Air Fryer Beefy Vegan Taquitos Recipe

Vegan ground beef: A plant-based protein that mimics the texture and flavor of traditional ground beef.

Black beans: Cooked and mashed, these add a creamy texture and extra protein to the filling.

Cumin: A spice that adds a warm, earthy flavor to the filling.

Chili powder: Provides a mild heat and depth of flavor to the taquitos.

Corn tortillas: Small, pliable tortillas that are perfect for rolling into taquitos.

Olive oil: Brushed on the taquitos to help them crisp up in the air fryer.

To ensure your corn tortillas don't crack when rolling, make sure they are sufficiently warmed. If microwaving doesn't make them pliable enough, try wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for an additional 10-15 seconds. This extra moisture will help keep the tortillas flexible and prevent them from breaking when you roll them with the vegan ground beef and black bean mixture.

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

• vegan ground beef - Substitute with mushrooms: Finely chopped mushrooms can mimic the texture of ground beef and add a savory umami flavor.

• cooked and mashed black beans - Substitute with refried beans: Refried beans offer a similar creamy texture and flavor profile, making them an easy swap.

• cooked and mashed black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can be mashed to a similar consistency and provide a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, earthy flavor that can replace cumin in many dishes.

• cumin - Substitute with caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy and slightly peppery flavor, making them a good alternative.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a mild heat and smoky flavor that can stand in for chili powder.

• chili powder - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a bit of spice, though it is more potent, so use sparingly.

• corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them a suitable alternative for taquitos.

• corn tortillas - Substitute with whole wheat tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas offer a healthier option with a slightly different texture and flavor.

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

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, though it may add a slight coconut taste.

• Allow the taquitos to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled taquitos in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For longer storage, freeze the taquitos. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the taquitos to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.
• Frozen taquitos can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.

• Use your air fryer to reheat the taquitos. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. This method will help maintain their crispy texture.

• For a quick option, you can use the microwave. Place the taquitos on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated through. Note that this method may make them less crispy.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the taquitos directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed and crispy.

• For stovetop reheating, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and place the taquitos in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and crispy.

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

• 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 the mixture onto each tortilla.

• Brush: Used to apply olive oil to the taquitos before air frying.

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

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

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

Prepare the filling ahead: Mix the vegan ground beef, mashed black beans, cumin, and chili powder the night before.

Use pre-made tortillas: Save time by using store-bought corn tortillas instead of making them from scratch.

Microwave efficiency: Warm multiple tortillas at once in the microwave to make them pliable faster.

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

Quick cleanup: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.