Puffy tacos bring the fun of a fiesta straight to your kitchen with golden corn tortillas that puff up light and airy as they fry. Made with a simple mix of masa harina, water, and salt, these crisp, hollow shells are perfect for loading with your favorite fillings. From seasoned chicken or hearty black beans to creamy avocado, cotija cheese, and a drizzle of lime crema, puffy tacos deliver bold flavor and irresistible crunch in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, puffy tacos turn any meal into a celebration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This puffy tacos
- Deliciously crispy and airy shells that elevate your taco game.
- Customizable fillings for every taste—vegan, vegetarian, or meat lover!
- Perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
- Easy to make at home with simple ingredients you already have.
- A fun cooking experience that brings everyone together.
puffy tacos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Press each ball in a tortilla press or between two sheets of plastic to form thin discs.
- Heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry each tortilla disc for 30–45 seconds on each side, until puffed and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- In another pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef or chicken, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is fully cooked.
- Fill each puffy tortilla with the cooked meat mixture, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy. Enjoy your homemade puffy tacos!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create delicious puffy tacos at home!
- 2 cups masa harina – a key ingredient for authentic taco shells
- 1½ cups warm water – helps bring the masa harina together
- 1 teaspoon salt – for seasoning the dough
- Vegetable oil – for frying, use enough to submerge the tacos
- 1 pound ground beef or shredded chicken – your protein choice for filling
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – adds flavor to the filling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – enhances the taste of the filling
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – for a touch of spice
- ½ teaspoon cumin – adds depth to the flavor
- Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning
- Shredded lettuce – for freshness and crunch
- Diced tomatoes – adds juiciness and color
- Shredded cheese – brings creaminess to each bite
- Sour cream – for a cool finish
- Salsa or hot sauce – to spice it up!
How to Make Puffy Tacos
Get ready to enjoy some delicious puffy tacos! This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 10 minutes to cook, and an extra 10 minutes for resting the dough. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Press each ball in a tortilla press or between two sheets of plastic to form thin discs.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Fry the Tortillas
Fry each tortilla disc for 30–45 seconds on each side, until puffed and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Cook the Filling
In another pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef or chicken, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is fully cooked.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Fill each puffy tortilla with the cooked meat mixture, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm and crispy. Enjoy your homemade puffy tacos!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Dietary | Contains meat |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm and crispy |
Pro Tips for Making Puffy Tacos
- Use masa harina for the best texture and flavor.
- Keep the oil hot but not smoking for perfect puffing.
- Shape the tortillas thin for a crispier shell.
- Fill the tacos immediately after frying to maintain crispness.
- Experiment with fillings like grilled chicken or sautéed veggies for variety.
How to Serve this puffy tacos
- Fill with seasoned ground turkey or chicken for a lean twist.
- Top with fresh guacamole and pico de gallo for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with a side of zesty lime wedges for an extra kick.
- Pair with a refreshing mango salsa for a sweet contrast.
- Offer a variety of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
- Enjoy with a side of black beans or refried beans for a hearty meal.
- Drizzle with a creamy avocado dressing for added richness.
- Make it a taco bar and let everyone customize their own puffy tacos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to keep your puffy tacos fresh and delicious:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow puffy tacos to cool completely.
- Wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.
Freezing
- Cool puffy tacos completely before freezing.
- Wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped tacos in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating
- For refrigerated tacos, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- For frozen tacos, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Use a skillet over medium heat for a crispy texture.
- Check for warmth throughout before serving.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is a puffy taco made of?
Puffy tacos are typically made from masa harina, which is a special corn flour. The dough is mixed with water and a bit of salt, then shaped into discs and fried until they puff up, creating a light and airy shell. You can fill them with your favorite ingredients like seasoned beef, chicken, or vegetables for a delicious meal.
2. How to make a puffy tortilla?
To make a puffy tortilla, start by mixing masa harina with warm water and a pinch of salt until you form a dough. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them into discs. Heat oil in a pan and fry each disc until it puffs up, which usually takes just a couple of minutes on each side. The key is to ensure the oil is hot enough to create that perfect puff!
3. Who invented puffy tacos?
Puffy tacos are believed to have originated in San Antonio, Texas, in the 1940s. They were popularized by a local restaurant called ‘Henry’s Puffy Tacos,’ which helped introduce this unique style of taco to a wider audience. The combination of a crispy exterior and soft interior quickly became a favorite among taco lovers.
4. What is the difference between a puffy taco and a crispy taco?
The main difference between a puffy taco and a crispy taco lies in the texture and preparation. Puffy tacos are made from a thicker masa dough that puffs up when fried, resulting in a soft and airy shell. In contrast, crispy tacos are typically made from thinner corn tortillas that are fried until they are crunchy and rigid. Both are delicious, but they offer different eating experiences!
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve mastered the art of puffy tacos, it’s time to gather your loved ones and dig in! These crispy, airy delights are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor and fun. Enjoy the simple pleasure of creating something delicious at home, and let each bite take you back to those joyful taco nights. Happy cooking!