How Long to Heat Up Hard Taco Shells in Microwave and Oven? (With Instructions)
Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot better! Say goodbye to bland and soggy taco shells and hello to perfectly crispy and flavorful tacos. In this post, we’ll be sharing the best time and techniques for heating up hard taco shells in the microwave and oven.
No more guessing or under- or overheating; we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in a rush or have time to spare, we’ll show you how to achieve the perfect taco shell every time.
So fire up the oven or microwave and get ready to elevate your taco game to the next level!
Do Hard Taco Shells Need To Be Heated?
Hard taco shells are a necessary thing for making tacos at home. Taco shells are made from corn and are often sold pre-packaged in supermarkets. When hard taco shells are used, people often wonder if they need to be heated before eating.
Some people prefer to heat their hard taco shells before eating, as it can give them a more crispy texture and a warm, comforting feeling.
Heating the shells can also help bring out the flavors of the fillings. To heat the shells, one can either toast them in the oven or on a stovetop skillet or heat them in the microwave.
On the other hand, some people prefer to eat their hard taco shells without heating them first. These shells are already crispy and have a satisfying crunch, so they don’t need any additional heating.
Whatever choices you make, it turns out that heating the taco shells is an important step. Many hard taco shell packages come with instructions to heat the shells before eating.
This is because heating the shells can make a big difference in terms of texture and taste. Heating the shells can make them crisp and take away that stale taste and texture that some people dislike.
How Long to Heat Up Hard Taco Shells in Microwave and Oven?
When it comes to heating up hard taco shells, it’s important to know how long to heat them to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Overheating the shells can result in them being too hard and burnt, while underheating them can leave them soggy and flavorless. The key is to find the right balance of time and temperature to get the perfect taco shell. Here is a guide on how long to heat up hard taco shells in the microwave and oven.
Microwave:
The best way to heat up hard taco shells in the microwave is to start with 20–30 seconds. This will depend on your microwave’s power, so you may need to adjust the time accordingly. Keep an eye on the shells and stop the microwave as soon as they become crispy and warm. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can burn quickly.
Oven:
When heating up hard taco shells in the oven, the optimal time is around 5-7 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Arrange the taco shells on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the shells are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on the shells, as they can burn quickly.
How to Heat Up Hard Taco Shells in the Microwave
Heating up hard taco shells in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare them for your next taco night. Not only does it make the shells more crisp and flavorful, but it also takes away any stale taste or texture that may be present.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to heat up hard taco shells in the microwave.
- Step 1. Gather your ingredients and equipment. You will need your hard taco shells, a microwave-safe plate, and a damp paper towel.
- Step 2. Place the taco shells on the plate. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Step 3. Place the damp paper towel on top of the taco shells. This will help keep them moist and prevent them from drying out or burning in the microwave.
- Step 4. Heat the taco shells in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This will depend on your microwave’s power, so you may need to adjust the time accordingly. Keep an eye on the shells and stop the microwave as soon as they become crispy and warm.
- Step 5. Carefully remove the plate from the microwave, and let the shells cool for a few seconds before handling them.
- Step 6: Add the desired filling to the shells and eat them.
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| It’s important to keep an eye on the shells while they are heating up in the microwave, as they can burn quickly. If you’re heating multiple shells at once, it’s best to heat them in small batches so that you can monitor them more closely. |
How to Heat Up Hard Taco Shells in the Oven
Heating up hard taco shells in the oven is a great option for those who prefer a crispy texture and a warm feeling in their tacos. It’s also a good option when you’re making tacos for a large group of people.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to heat up hard taco shells in the oven.
- Step 1. Gather your ingredients and equipment. You will need your hard taco shells and a baking sheet.
- Step 2. Set your oven’s temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Step 3. Arrange the taco shells on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Step 4. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the shells are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on the shells, as they can burn quickly.
- Step 5. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the shells cool for a few seconds before handling them.
- Step 6. Fill the shells with your desired filling and enjoy!
If you’re baking multiple shells at once, it’s best to rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating. You can also use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow the heat to circulate around the shells, this will make them crispy on both sides.
It’s important to keep an eye on the shells while they’re heating up in the oven, as they can burn quickly.
How to Heat Up Taco Shells Without an Oven or Microwave?
Heating up taco shells without an oven or microwave is a simple process that can be done using a stovetop skillet, griddle, or even on a stove-top burner. This method is great for those who prefer a crispy texture and a warm feeling in their tacos but do not have access to an oven or microwave.
Using a stovetop skillet or griddle, you can heat the shells by placing them in the skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Gently press down on the center of each shell using tongs to make them more pliable and to help them heat evenly.
Cook the taco shells for 30–60 seconds on each side, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Carefully remove the taco shells from the skillet or griddle, and let them cool for a few seconds before handling them.
Alternatively, you can heat the shells on a stove-top burner by carefully placing them over the flame of the burner. Using a pair of tongs or a fork, gently press down on the center of each shell to make them more pliable and to help them heat evenly.
Cook the taco shells for 30–60 seconds on each side, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Carefully remove the taco shells from the stovetop and let them cool for a few seconds before handling them.
WARNING
How Not To Break Hard Taco Shells?
Hard taco shells can be a bit tricky to work with, as they are prone to breaking or cracking. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening and ensure that your taco shells stay intact.
Here are some tips on how to make hard taco shells not break.
- Heat the shells before filling. Heating the shells before filling them can make them more pliable and less likely to break. You can heat them in the oven, on a stovetop skillet, or in the microwave, according to your preference.
- Handle the shells gently. When handling the shells, be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure. Use your fingers to shape and fill the shells, rather than using utensils or tools that could cause them to crack.
- Avoid over-filling the shells. Over-filling the shells can cause them to break or crack. Be mindful of the amount of filling you put in each shell and try to keep it to a reasonable level.
- Use a support for the shell. If you are worried about taco shells breaking, you can use a small dish or ramekin as a support for the shell to prevent it from bending.
- Store the shells properly If you’re not going to use the shells right away, make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Dry shells are more prone to breaking.
By following these tips, you can make hard taco shells not break and enjoy your tacos without any interruption. Remember that heating the shells and handling them gently are the key points to keep in mind while preparing tacos.
Conclusion
In summary, whether or not you choose to heat your hard taco shells before eating is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a crispy texture and a warm feeling, then heating the shells is the way to go. But if you prefer the natural crunch and texture of the shells, then you can enjoy them as is.
Sometimes taco shells can go bad before you’re able to use them. To prevent this from happening, heating your taco shells can be an easy solution. When it comes to preserving the freshness of your taco shells, there are several methods that can be used successfully.
Heating up the hard taco shells in the microwave or oven is a quick and easy way to make them crisp and delicious, and you can enjoy them in no time with your favorite filling. It’s also a simple method when you’re making tacos for a large group of people. Enjoy your crispy and delicious tacos!
