Homemade Crispy Corn Taco Shells
Transform ordinary corn tortillas into crispy, golden taco shells right in your own kitchen. These homemade taco shells are significantly fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy tacos with a satisfying crunch, perfect for any filling of your choice.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn tortillas
12 (unchanged)
Vegetable oil
As needed for frying (unchanged)
Instructions
1
Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Using tongs, carefully place a corn tortilla into the hot oil.
3
Allow one half of the tortilla to rest in the oil, and gently fold the other half upwards to form a taco shell shape.
4
As the submerged half becomes golden brown, hold the free edge of the tortilla to maintain the taco shape.
5
Carefully flip the tortilla using the tongs to fry the other side, ensuring the shell maintains its shape.
6
Once both sides are golden and crispy, remove the shell from the oil and gently shake off excess oil.
7
Place the freshly fried taco shell on a paper towel-lined plate in a teepee shape to drain any remaining oil and cool.
8
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, stacking each cooled taco shell on top of the others to save space and maintain crispness.
9
Once all shells are prepared, fill them with your favorite taco ingredients and enjoy your homemade crispiness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to make homemade taco shells?
The best way is to shallow fry corn tortillas in about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil until golden and crispy.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You only need 12 corn tortillas and vegetable oil as needed for frying.
How much oil is needed in the skillet?
Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into the skillet and heat it over medium heat until shimmering.
What temperature should the oil be?
Heat the oil over medium heat until it is shimmering before adding the tortilla to ensure proper frying.
How do you form the taco shape while frying?
Using tongs, allow one half of the tortilla to rest in the oil and gently fold the other half upwards to form a shell shape.
How do you cook the second side of the taco shell?
Once the first side is golden, carefully flip the tortilla using tongs to fry the other side while maintaining the shape.
Where should I place the shells after frying?
Place the freshly fried taco shells on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
What is the teepee shape technique for draining?
Resting the shells upside down like a teepee helps drain remaining oil and keeps the shell open while it cools.
How many taco shells does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes 12 homemade crispy corn taco shells.
Can I stack the taco shells?
Yes, once cooled, you can stack the taco shells on top of each other to save space and maintain crispness.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe for homemade Mexican-style snacks.
What type of tortillas should I use for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for corn tortillas to achieve the best flavor and crunch.
Are these better than store-bought taco shells?
Homemade shells are significantly fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions.
What equipment do I need to make these?
You will need a skillet for frying and a pair of tongs to shape and flip the tortillas.
How do I ensure the taco shells are crispy?
Fry each side until it is golden brown and allow them to drain properly on paper towels.
Can these be used for snacks?
Yes, these crispy shells are perfect for tacos or as a snack with various fillings.
What is the flavor profile of these shells?
They have a fresh, golden corn flavor that is more vibrant than processed alternatives.
Do I need to prepare the tortillas before frying?
No, the corn tortillas are used unchanged directly from the package.
What is the first step in the process?
The process begins by pouring 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heating it.
How do I handle the tortilla safely in hot oil?
Always use tongs to carefully place, fold, and flip the tortilla to avoid splashing hot oil.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is officially categorized under Breads.
What should I do after all shells are prepared?
Fill them with your favorite taco ingredients and enjoy the homemade crispiness immediately.
How do I remove excess oil from the shell?
Gently shake the shell over the skillet after frying and then place it on a paper towel.
Is vegetable oil the recommended frying medium?
Yes, vegetable oil is recommended for frying these shells until they are shimmering and hot.
How do I keep the shell from closing up?
Hold the free edge of the tortilla with your tongs while the submerged side fries to maintain the fold.
Why is the description highlighting these as fresher?
Because they are fried to order at home, they avoid the stale or preservative taste of boxed shells.
Can I use different varieties of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use yellow or white corn tortillas depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the shells from getting greasy?
Draining them in a teepee shape on paper towels ensures the oil runs off rather than soaking in.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe is very simple, containing only 2 ingredients: corn tortillas and oil.
Are these taco shells gluten-free?
If you use 100% corn tortillas, these homemade shells are naturally gluten-free.