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Bean and Cheese Air Fryer Taquitos

Bean and Cheese Air Fryer Taquitos

Bean and Cheese Air Fryer Taquitos are your new go-to for a quick, satisfying, and incredibly easy meal or snack that’s surprisingly budget-friendly. This recipe transforms humble pantry staples into crispy, flavorful bites in minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Minutes 30 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 8 taquitos
Course: Appetizer, Meal, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (15 ounce) Refried Beans vegetarian or traditional
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese or a Mexican blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 pinch Garlic Powder
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 8-10 small Corn Tortillas
  • 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
  • Salsa Optional topping
  • Sour Cream Optional topping
  • Guacamole Optional topping
  • Chopped Cilantro Optional topping
  • Hot Sauce Optional topping

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Plate
  • Damp paper towel
  • Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Air Fryer
  • Toothpick (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans, shredded Cheddar cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and you have a smooth, creamy filling.
    1 can (15 ounce) Refried Beans, 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder, 1/4 teaspoon Cumin, 1 pinch Garlic Powder, to taste Salt, to taste Pepper
  2. Warm the tortillas. You have a few options:
    • Microwave: Stack the tortillas on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30-60 seconds, just until they are pliable.
    • Stovetop (recommended for best results): Lightly grease a skillet with oil or cooking spray. Warm each tortilla over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, until soft and flexible.
    • Gas Burner (carefully): Briefly pass each tortilla over a low-medium open gas flame using tongs until softened.
    8-10 small Corn Tortillas, 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
  3. Lay a warmed tortilla flat. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the bean and cheese mixture into the center, closer to one edge.
    8-10 small Corn Tortillas
  4. Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting from the edge with the filling, creating a log shape. If the filling tries to escape, you can fold in the sides slightly before rolling.
  5. If your taquitos aren't staying rolled on their own, you can secure them with a toothpick. Insert the toothpick through the seam of the rolled tortilla.
  6. Lightly brush or spray the assembled taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray on all sides. This will help them achieve that desirable golden-brown crispiness.
    1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
  7. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  8. Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  9. Air fry for 10-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-7 minute mark). They should be golden brown and crispy. If using toothpicks, remove them carefully before serving.
  10. Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
    Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Chopped Cilantro, Hot Sauce

Notes

These taquitos are best served immediately after cooking for maximum crispiness.