Air Fryer Bean and Cheese Tacos Recipe

Corn tortillas: These are the base of your tacos, providing a sturdy yet flexible shell for the filling.

Refried beans: These beans add a creamy, savory layer to the tacos, making them hearty and satisfying.

Cheddar or Mexican blend shredded cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, adding a rich, gooey texture to the tacos.

Olive oil: Brushing the tortillas with olive oil helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the tacos.

Pepper: A dash of pepper adds a subtle kick, balancing the richness of the cheese and beans.

To ensure your tacos come out perfectly crispy, make sure to not overfill them with refried beans and cheese. Overfilling can cause the tortillas to break or not crisp up evenly. Additionally, when brushing the tortillas with olive oil, use a light hand to avoid making them too greasy, which can affect the texture.

• corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas have a softer texture and can be easier to fold and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

• refried beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans can be mashed and seasoned to mimic the texture and flavor of refried beans, offering a slightly different but delicious taste.

• cheddar or mexican blend shredded cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a creamy texture, though it has a milder flavor compared to cheddar or Mexican blend.

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

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor, but use sparingly as it is also salty.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the tacos.

• Allow the tacos to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled tacos in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between each taco to prevent sticking.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. The tacos will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap each taco individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped tacos in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen tacos can be stored for up to 2 months.
• To reheat refrigerated tacos, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.
• For frozen tacos, you can reheat directly from the freezer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the tacos on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Avoid microwaving the tacos as it can make them soggy and less crispy.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bean and cheese tacos in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes or until they are warmed through and crispy again.
• For a quick stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and place the tacos in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and the tortillas regain their crispiness.
• If you prefer using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes or until they are hot and crispy.
• For a microwave option, place the tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly warmed. Note that this method may result in softer tortillas.
• To reheat using a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on the toaster oven tray and heat for 5-7 minutes or until they are hot and crispy.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the tacos, ensuring they become crispy without needing a lot of oil.

• Basting brush: Used to brush olive oil on both sides of the tortillas for even crisping.

• Spatula: Helps to flip the tacos halfway through the cooking process.

• Measuring cup: Ensures you use the correct amount of refried beans and shredded cheese.

• Spoon: Useful for spreading the refried beans evenly on the tortillas.

• Tongs: Handy for placing and removing the tacos from the air fryer basket safely.

• Air fryer basket: The component of the air fryer where the tacos are placed in a single layer to cook.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to assemble the tacos before placing them in the air fryer.

• Knife: Useful for cutting and preparing any additional toppings or garnishes if desired.

Prepare the filling: Mix the refried beans and shredded cheese ahead of time to save on assembly.

Use pre-made tortillas: Opt for store-bought corn tortillas to cut down on prep time.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple tacos in the air fryer at once to reduce overall cooking time.

Preheat efficiently: Start preheating the air fryer while you prepare the ingredients to streamline the process.

Quick seasoning: Season the tacos immediately after cooking to ensure even distribution of salt and pepper.