread a few tablespoons of the mashed potato mixture onto half of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Arrange the folded tacos in a single layer, spritzing the top of the tacos with oil spray as well. Work in batches if needed (4 tacos per batch recommended).
- Air Fry the Tacos: Cook the tacos in the air fryer at 400°F for 6 minutes until the tortillas are crisped and golden. Note that tortillas will continue to crisp once removed.
- Keep Warm: Repeat the filling and air frying process with remaining tacos, keeping cooked tacos warm in the oven or briefly reheating in the air fryer for 1 minute before serving.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Carefully open each taco and add preferred toppings such as shredded lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheddar cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using blended cottage cheese creates a creamy texture while keeping the mash thick enough to hold inside the taco.
- Seasonings can be adjusted to taste; feel free to add more chili powder or cumin for a spicier filling.
- Microwaving tortillas with a damp paper towel prevents them from cracking when folding.
- Air fryer crisping results in a crunchy taco shell without deep frying, making this a healthier option.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for cottage cheese if desired, though texture will vary.
Keywords: mashed potato tacos, air fryer tacos, vegetarian tacos, mashed potato recipe, healthy tacos, Mexican-inspired tacos