Homemade Taco Shells Recipe

If you love tacos, try making Homemade Taco Shells. They are so simple to make and taste great with your taco ingredients.

Taco Shells stacked on a serving platter

My family loves tacos of any kind. I love to make tacos because it is easy and I can sneak all kinds of vegetables in those tacos and the kids never know it. Tacos are even better with these restaurant style homemade taco shells. Make this Fried Tacos Recipe or Grilled Shrimp Tacos with these taco shells.

Why Make This Recipe
Ingredients
Step by Step Instructions
Recipe Tips
Taco Topping Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
More Quick and Easy Main Dish Recipes
How to make Homemade Taco Shells Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

It is fun to put out a topping bar and let everyone grab what they want. This always works great for parties and everyone always seems to really enjoy it.

Plus, it is frugal and a simple way to feed a large amount of people. Everyone seems to love tacos and this can quickly and easily feed a crowd.

Ingredients

Homemade Taco Shells Ingredients - corn tortillas, oil

Store-Bought Corn Tortillas
Oil for frying (vegetable oil, canola, or any high smoke point oil)

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare Tortillas: Warm refrigerated tortillas to room temperature or slightly in the microwave or on a skillet. Non-refrigerated tortillas are ready to use as is.

Placing corn tortillas in hot oil in a cast iron skillet

Step 2 – Skillet Frying: Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet to medium-high heat (approximately 350°F).

Flipping corn tortilla in the oil in the cast iron skillet with tongs

Step 3 – Fry Tortilla – Fry each tortilla for 10 seconds, then flip over medium heat.

Folding taco shell in half while in the cast iron skillet in oil

Step 4 – Fold in Half – Fold in half to form a taco shell shape and fry each side until crispy (about 1-2 minutes).

Recipe Tips

Deep Frying: Fill a deep fryer or pot with 2-3 inches of oil and heat to 350°F. Submerge a tortilla, fold using tongs or a taco shell mold, and fry for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
Drain: Remove the taco shell from the oil and place on paper towel.
Cool: Let shells cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tortilla: Make sure before placing tortilla in a hot skillet, make sure it is at room temperature.

Homemade Taco Shells on a platter

Taco Topping Ideas

The crunchy taco shells taste great with all of your favorite taco toppings. Make it a taco night and fill these taco shells with Ground Beef Taco Meat or Shredded Chicken Taco and your favorite toppings.

Shredded Cheese
Sour Cream
Onion
Tomato
Salsa
Avocado

Homemade Tacos Shells stacked on a platter

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftovers

Store your leftover airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to week.

Can I Freeze

After preparing the homemade taco shells, they should not be frozen. The texture of the taco shells will not stay crispy. You can freeze the corn tortillas prior to frying the hard taco shells.

Can I Use Flour Tortillas?

Flour tortilla is a great option, the texture will be a little different but they will still have great flavor.

Can I Make Ahead?

Yes, you can make ahead of time but make sure to store at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week.

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