If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, crispy snack that’s easy to whip up and bursting with flavor, then this Air Fryer Pinto Bean Taquitos Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These taquitos deliver the perfect crunch on the outside, with a smoky, tender pinto bean filling that’s seasoned just right. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer means you get that irresistible crispiness without the mess or extra oil of traditional frying. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or a fun meal, these little rolled tortillas are packed with personality and sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Pinto Bean Taquitos Recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a mouthwatering treat. Each ingredient adds its own special touch—the beans bring creamy protein, the taco sauce and spices pack a flavorful punch, and the cheese melts into gooey goodness that ties everything together.
- 1 can Pinto beans (14 – 16 ounces): The hearty, smooth base for the filling that keeps these taquitos satisfying and wholesome.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds a mild sweetness and a little crunch to balance the beans.
- 1 tablespoon taco sauce: Brings zesty, tangy flavors that make each bite exciting.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides depth and a subtle kick of heat without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Imparts that classic warm, earthy note essential to Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Garlic salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors with savory garlicky goodness.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a touch of sharpness and spice to round everything out.
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the heat and acidity.
- Cheddar Jack cheese (shredded): Creates gooey, melty pockets of cheesy delight inside every taquito.
- 5 – 6 Flour Tortillas: The perfect crispy vessel to hold all that tasty filling.
How to Make Air Fryer Pinto Bean Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pinto Bean Filling
Start by draining and rinsing your pinto beans lightly, then mash them in a bowl to a chunky paste—this sets the stage for a filling that’s creamy yet textured. Stir in the chopped onion, taco sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic salt, pepper, and brown sugar until everything is evenly mixed and aromatic.
Step 2: Add Cheese to the Mixture
Fold in a generous handful of shredded Cheddar Jack cheese. The cheese will melt inside creating ooey-gooey pockets that everyone will love. Don’t overmix just yet; you want those nice pockets of cheese to remain a delightful surprise in every bite.
Step 3: Roll the Taquitos
Warm the flour tortillas slightly to make them pliable—this helps avoid cracking when you roll them. Spoon a few tablespoons of the bean mixture onto one end of each tortilla, then roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed. Packing the filling firmly ensures they hold together during cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Crispy
Preheat your air fryer if required. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in the basket in a single layer; don’t overcrowd. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking. The air fryer creates that irresistible crunch with a fraction of the oil used in frying.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pinto Bean Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Top your taquitos with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of avocado crema for a cooling contrast. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a delightful zing that complements the smoky spice perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these taquitos alongside a fresh, crunchy slaw or a vibrant Mexican-style corn salad. Black beans and rice also make fabulous companions for a fuller meal, turning this snack into a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the taquitos and serving them bite-sized as party appetizers with a trio of dips—guacamole, salsa verde, and chipotle mayo. They also make superb additions to a fiesta-themed platter, paired with colorful veggies and vibrant sauces for sharing with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any taquitos left over, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain crispy if you reheat them properly in the air fryer or oven—avoid the microwave which can make them soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the rolled taquitos before cooking by laying them flat on a baking sheet and placing in the freezer until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
Reheating
To bring back their perfect crunch, reheat taquitos in the air fryer or a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This method refreshes the crispy exterior while ensuring the filling stays warm and melty.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for this Air Fryer Pinto Bean Taquitos Recipe?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work well but be sure to warm them thoroughly before rolling to prevent breaking. They offer a more traditional flavor and a slightly different texture you might enjoy.
Are these taquitos suitable for vegans?
You can make this recipe vegan by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative. The flavorful bean filling stands strong on its own and you won’t miss the dairy at all.
What can I substitute if I don’t have taco sauce?
If taco sauce isn’t on hand, use your favorite salsa, a spoonful of tomato paste mixed with spices, or even a smoky BBQ sauce for a fun twist. Just adjust quantity to taste to maintain the right balance of flavor and moisture.
How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling during air frying?
Rolling tightly and placing them seam side down in the air fryer helps keep them intact. You can also secure each with a toothpick, but usually pressing them firmly when rolling is enough for a snug seal.
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time and reheat?
Yes, you can fully prepare and air fry the taquitos in advance and reheat them. For best results, reheat in the air fryer or oven instead of the microwave to retain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Pinto Bean Taquitos Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a crunchy, flavorful snack or meal that’s quick to prepare and fun to share. Once you taste that perfectly crisp shell paired with the smoky, cheesy bean filling, you’ll understand why it’s an instant favorite in my kitchen. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and tasty this recipe is!
Print
Air Fryer Pinto Bean Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 taquitos
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy Air Fryer Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal, filled with a flavorful blend of pinto beans, cheese, and spices. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional frying, they offer a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 can Pinto beans (14–16 ounces)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon taco sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Cheddar Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Wraps
- 5–6 Flour Tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mash the pinto beans roughly or leave slightly chunky. Add the chopped onion, taco sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded Cheddar Jack cheese into the bean mixture until well distributed.
- Fill the tortillas: Lay a flour tortilla flat and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling near one edge. Roll the tortilla tightly into a cigar shape and secure with a toothpick if needed. Repeat for all tortillas.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the taquitos: Place the rolled taquitos seam side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spacing them slightly apart. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream if desired.
Notes
- If you want extra crispy taquitos, lightly brush or spray the tortillas with oil before air frying.
- You can substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more chili powder for extra heat.
- Use leftover chicken or beef instead of beans for a non-vegetarian option.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
