How to Make Deep Fried Tacos

Imagine biting into a perfectly fried shell, giving way to a hearty filling of seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and zesty sauces. Whether hosting a fiesta, enjoying a casual dinner, or craving something indulgent, these fried tacos will surely impress.

three tacos folded on a shite plate with guacamole and salsa in background.

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We love making this fried tacos recipe when we want something different and unique. By frying up tortilla shells in oil they become chewy and crunchy which pairs well with any filling of choice. Why buy crunchy shells from the store when you can make your own?

These deep fried taco shells may not be a weekly item on your menu but once you try your favorite taco recipe with these shells you may want to repeat it often. While the flavors and textures of your favorite meal may change, there’s not much added work to taco night to get these great results making it an easy upgrade for fun dinners.

up close image of fried corn tortilla tacos on white board.

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Customization: Tacos are incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor ingredients to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Quick and Easy: These tacos are simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Budget-Friendly: Tacos can be made with affordable ingredients, stretching your food budget without sacrificing flavor.
Great for Gatherings: Create a taco bar with all the toppings set out, and let people fill their shells as you fry them up!

Fried Tacos Ingredients

Oil: You will need about 2 cups of oil. Canola oil, vegetable oil, and corn oil all work great.
Taco filling: Use about 2 cups of any prepared taco filling that you have on hand. Some great taco fillings include seasoned chicken taco meat, ground beef taco meat, or even fish. Making fried fish tacos is a wonderful idea because the crunchy chewy shell and the soft fish inside work well to create a fun spin.
Corn tortillas: Using corn tortillas (either white or yellow) will work best for frying because they crisp up and hold together well in the hot oil.

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

three corn tortillas with filling on white plate.

corn tortillas being fried in pan with oil.

Step 1: Heat oil in pan until it shimmers. Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in each tortilla and top with cheese. Fold each tortilla in half.

Step 2: Cook in hot oil, flipping after the first side is browned. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in the oven while the rest are cooked.

six fried corn tortilla tacos on a white board.

Fried Taco FAQ

Is a deep-fried taco the same as a tostada?

A deep-fried tortilla is referred to as a tostada which is an open-faced taco, meaning that the fried shell is flat and the filling and toppings are piled up on top of it.

In Spanish, a Flatua is a rolled tortilla filled with a savory filling before being deep-fried until crispy and golden in color on the outside. You may know this dish by the English name- taquitos. The tacos in this recipe are not traditional Spanish or Mexican cuisine and don't have a Spanish name.

What's the best oil to fry tacos in?

Flavorless cooking oils like corn or vegetable oil will work best but canola oil will work too. Peanut oil and sunflower oil can also be used if you have them on hand but you want to make sure that you choose an oil that has a high smoke point and that has a neutral flavor because we don't want to taste the oil over the flavors of our taco fillings.

Why are my tacos greasy?

When frying your tacos you have to expect a certain level of greasiness to them. That said you can reduce a lot of the grease from your tacos by simply placing them onto a paper towel-lined plate after they have finished frying. Also, make sure that your oil is at the proper temperature before frying the tacos because if the oil is too cold your taco shells will absorb excessive amounts of oil as they cook slower than they should.

How long will a fried tortilla last?

You can keep your tortillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few days. When ready to eat, you can warm them up in the oven at 350ºF before topping them with your taco meats and toppings of choice.

finished deep fried tacos on a white plate with guacamole and salsa.

Expert Tips

Hot Oil: If the oil is not hot enough, the tortilla will sink and become soggy instead of floating up to the top and being surrounded by bubbles.
Don't Crowd the Tortilla: Don't overstuff the taco so it will be easier to fold in half.
Keep Tortillas from Crumbling: Microwave corn tortillas for 30 seconds before filling and folding. This will help to steam them up just a bit and make them softer and more pliable.

Tips for Pan-Frying Corn Tortillas

While frying oil can be a bit of a hazard thanks to splashing grease, there are a few things you can do to make it a bit safer and less messy. For example, using a taller-sided pan will help to prevent a lot of the splashing oil from getting all over the stovetop. Another tip is to not turn the heat up too high because higher heat will splatter more.

How to Fry a Tortilla

When you fry tortillas, you want to have at least ½ an inch of oil in the pan so that there’s enough depth to fully submerge the tortilla as it cooks.
You will then heat the oil until it's warm and bubbly before placing the first tortilla into the oil.
If the oil is not hot enough, the tortilla will sink and become soggy instead of floating up to the top and being surrounded by bubbles.
Then cook on both sides until golden and fold in half while it’s still hot and warm or else the taco shell may not fold at all once cooled.

How to Seal Tortillas for Frying

Wrap the tortilla over the filling making sure to not overstuff the taco. Then press together the edges and place them seam side down into the oil so that the filling doesn’t fall out.

How to Keep Corn Tortillas From Falling Apart

Unlike flour tortillas, corn tortillas can easily flake apart when overhandled or when simply pulled apart from the other tortillas in the package, making them much more fragile to handle and fold.

A good way to make them easier to fry up without breaking is to first microwave them for 30 seconds. This will help to steam them up just a bit and make them softer and more pliable.

Our Favorite Fried Taco Toppings

After you’ve fried your tacos to crunchy golden perfection, add your favorite taco toppings. These tacos go great with anything from sour cream to salsa, lettuce, and more!

deep fried taco being dipped into salsa.