If you've seen these smash burger tacos on TikTok and thought there's no way they're that easy, they really are. Ground beef pressed straight onto a tortilla, cooked until the edges go crispy and lacy, cheese melted over the top, then folded up like a taco.
I've made these viral burger tacos both ways and I'm sharing both below, because they're honestly different. The air fryer is easier and there's no flipping, the griddle gets you that proper crispy crust. Either way the thing that matters is pressing the beef all the way to the edge of the tortilla, because those thin bits at the rim get the crispiest and they're the best part of the situation.
If you want more handheld recipes like this, my loaded french fries are another great hands-on party food, and my grilled cheese burrito is super simple and incredibly indulgent, really a must try.
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Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef, 80/20. The fat is what gives you the crispy edges, so lean beef will come out dry and sad. Ground turkey, chicken or pork all work but you'll want a little oil.
- Small flour tortillas. Six inch ones. Flour grips the meat better than corn, which tends to separate from the beef when you fold it. Low-carb ones work fine.
- American cheese. It melts in a way nothing else does. Cheddar, Monterey Jack or provolone all work, they just don't get quite as gooey.
- Toppings. Whatever you'd put on a burger. I do white onion and mayo, but pickles, lettuce, tomato and burger sauce are all great.
See recipe card for remaining ingredients & quantities.
Instructions
Spread ground beef evenly over a tortilla!
Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for about 5 minutes!
Top with a slice of cheese!
Assemble and serve!
No Air Fryer?
You can make these on a flat top or in a hot pan instead. Press the beef onto the tortilla, cook it face down for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges crisp, then flip, add the cheese and give it another 2 minutes.
Full griddle steps are in the recipe card below.
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
- Prep the tacos. Spread about ¼ cup of ground beef evenly over a tortilla, pressing it all the way to the edges. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and meat. Lightly season with salt and spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry. Place the tortillas meat-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you’ll likely need to cook in batches). Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the tortilla is crisp.
- Add cheese. For a Smash Cheeseburger Taco, top with a slice of cheese and place the basket back in the air fryer (with the heat off) for about 1 minute to let the cheese melt.
- Assemble and serve. Remove from the air fryer, add your favorite burger toppings, and gently fold the taco. Repeat with the remaining tacos. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Divide the ground beef into 2½ ounce portions and gently roll them into balls. Handle the meat as little as possible.
- Set your flat top or griddle to high heat and leave it ungreased. If you're using a regular pan, add a tablespoon of oil.
- Cook the base. Press a ball of beef onto each tortilla, then place it face down on the griddle. Press down firmly with a burger press to flatten it as much as you can under the tortilla. Cook 1 minute, press again to release some fat, then leave it alone for another 2 to 3 minutes
- Make sure it's crispy. Scrape underneath with a stiff spatula to check it's browned and crispy. If it isn't, turn the heat up. Once it's crisp, flip so the tortilla side is down, season with salt and cook 2 more minutes. Add a slice of cheese and let it melt while the tortilla finishes crisping.
- Add your toppings and fold.
Nutrition
Notes
- These keep in the fridge for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container, but store them without toppings or everything goes soggy.
- Reheat them on a hot skillet or griddle until they're warm and crispy again, and skip the microwave entirely because it turns the tortillas soft. Add fresh toppings after they come out.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Frequently Asked Questions for Smash Burger Tacos
Air fryer or griddle, which is better?
The griddle gets you a better crust because the meat is pressed against a hot surface. The air fryer is easier and there's no flipping. I use the air fryer on weeknights and the griddle when entertaining.
How do I know when they're done?
The tortilla should be crisp and golden and the beef shouldn't be pink anywhere. If you want to check properly, ground beef is done at 160°F.
Why is my tortilla soggy instead of crispy?
Usually overcrowding. They need a single layer with space around them, so cook in batches, it's worth getting a real crisp.
Can I make these ahead for a crowd?
The beef and tortilla part reheats well on a hot skillet, so you can cook them ahead and warm them through. Add the toppings after, never before.
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