Crispy, juicy, cheesy, and ridiculously fun to eat — Air Fryer Smash Burger Tacos are what happen when burger night and taco night join forces. Seasoned ground beef gets smashed directly onto a tortilla, air fried until perfectly caramelized, then topped with melty cheese and all your favorite burger fixings. It’s fast, family-friendly, and honestly one of those meals that disappears the second it hits the table.
I love making these on busy nights when everyone wants something fun but I don’t want a sink full of dishes. The air fryer gives you those crispy smashed burger edges without standing over a hot pan, and the tortilla turns golden and slightly crunchy underneath. Every bite tastes like a cheeseburger and a taco had the best idea ever.
Ingredients
For the smash burger tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 4 small flour tortillas (street taco size)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
Classic burger toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced pickles
- Thinly sliced red onion
For the burger sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Make the burger sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, and paprika. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prep the beef: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions. Place each portion onto a tortilla and press it thinly across the surface, spreading almost to the edges. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Air fry the tacos: Place tortillas meat-side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and edges are browned and slightly crispy.
- Add cheese: Open the air fryer and place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Air fry 1–2 more minutes until melted.
- Warm and crisp: If you like a crispier tortilla, flip the tacos carefully and cook another 1–2 minutes tortilla-side down.
- Add toppings: Remove from the air fryer and top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and red onion.
- Sauce and serve: Drizzle with burger sauce, fold like a taco, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Press the beef very thin so it cooks quickly and gets those crispy smashed edges.
- Don’t overload the air fryer basket — cook in batches if needed.
- If your tortillas puff up, gently press them down with a spatula halfway through cooking.
- Swap cheese varieties for different flavors — pepper jack adds a little kick.
Flavor Variations
- Add crispy bacon bits before the cheese melts.
- Try a BBQ version with BBQ sauce and cheddar.
- Make it spicy with jalapeños and chipotle mayo.
Serving Ideas
Serve with air fryer fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad. These are also great for parties — set up a toppings bar so everyone can build their own burger taco.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cooked patties separately from toppings in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to crisp them back up before adding fresh toppings.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Smash Burger Tacos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with classic burger flavor in a fun taco form. They’re quick enough for weeknights, customizable for picky eaters, and guaranteed to be a hit. Once you try them, regular burgers might start feeling a little boring.
