Quick, delicious, and perfect for any time of the day, these air fryer bean and cheese taquitos, or as some might call them, black bean taquitos, are a must-try! If you’re looking for a tasty snack or a simple meal, this recipe is your go-to. Air fryer bean and cheese taquitos are not only quick to make but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Making taquitos in an air fryer has numerous benefits. The hot air circulation cooks the taquitos to a perfect golden brown without the need for excessive oil, reducing fat and calorie intake. Additionally, air frying is faster than traditional frying methods and significantly reduces kitchen cleanup time, making it perfect for busy days or quick snacks.
At Mindful Menu, we make meal planning simple and stress-free. Download our app on the App Store or Google Play to explore hand-picked recipes from our team of professionals, complete with interactive shopping lists and custom meal prep steps. Let us help you simplify your mealtime with delicious and healthy options like these taquitos!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bean and Cheese Taquitos
To make delicious air fryer bean and cheese taquitos, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for taquitos. They’re gluten-free and have a great texture that crisps up nicely in the air fryer. You can also use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
- Refried Beans: The base of your filling, refried beans add a creamy texture and rich flavor, and can be spiced up with a dash of taco seasoning for extra zing. You can use canned refried beans for convenience, or make your own if you have the time.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheese adds that gooey, melty goodness to your taquitos. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of spice, or cotija for a tangy flavor.
- Spices: To add flavor to your beans, you’ll need some basic spices. Cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder are excellent choices. These spices give your taquitos a delicious Tex-Mex flair.
- Cooking Spray: A light spray of cooking oil helps the tortillas crisp up in the air fryer without adding too many extra calories. You can use any kind of cooking spray, such as avocado oil or olive oil.
Optional Ingredients
While the above ingredients are all you need for classic bean and cheese taquitos, you can also add a few extras to enhance the flavor:
- Salsa: Adding a spoonful of salsa to the bean mixture can give your taquitos an extra burst of flavor.
- Green Chilies: For a bit of heat, mix in some chopped green chilies with your beans and cheese.
- Onions and Garlic: Sautéed onions and garlic can add depth to the flavor of your filling. Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix well with the beans.
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add a refreshing taste and a pop of color to your taquitos.
How to Prepare the Ingredients
- Warm the Tortillas: Corn tortillas can be a bit stiff, so warm them in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable. This will help you roll them without cracking.
- Prepare the Beans: If you’re using canned refried beans, you can use them straight from the can, but it’s nice to warm them up and mix in your spices for better flavor.
- Shred the Cheese: If you’re using a block of cheddar cheese, shred it finely so it melts quickly and evenly inside the taquitos.
With these ingredients and a few simple steps, you’re ready to start assembling your air fryer bean and cheese taquitos.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Bean and Cheese Taquitos
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making air fryer bean and cheese taquitos. Follow these simple instructions to create a crispy, delicious snack or meal.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your taquitos will cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the refried beans with your chosen spices—cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. This will enhance the flavor of your beans and give your taquitos a delicious Tex-Mex taste.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Warm your corn tortillas to make them more pliable and easier to roll. You can do this by microwaving them for about 20-30 seconds or heating them on a skillet for a few seconds on each side.
Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
- Spread the Filling: Lay a tortilla flat and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the bean mixture down the center.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beans.
- Roll the Tortilla: Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, seam side down, starting from one edge and rolling to the other, ensuring there is a little space to prevent bursting. You can use a toothpick to secure it if necessary.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
To prevent the filling from leaking in your air fryer bean and cheese taquitos, make sure to roll them tightly and evenly. Warming the tortillas first helps make them pliable and less likely to crack. Additionally, use a dab of water or egg wash to seal the edges securely.
Step 5: Spray with Cooking Oil
Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with cooking spray. This will help them achieve a golden brown color and crispy texture in the air fryer.
Step 6: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching or overlapping to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Step 7: Cook the Taquitos
Cook the taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for about 7-8 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the taquitos are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with taco sauce for a creamy, tangy dip. Enjoy your delicious air fryer taquitos!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bean and Cheese Taquitos
You’ve made your delicious air fryer bean and cheese taquitos, and now it’s time to serve them up in style! Here are some serving suggestions to make your taquitos even more enjoyable:
Dipping Sauces
- Guacamole: A classic pairing with taquitos, guacamole adds a creamy and flavorful touch. The combination of avocado, lime, cilantro, and onion enhances the taquitos’ flavors.
- Salsa: Fresh tomato salsa or pico de gallo provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy taquitos. You can also try roasted salsa or salsa verde for a different twist.
- Sour Cream: Cool and tangy sour cream is a simple yet perfect dip for taquitos. For an extra kick, mix it with some lime juice and a bit of chopped cilantro.
- Cheese Sauce: A warm cheese dip or nacho cheese sauce can take your taquitos to the next level. It’s especially good if you love extra cheesy goodness.
Toppings
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top of your taquitos for a burst of freshness and color.
- Shredded Lettuce: Adding a layer of shredded lettuce gives your taquitos a nice crunch and a fresh bite.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy diced tomatoes can add a delightful contrast to the crispy taquitos.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat, pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
- Mexican Rice: Serve your taquitos with a side of flavorful Mexican rice for a more complete meal.
- Black Beans: A side of seasoned black beans or refried beans can complement the taquitos well and add some extra protein to your meal.
- Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad with black beans, bell peppers, and a lime vinaigrette can be a great side dish that adds texture and flavor.
Presentation Tips
- Platter Arrangement: Arrange the taquitos on a large platter, garnished with lime wedges and cilantro. This makes for an inviting and shareable presentation.
- Individual Plates: Serve each person two or three taquitos with a small bowl of dipping sauce and a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Family Style: Place all components on the table and let everyone build their own plates. This way, each person can choose their favorite toppings and sides.
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Bean and Cheese Taquitos
Proper storage and reheating of your air fryer bean and cheese taquitos ensure they remain tasty and safe to eat. Here’s how to do it:
Storing Taquitos
- Refrigeration:
- Cool Completely: Allow the taquitos to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Airtight Container: Place the remaining taquitos in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- Freeze Individually: For best results, freeze the taquitos individually first. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
- Storage: Once frozen, transfer the taquitos to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date, and they can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Taquitos
- Using an Air Fryer:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Reheat: Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 3-5 minutes if refrigerated, or 5-7 minutes if frozen, until they are heated through and crispy again.
- Using an Oven:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Reheat: Place the taquitos on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 15-20 minutes if frozen, until they are heated through and crispy.
Tips for Best Results
- Crispiness: To maintain the crispy texture, avoid microwaving if possible. The air fryer and oven methods are best for reheating taquitos without making them soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Whether reheating in an air fryer or oven, make sure to arrange the taquitos in a single layer without overcrowding. This ensures even reheating.
Discover More Delicious Recipes with Our Mindful Menu
You’ve mastered the art of making air fryer bean and cheese taquitos, a perfect snack or meal that’s both delicious and healthy. But why stop here? With the Mindful Menu app, you can unlock a world of hand-picked recipes curated by our team of professionals. Our app not only provides you with detailed recipes but also offers interactive shopping lists and custom meal prep steps to simplify your cooking experience.
Download the Mindful Menu app today on the App Store or Google Play and take the guesswork out of mealtime. Visit Mindful Menu and start exploring our extensive collection of recipes that cater to your time, health, budget, and family needs. Happy cooking!
