Granny’s Crispy Tacos
Ingredients:
20 small 6” corn tortillas (white or yellow)
light olive oil or any high heat cooking oil, or 1⁄4” oil
Kosher salt, for sprinkling fried shells
Instructions
Step 1:
Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Place a medium/large skillet over medium heat and add 1⁄4” of oil.
Once the oil is hot (350 ̊F on a thermometer), carefully slide in a tortilla and fry for 12-15 seconds until golden and bubbly on the first side.
Step 2:
Flip and use tongs to immediately fold in half.
Fry another 10-12 seconds per side or until golden brown then use tongs to transfer the taco shell to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3:
Immediately sprinkle taco shells lightly with kosher salt.
I find if you open them up a bit and set them upside-down to cool and drain on the paper towels, they will stay open a bit more, making them easier to fill and you don’t need a taco holder.
Repeat with remaining tortillas until all shells are fried.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 60 | Total Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 50mg | Total Carbohydrates: 7g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Total Sugars: 0g | Protein: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions:
What type of tortillas works best for Granny’s Crispy Tacos?
Small 6” corn tortillas, whether white or yellow, are ideal for Granny’s Crispy Tacos.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
While corn tortillas are recommended for authenticity, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer their taste and texture.
What oil is suitable for frying the taco shells?
Light olive oil or any high-heat cooking oil is suitable for frying taco shells.
How much oil should be added to the skillet for frying?
Add about 1⁄4” of oil to the skillet for frying.
Ensure the oil is hot (around 350°F on a thermometer) before frying.
Why is it important to fold the tortilla immediately after flipping during frying?
Folding the tortilla immediately after flipping helps create the taco shape and allows it to fry evenly on both sides.
How long should each side of the tortilla be fried?
Fry each side for 12-15 seconds until golden and bubbly on the first side, and 10-12 seconds per side afterward, or until golden brown.
Can I reuse the oil for frying multiple batches of taco shells?
Yes, you can reuse the oil for frying multiple batches as long as it remains clean and does not develop a burnt flavor.
Why is it recommended to sprinkle taco shells with kosher salt immediately after frying?
Sprinkling with kosher salt right after frying enhances the flavor and adds a hint of saltiness to the crispy taco shells.
How can I ensure the taco shells stay open for easier filling?
Open up the taco shells a bit and set them upside-down on paper towels to cool and drain.
This helps them stay open for easier filling.
Do I need a taco holder for Granny’s Crispy Tacos?
No, you don’t need a taco holder.
If you open up the shells a bit during cooling, they will stay open, making them easier to fill.