Air Fryer Beefy Vegan Taquitos Recipe

Vegan ground beef: A plant-based alternative to traditional ground beef, providing a similar texture and flavor without the meat.

Cooked and mashed black beans: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor, as well as a boost of protein and fiber.

Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that adds depth and a hint of smokiness to the filling.

Chili powder: Brings a mild heat and a complex blend of spices to enhance the overall flavor.

Corn tortillas: The base for the taquitos, providing a slightly sweet and earthy flavor with a satisfying crunch when cooked.

Shredded vegan cheese: A dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well and adds a gooey, cheesy element to the taquitos.

Olive oil: Used to brush the taquitos before air frying, helping them achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

When warming the corn tortillas in the microwave, place them between two damp paper towels. This helps to steam the tortillas, making them more pliable and less likely to crack when you roll them with the vegan ground beef and mashed black beans mixture.

• vegan ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils provide a similar texture and are high in protein, making them a great plant-based alternative.

• cooked and mashed black beans - Substitute with refried beans: Refried beans offer a similar consistency and flavor profile, and they are easy to spread on tortillas.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that complements the other spices well.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a milder heat and a smoky flavor that can enhance the dish.

• corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are more pliable and less likely to crack when rolled.

• shredded vegan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a good source of B vitamins.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it ideal for air frying.

• Allow the taquitos to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled taquitos in an airtight container. If stacking, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For longer storage, wrap each taquito individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their shape and prevents freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped taquitos in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the taquitos less crispy.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover taquitos in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• For a quick oven method, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are hot and the edges are crispy.

• If you prefer the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and place the taquitos in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and crispy.

• For a microwave option, place the taquitos on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the others.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the taquitos on the toaster oven tray and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the taquitos until they are golden and crispy.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the vegan ground beef, mashed black beans, cumin, and chili powder.

• Microwave: Used to warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable.

• Spoon: Used to place a spoonful of the mixture onto each tortilla.

• Pastry brush: Used to brush the taquitos with olive oil.

• Air fryer basket: Holds the taquitos while they cook in the air fryer.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cumin and chili powder.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the vegan ground beef, mashed black beans, and shredded vegan cheese.

Prepare the filling in advance: Mix the vegan ground beef, mashed black beans, cumin, and chili powder ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded vegan cheese to save time on grating.

Microwave tortillas together: Warm all corn tortillas at once in the microwave to make them pliable.

Batch cook: Cook multiple taquitos in the air fryer at the same time to save on cooking time.

Preheat the air fryer: Ensure the air fryer is preheated so the taquitos cook evenly and quickly.