Keto Doritos Locos Tacos
Published October 23, 2022 • Updated February 2, 2026
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This keto Doritos Locos taco is just as good as the original cheesy, crunchy hard shell taco from Taco Bell, but only 3 g carbs!
If you get tired of missing out on the latest fast food trends, like the Doritos Locos from Taco Bell, then you must try this taco recipe. I’ve taken my keto hard taco shell recipe and my keto Doritos chips recipe and combined them to make the ultimate cheesy, crunchy experience you’ll go loco over!
Hard shell tacos are made with a few key ingredients like almond flour, protein powder and xanthan gum. To get that Doritos flavor, I add cheddar cheese powder and some additional spices for that cheesy kick we all crave.
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Ingredients
1 1/3 cup almond flour -
2 tablespoons unflavored protein powder
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1 tablespoon xanthan gum
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3 tablespoons cheddar cheese powder
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1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
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3/4 teaspoons smoked paprika
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7 tablespoons hot water
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tortilla press
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avocado oil, for frying
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, protein powder, xanthan gum, salt, cheddar cheese powder, chili powder and smoked paprika.
Finish tortilla dough
Pour in hot water and mix with a fork until combined.
Press into tortillas
Divide the dough into 8 balls (about 2 inches in diameter). Place each ball in between two circles of parchment paper and use a tortilla press or rolling pin to flatten into a circle about 6 inches wide. Leave each tortilla in between the parchment paper.
Make hard shells
Pour 1/2 inch of avocado oil into a skillet and heat oil over medium heat. Add a tortilla and submerge it in the hot oil. Let it cook for a minute, then use two spatulas to fold it over into a taco shape. Let it fry for about a minute or until just about hardened. Flip and fry the other side for another minute.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros (Free) →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute almond flour with another type of flour?
Almond flour is a key ingredient for keeping this recipe low-carb, but coconut flour works too. Coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you'll need to add more liquid.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese powder?
If you don't have cheddar cheese powder, you can use finely grated real cheddar cheese for a similar flavor, but it will change the texture slightly. Just be sure to adjust the moisture content accordingly.
How do I store leftover taco shells?
Store any leftover taco shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper!
Can I make these taco shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the taco shells in advance and store them as mentioned above. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their crunch.
How can I make these tacos dairy-free?
To make these tacos dairy-free, you can omit the cheddar cheese powder and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use a dairy-free oil for frying.
I haven't tried baking them so I'm not sure how well it works. Let me know if you do!!
These sadly didn’t turn out at all. I used the ingredients it called for in correct amounts and flattened each tortilla to 6”. They were whisper thin until you started cooking them, then they started puffing up and no way you could cook one 2 minutes, even with my heat on 2 of 10! They were more like a cheesy flour tortilla that was fried. Maybe a hair crisp at edges. No idea how you got yours to look like that after cooking. Flavor was good though, I don’t think it’s worth the trouble. So I’m still on the lookout for something to give me that fried corn tortilla crunch.
That's really strange. I have made these several times and they never puff up. What brand of protein powder did you use?
Hi! I’m wondering if one could fry these flat for tostados or would they be too flexible?
Yes, you can fry them flat like a tostada!