Shell Crispy Golden Brown (Printable)
Golden, crispy shells crafted for sweet or savory fillings, light and crunchy with versatile use.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
03 - 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for sweet shells)
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1/2 cup water
05 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ For Frying
06 - 1 cup vegetable oil
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar if using.
02 - Gradually add water and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly until smooth, approximately 2 minutes.
04 - Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a thin circle about 6 inches in diameter.
05 - Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until reaching 350°F (175°C).
06 - Carefully drape each dough circle over a taco shell mold or fold and hold with tongs; fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
07 - Remove shells and drain on paper towels; allow to cool completely before filling.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- You get eight perfectly crispy shells in under 30 minutes, turning something so simple into something that tastes like you've been frying all day.
- They're genuinely versatile—switch between sweet and savory just by changing what goes inside, or what you sprinkle into the dough.
- Once you nail the technique, you'll find yourself making these for tacos one week and dessert shells the next, always impressing people who assume they're store-bought.
02 -
- Oil temperature is everything; if it's too cool, your shells absorb oil and taste greasy, but too hot and they brown before they crisp through—use a thermometer if you have one.
- Don't skip the brief kneading step; it makes the dough smooth and rollable without becoming tough, which is the difference between shells that shatter delightfully and ones that are chewy.
03 -
- Roll your dough circles between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment to avoid sticking and make cleanup nearly effortless—this single trick saves so much frustration.
- Keep your oil at a consistent temperature by waiting a minute between frying each shell if your oil temperature drops; this ensures every shell crisps perfectly, not just the first batch.