master-cooks | Is It Really A Good Idea To Make Hard Shell Tacos In Your Toaster?

Making hard shell tacos in your toaster might initially seem like a creative and efficient way to enjoy a quick snack, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons before proceeding. On the positive side, using a toaster could potentially save time and produce a crispy shell with minimal effort. However, there are significant safety concerns to consider. Toasters are not designed to accommodate taco shells, and inserting them could lead to uneven heating or even cause a fire. The taco shell could crack or break, leaving crumbs inside the toaster that might be difficult to clean and could pose a fire hazard in the future. Additionally, the shape and size of taco shells might not fit well in the slots, risking damage to the appliance. There is also the possibility of oil residue from the shells dripping into the toaster, which could result in smoke or unpleasant odors. While the idea might be intriguing for its novelty, there are safer and more appropriate methods for making hard shell tacos that don't involve the risks associated with using a toaster. Exploring alternatives such as using an oven or a specialized taco-making tool could provide a safer cooking experience.

Be careful making toaster tacos

Remember that, unlike purchasing hard shells, toasting tortillas will cause them to brown and potentially burn, so keep an eye out for smoke from your toaster. If you have a smaller toaster, a large tortilla may crumple, so trim the edges until it fits smoothly without any hassle. Corn tortillas are typically smaller than flour tortillas, but they tend to be less durable and can crack easily if overloaded with ingredients. Toasting corn tortillas can make them even more fragile, so be sure to check the bottom of the shell when you take it out of the toaster (and be careful, as it will be hot).

There are additional downsides as well. A folded tortilla won't achieve the ideal hard shell shape with a perfectly flat base. For that, you'll need to purchase pre-made hard shells or grab lunch at Taco Bell instead. Although Taco Bell may not have found success in Mexico, it reigns supreme in the U.S. when it comes to hard shells— for better or worse.

Is It Really A Good Idea To Make Hard Shell Tacos In Your Toaster?

Be careful making toaster tacos

Recommended

Next up