These crispy tacos are all over TikTok right now (and with good reason).
This fried egg taco idea is all the rage on TikTok right now, and for good reason. It’s quick to make and really tasty. There are many variations on the recipe, but I felt it was important to go through the “hack” and discuss why it’s a successful recipe, and also provide a surefire version that you can make at home.
While there are some versions of this taco that are made in an air fryer, I actually prefer to make it in a standard skillet (either non-stick, cast iron, or stainless steel) so the tortilla gets super crispy when it comes in direct contact with the skillet.
You can use any skillet for these tacos. If you’re worried about the tacos sticking, you can use a nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. The most difficult pan to use for these fried egg tacos is probably the stainless steel pan, which I tried for my version. The stainless steel makes the tortilla super crispy, but if some of the egg or cheese comes off the tortilla, it can stick to the pan a bit, making cleanup difficult.
Most importantly, no matter which pan you choose, Make sure it has a well-fitting lid as being able to steam the eggs for a minute or two towards the end of cooking is really important.
How to ensure a crispy tortilla
To ensure the corn tortillas get super crispy on the outside, start them well before adding the eggs. Add a splash of oil to the pan over medium-high heat and once the pan is hot, add the tortillas. Let them cook for about 10 seconds, then turn them over so both sides are coated with a little oil. Now let them rest in the pan for 4-5 minutes until nicely charred on the bottom. If you don’t do this, your egg will be overcooked when your tortilla is crispy, or your tortilla will be mushy, which isn’t great.
Tips for cooking the eggs
Once your tortilla is nice and crispy, you can add the eggs. For best results, cook the eggs in two stages. Start by cracking an egg on each tortilla. Try to get it centered, but if some of the tortilla flows, it’s ok. Cover the pan and let the eggs cook for two minutes. Then take out the cheese and add it. For the second part of the cooking process, add a tablespoon of water to the pan and put the lid back on. This creates steam that solidifies the egg whites and melts the cheese. In this second part, cook the eggs for 60-90 seconds. They are done when the egg whites have set but the yolk is still soft and the cheese has melted.
Topping options for fried egg tacos
The fun part of these tacos are the topping options! One day I made a version with Monterey Jack Cheese and salsa verde that was very good. My favorite was red salsa with cheddar, avocado, and cilantro. Yummy. You can add even bolder toppings to these like crispy bacon, sautéed onions, some guacamole, or even a crema sauce.
Go ahead and make these fun fried egg tacos!
Fried egg taco
ingredients
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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2 (6 inch) corn tortillas
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- For garnish
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2 tablespoons salsa
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1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
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coriander leaves
method
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Cook the tortilla:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil and brush the skillet with it. Then add the corn tortillas. Let them cook for 10 seconds and then turn them over. Let the tortillas cook alone in the pan for 4-5 minutes until they start to brown and crisp on the bottom.
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Boil eggs:
Carefully crack an egg onto each tortilla in the pan. Cover the pan and cook for two minutes. Remove the lid and add cheese around the eggs. Some will likely end up in the pan and that’s okay, but try to keep most of it on the tortillas.
Add a tablespoon of water to the pan, cover and cook for another 60-90 seconds. The tacos are done when the cheese is melted and the eggs are set, but the yolk is still slightly runny.
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Finishing the tacos:
Use a good spatula to remove each taco from the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and top with salsa, avocado and cilantro.
Serve warm immediately!
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