• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Family Dinners logo
  • Browse Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bread
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Main Dish
    • Side Dish
    • Salads
  • Kitchen Tips
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Main Dish
  • Desserts
  • Appetizers
  • Side Dish
  • Bread
  • Drinks
  • Kitchen Tips
  • Salads
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

    Nov 3, 2021 · 9 Comments

    5275 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email
    • Mix
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    We first got this idea from a viral tiktok recipe about air frying pasta shells to make and alternative to tortilla chips. We've kicked it up a notch to make these absolutely delicious, crispy and cheesy air fryer taco stuffed pasta shells. These make a great appetizer or a fun meal for Taco Tuesday. This will soon be a family favorite way to use leftover taco meat from last night.

    This Mexican Italian fusion dish is a fun twist for an easy taco night. Cooked in an air fryer so they're quick and easy and crispy too. Great for an easy dinner night.

    AIR FRYER TACO STUFFED PASTA INGREDIENTS

    You may have all of these ingredients for this Mexican twist on an easy recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this delicious recipe you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

    • Pasta: Use large or jumbo pasta shells.
    • Filling: Fill shells with your favorite taco meat. We used leftover carnitas from our favorite carnitas recipe.
    • Etc: cheddar cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, parsley, cooking spray

    SUBSTITUTIONS

    Click the tabs to see possible substitutions for each of these ingredients.

    CARNITAS:
    Use any taco meat you want. These would be great with ground beef taco meat, chicken taco meat or even lentil taco filling. They could be good with just refried beans and cheddar cheese as well.
    FILLING:
    Add more filling into your shells. Try salsa, beans, different kinds of cheeses, green onions, mangoes, or anything you like in your tacos.
    bite out of a taco stuffed pasta shell with cheese oozing out.

    POSSIBLE VARIATIONS

    CHICKEN, GROUND BEEF, STEAK, VEGETARIAN

    Use any taco meat or taco filling you like. Try a lentil taco filling or consider steak or chicken.

    ADD SALSA

    Add salsa inside the shell before frying. Consider a mango salsa or tomato salsa.

    DEEP FRY

    Cook in a deep fryer. You can bread and fry it (see how in the deep fried lasagna recipe) for extra flavor.

    plate full of taco stuffed pasta shells

    SERVING SUGGESTIONS

    Enjoy this great recipe as an addition to a tasty meal, special family dinner or dinner party with these other recipes:

    • Main Dish: Carnitas– Serve these air fryer taco stuffed pasta shells as an appetizer to your carnitas tacos dinner!
    • Side Dish: Italian Salad– This classic side dish is colorful and full of flavor!
    • Drink: Sangria – Tasty red wine sangria goes well with Mexican dishes.
    • Drink: Blackberry Cocktail – Delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic versions.
    Red Wine Sangria
    Pin Recipe
    This Red Wine Sangria is a bold, fruity blend of red wine, citrus, and strawberry with a hint of booze and bubbles!
    Check out this recipe
    red wine sangria in wine glasses with pitcher in background and sliced apples and oranges on cutting board
    close up of tongs holding a fried shell
    Essential

    TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

    Prepare your work surface and gather these kitchen tools and supplies before you begin this delicious, easy-to-make recipe so you don't waste extra time trying to find things you need. Links are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you purchase through the link.

    • air fryer: We use an older air fryer but if we were to buy a new one we'd buy this Ninja air fryer with 2 baskets.
    • cutting board
    • sharp knife
    • utensils
    • bowls

    stacked crispy taco pasta shells

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Follow the full instructions and kitchen tips and quick tips for the best way to make this recipe. Don't forget to check the prep time and cook time in the recipe card below before you begin.

    COOK PASTA: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Shells should be fully cooked, not al dente. Drain pasta and rinse with cool water.

    FILL PASTA: Cupping a pasta shell in your palm, place about a tablespoon of the carnitas into the shell. Wedge a stick of cheese over the carnitas.

    KITCHEN TIP

    Make sure to run your pasta under cold water after you've cooked it. Then separate the pasta so they don't stick together while you stuff your shells.

    • spoon putting carnitas in pasta shell
    • cheddar cheese chunk put on top of carnitas in pasta

    COVER PASTA: Wrap a second shell over the open side of stuffed shell to form a “lid.”

    KITCHEN TIP

    You can use shredded cheese if you don't have a block of cheese but you can never use too much cheese.

    PREPARE AIR FRYER: Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.

    FILL AIR FRYER: Set the stuffed shells in the basket of the air fryer, leaving just a bit of space between each shell.

    • top shell put on taco stuffed pasta shell
    • uncooked large stuffed shells in air fryer

    SPRAY SHELLS: Continue assembling the stuffed shells. Once the air fryer basket is filled spray the tops and exposed sides of the shells with non-stick cooking spray or your favorite oil.

    AIR FRY PASTA: Cook at 400°F for 13 minutes until the shells are crispy and light golden brown.

    MAKE TACO SOUR CREAM: Combine sour cream and taco seasoning to make taco sour cream dip.

    EAT: Remove shells from the basket and keep warm while cooking the remaining batches.

    • stuffed shells around bowl of sour cream
    • shell dipped into sour cream

    STORAGE TIPS

    Storing your food properly is important to prevent spoiling or food poisoning.

    Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container or ziploc bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days if you can't eat it the next day.

    Freeze: Store in an airtight, freezer safe, container. If you're storing in a zip top plastic bag, try to get as much air out as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months.

    Defrosting: A great way to defrost is in the refrigerator overnight. Air fry to cook again.

    taco shell with bite and dripping cheese
    Instant Pot Carnitas
    Pin Recipe
    Tender, juicy, crispy on the outside carnitas melt in your mouth and burst with flavor. Made in the instant pot with seasoning mixed up in minutes using a blender! A little spice and a whole lot of flavor!
    Check out this recipe

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Click the questions to see the answer.

    Can you deep fry taco stuffed pasta shells rather than use the air fryer?

    Yes! You can deep fry these instead of using the air fryer. Deep fry at 350°F for a few minutes until golden brown.

    Can you make taco stuffed pasta without cooking the pasta shell first?

    No. You need to cook the pasta first.

    plate of stuffed shells
    air fryer, cheese, Italian, Mexican

    Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

    Carnitas and cheese stuffed into tender pasta shells and cooked in an air fryer to crispy, flavor-bursting perfection.
    4.95 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 13 minutes
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: air fryer appetizers, air fryer taco stuffed pasta, tik tok taco stuffed pasta shells
    Servings: 24 shells
    Calories: 189kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @FamilyDinnersOfficial or tag #familydinnersofficial!

    Equipment

    Air Fryer

    Ingredients
     

    Pasta Shell Ingredients:

    • 1 pound box of jumbo pasta shells - about 48 shells
    • 2 cups carnitas
    • 24 oz. cheddar cheese - cut into 1 oz. sticks
    • Non-stick cooking spray

    Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - more or less to taste

    Instructions
     

    • spoon putting carnitas in pasta shell
      In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Shells should be fully cooked, not al dente. Drain pasta and rinse with cool water.
    • cheddar cheese chunk put on top of carnitas in pasta
      Cupping a pasta shell in your palm, place about a tablespoon of the carnitas into the shell. Wedge a stick of cheese over the carnitas.
    • top shell put on taco stuffed pasta shell
      Wrap a second shell over the open side of stuffed shell to form a “lid.”
    • Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
    • uncooked large stuffed shells in air fryer
      Set the stuffed shells in the basket of the air fryer, leaving just a bit of space between each shell.
    • Continue assembling the stuffed shells. Once the air fryer basket is filled, you can begin cooking the batch.
    • Spray the tops and exposed sides of the stuffed shells in the basket. Cook at 400°F for 13 minutes until the shells are crispy and light golden brown.
    • Remove shells from the basket and keep warm while cooking the remaining batches.

    Notes

    Storage: Best eaten while hot and crisp! But you can store these in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
    Notes:
    Stir together sour cream and taco seasoning for an easy, tasty dip.
    You can spray the non stick oil over the cooked pasta shells and toss (or toss with vegetable oil) to prevent them from sticking to one another while assembling.
    You really want to make sure these are contained. Do not overfill and be sure the second shell really wraps around the stuffed shell to keep everything in a nice little package.
    These do not need to be flipped in the air fryer. Best results are achieved without flipping, but ensuring that there is some breathing room between the shells in the air fryer - we found 8 at a time fit best in our air fryer.
    Exact cook times will vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer. We recommend testing one shell to get started and adjust accordingly.
    Use any of your favorite taco meats in here - seasoned ground beef or chicken would also be great. You can also vary the type of cheese.
    If your pasta is not cooked all the way through, it will be al dente and crisped from the air fryer - cooking the pasta completely ensures a crisped pasta that is easy to bite into and tastes delicious.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 354IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

    • Air Fryer Naan Pizza
    • Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
    • Fried Fish Tacos
    • Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
    • Air Fryer Cookie for One

    Air Fryer Naan Pizza

    Andrea + Stef May 21, 2022 No Comments
    This easy air fryer naan pizza can be made with so many toppings. Our caprese pizza with balsamic glaze version is delicious!
    Read More
    stacked salted caramel chocolate chip cookies.

    Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

    Andrea + Stef May 21, 2022 No Comments
    Easy salted caramel chocolate chip cookies are perfect for anyone who loves salted caramel or blondie cookie bars.
    Read More
    Fish tacos lined up on a plate.

    Fried Fish Tacos

    Andrea + Stef May 21, 2022 No Comments
    Make these delicious fried fish tacos topped with the perfect combination of toppings.
    Read More
    caprese stuffed portobello mushrooms.

    Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

    Andrea + Stef May 21, 2022 No Comments
    Delicious tomato and mozzarella stuffed portobello mushrooms baked to perfection. These caprese stuffed mushrooms are healthy and easy to make.
    Read More
    Large peanut butter cookie on a spatula.

    Air Fryer Cookie for One

    Andrea + Stef May 21, 2022 No Comments
    I'm sure everyone who owns an air fryer has used it to cook up quick and flavorful dinners such as chicken, salmon or meatballs. Most …
    Read More
    Pan of rotel dip.

    Rotel Dip with Sausage

    Andrea + Stef May 20, 2022 No Comments
    You only need 3 ingredients to make this super easy, cheesy and absolutely delicious dip. It will disappear in no time at your next party!
    Read More
    air fryer, cheese, Italian, Mexican

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    « Instant Pot Carnitas
    Mini Chocolate Puff Pastries »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michele Peterson says

      May 25, 2022 at 8:59 pm

      5 stars
      I love how crispy these turned out! I love my air fryer ( and this recipe)!

      Reply
    2. Silvia says

      May 25, 2022 at 9:28 pm

      5 stars
      These are so incredibly delicious , I could honestly eat a whole batch myself 🙂

      Reply
    3. Jamie says

      May 25, 2022 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      I love this twist of stuffing the pasta shells with carnitas! This is such a tasty and satisfying meal!

      Reply
    4. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      May 25, 2022 at 11:30 pm

      5 stars
      My family is going to love this! Thank you for this amazing recipe.

      Reply
    5. Irena says

      May 25, 2022 at 11:37 pm

      5 stars
      These are soooo fun, both to eat and to make. I used Instant Pot air fryer (Duo Crisp with air fryer lid) and they turned out great. Crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside. Delicious dipped in some fresh salsa.

      Reply
    6. Vanessa says

      May 25, 2022 at 11:40 pm

      5 stars
      These were a hit - my kids loved them! We just recently bought an air fryer so this was a great recipe to try!

      Reply
    7. Bernice says

      May 25, 2022 at 11:47 pm

      5 stars
      I generally don't go to Tik Tok for recipe ideas but this is so cool!! How fun...and you can stuff the shells with so many different things. I love cooking in my air fryer and I can't wait to try these!

      Reply
    8. Colleen says

      May 26, 2022 at 7:05 pm

      5 stars
      These stuffed pasta shells are so fun and delicious. They were a hit with my family and I'll be making them again. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Amy Liu Dong says

      May 27, 2022 at 1:03 am

      5 stars
      Wow! This looks absolutely delicious and yummy! Another air fryer recipe that we can add. Perfect for a snack while watching movies.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    The Best Dinner Recipes

    We'll make your life easier! These are the best dinner recipes the whole family will love. Plan your meal from main dish to dessert!

    New Recipes

    • Air Fryer Naan Pizza
    • Fried Fish Tacos
    • Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
    • BBQ Chicken Nachos
    andrea and stef in front of the ocean

    About Us

    Andrea + Stef

    are mothers who love to cook! Our goal is to make life easier for other parents by sharing our tried and true recipes, meal plans and kitchen tips.

    More about us →

    • Visit Facebook account (opens in a new tab)
    • Visit Instagram account (opens in a new tab)
    • Visit Pinterest account (opens in a new tab)
    • Recipe Index
    • Contact
    • About Us

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Policies

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • About Us

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 FamilyDinners.com

    5275 shares
    5275 shares