Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs

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When taco night meets gooey cheese and golden pastry, you get these irresistible Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs. Wrapped in flaky puff pastry, stuffed with savory taco-seasoned beef and melty cheddar, then air-fried to crispy perfection—these little pockets are everything you love about tacos, packed into a grab-and-go snack.

They’re ideal for quick dinners, game-day snacks, or party trays that disappear faster than you can refill them. And the best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples and an air fryer. If you’re looking for a playful twist on traditional tacos with minimal mess, these cheesy taco bombs are your new go-to.

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What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

Go with store-bought puff pastry sheets for ease and consistency. Thaw them in the fridge for a few hours before using so they stay pliable but firm. Avoid overly soft dough or it can tear when folding. Crescent roll dough works too, but won’t give that same flaky crispness.

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Ingredients for the Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs

Ground Beef – The heart of the filling. Make sure it’s cooked and crumbled well to avoid soggy pockets.

Taco Seasoning – Adds bold, smoky, and spicy flavor that makes these unmistakably taco-inspired.

Cheddar Cheese – Use sharp cheddar for a bold melt. Cut into small chunks for a gooey center.

Puff Pastry Sheets – These hold everything together and puff into golden, flaky perfection.

Egg Wash – Helps seal the pastry and adds that gorgeous golden finish.

Optional: Crushed Doritos or Parmesan – Sprinkle on top before air frying for extra crunch and flavor.

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How To Make the Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs

Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling

Brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water. Simmer until thick and fragrant. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Cut and Fill the Pastry

Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut into even squares, about 4 inches. Add a spoonful of taco meat and a cube of cheddar cheese to the center of each square.

Step 3: Seal the Bombs

Fold each square over into a triangle or gather the corners together to form a round pouch. Press edges tightly to seal and brush with egg wash to help them crisp up.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place taco bombs in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Repeat in batches if needed.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be hot and melty!

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How to Serve and Store These Cheesy Bombs

Serve these air fryer taco bombs fresh and hot with your favorite dips: sour cream, salsa, or guacamole are great choices. They also make fantastic leftovers—just reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore that crispy shell.

To store, let them cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat straight from frozen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bombs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. Just air fry when ready to serve.

Can I freeze these?

Definitely. Freeze uncooked or cooked bombs on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Air fry straight from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well with taco seasoning.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and offers bold flavor. Pepper jack or Monterey Jack also taste amazing if you like a little kick.

How do I prevent them from bursting open?

Don’t overfill! Seal edges tightly and use a little water or egg wash as glue. Chill for 5–10 minutes before air frying to help hold their shape.

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Want More Savory Snack Ideas?

If these Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs have you hooked, try out these other bold and comforting favorites from Life with Jam:

• Cheesy Taco Cupcakes for a bite-sized twist.
• Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef if you love pasta with bold flavor.
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for an easy comfort food dinner.
• Dirty Rice with Ground Beef when you want a spicy, Southern-style dish.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a simple weeknight winner.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can make it whenever that cheesy craving hits.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you spice up the filling? Add jalapeños or swap the meat? I’d love to hear your variations.

Follow me on Pinterest for more fun, cozy recipes every day: Life with Jam on Pinterest

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