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Air Fryer Black Bean Taquitos

Air Fryer Black Bean Taquitos - Crispy, Fast, and Flavor-Packed

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup salsa or diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 10–12 small corn tortillas (or 8 flour tortillas, 6-inch)
  • 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or olive oil), for brushing
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • For dipping: sour cream or Greek yogurt, guacamole, extra salsa, or hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes so it’s hot when the taquitos go in.
  • Make the filling: In a bowl, lightly mash the black beans with a fork. Leave some whole for texture. Stir in cheese, red onion, jalapeño, salsa, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be thick, not runny.
  • Warm the tortillas: For corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave 30–45 seconds until pliable. This prevents cracking. Keep them covered as you work.
  • Fill and roll: Spread about 2 tablespoons of filling in a line along the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly into a thin cigar shape. Place seam-side down on a plate.
  • Brush with oil: Lightly brush or spray the outside of each taquito with oil. This helps them crisp and brown.
  • Air fry in batches: Arrange taquitos seam-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Corn tortillas usually take the full 8 minutes; flour may cook faster.
  • Keep them crisp: Move cooked taquitos to a wire rack so steam doesn’t soften them. Repeat with remaining taquitos.
  • Serve: Squeeze fresh lime over the top. Add toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or chopped cilantro. Serve with your favorite dips.