Easy Vegan Black Bean Air Fryer Tacos
Easy Vegan Black Bean Air Fryer Tacos
These Easy Vegan Black Bean Air Fryer Tacos are a quick and delicious meal option if you're running short on time. Each taco is full of flavorful black bean filling and melty cheese and is customizable with your favorite taco toppings. Packed with flavor and ready in just 22 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a Meatless Monday!
I created this new recipe with my friend Malcolm from @Tappedinwellness, a former D1 athlete and vegan. For a quick, healthy, and affordable weeknight meal, we filmed this recipe that takes only 15 minutes to make. These vegan tacos are perfect for busy people for lunch or dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
It only takes a few ingredients: These tacos are easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients and require minimal preparation. You don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Uses fridge or pantry staples: This recipe utilizes ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens. From black beans to spices, you can easily find these items in your pantry or fridge. No trips to the grocery store required!
Takes 15 minutes of prep time: With just 15 minutes of prep time and minimal cook time, you can have these tacos ready to go in no time. It's a quick and efficient recipe that allows you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Lunch or dinner can be ready in 20 minutes: In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious lunch or dinner on the table. Whether you're looking for a quick midday meal or a perfect weeknight dinner, these tacos will be your new favorite recipe!
Perfect for a quick weekday lunch: These tacos come to the rescue when you're short on time during a busy workday.
Perfect for picky eaters: These easy air fryer tacos are a great solution if you or your loved ones are picky eaters. Easily customize the recipe to suit everybody by incorporating their favorite toppings!
Ingredient Substitutions
Tortillas - You can use any tortillas you like. I used flour tortillas, but if you are gluten-free, you can use corn tortillas or even gluten-free tortillas. Note that the cooking time may slightly change depending on your tortilla, but just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Black beans - I prefer using black beans, but you could use seasoned refried beans if that is available.
Garlic cloves - If you do not have garlic cloves, swap for about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Chipotle in adobo sauce - This just comes in a can. It adds a slight amount of heat. If you don’t have it or don't like spicy tacos, simply omit it.
Shredded vegan cheese - This meal is totally vegan using vegan cheese. If you are not plant-based or can tolerate cheese, feel free to swap the vegan cheese for a cheddar cheese blend.
Shredded lettuce - I prefer to use romaine or iceberg lettuce to keep it crunchy.
Pico de Gallo - You can buy this in-store or make it homemade!
More Vegan Weeknight Recipes
Easy Vegan Black Bean Air Fryer Tacos Ingredients
12-14 tortillas
1 can black beans
4 garlic cloves
1 chipotle in adobo sauce, optional
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
¼ tsp cayenne powder ½ cup shredded vegan cheese 1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup pico de gallo
1/4 cup guacamole
1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
How to Make Easy Vegan Black Bean Air Fryer Tacos
Open the can of black beans. Rinse them and drain them off the water.
Add the black beans into your food processor along with the cloves of garlic, chipotle, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse the ingredients together in the food processor until it is smooth. You may need to use a spatula to scrape down the sides.
Lay your tortillas flat, and scoop about 2 tablespoons of the black bean mixture evenly into half of each tortilla.
Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of the black bean spread. Close the tortilla. You can add as much or as little cheese as desired. About 1 tablespoon is a great place to start.
Fold each tortilla over, and continue until all of your tortillas are filled.
Spray both sides of the tacos with olive oil spray, or use a paper towel to rub olive oil on the outside.
Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, careful not to overlap. You may need to work in batches.
Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes until the tortillas are golden brown. Flip them halfway through to cook evenly on both sides.
Once they are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer, open them up, and stuff them with shredded lettuce and Pico de Gallo.
Serve with guacamole for dipping and lime wedges on top!
FAQ
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Yes, you can absolutely use canned black beans for the black bean mixture in the air fryer tacos. Simply open the can, rinse and drain the black beans, and then proceed with the recipe as directed.
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Fresh salsa: Add a burst of freshness to your tacos with a homemade salsa. Combine diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a vibrant and tangy topping.
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole are a must-have for any taco lover.
Lime crema: Create a tangy and creamy dressing by combining sour cream or Greek yogurt with fresh lime juice, zest, and a touch of salt.
Crispy lettuce or cabbage: For some added crunch, top your tacos with shredded lettuce or cabbage.
Pico de gallo: Combine diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice for a zesty kick to your tacos.
Jalapeños: If you like it hot, sliced jalapeños are the perfect topping to bring some heat to your tacos.
Crumbled queso fresco: Sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco, a mild and crumbly Mexican cheese, on top of your tacos for a creamy and slightly salty flavor.
Cilantro and lime wedges: For the finishing touches, garnish your tacos with fresh cilantro leaves and serve alongside lime wedges.
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Sautéed peppers and onions: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook sliced bell peppers and onions until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Mix them into your black bean filling for a colorful and flavorful addition.
Corn and salsa: Add a touch of sweetness and tang by mixing in some fresh or frozen corn kernels and your favorite salsa.
Spicy chorizo: For a meaty twist, sauté some spicy chorizo and mix it with your black bean filling.
Cilantro lime rice: Cook some fluffy rice with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve it alongside your black bean filling.
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The best part about these black bean air fryer tacos is that they are perfect for both vegans and vegetarians! The recipe uses black beans as the main protein source and does not include any animal products. Additionally, the use of vegan cheese and plant-based toppings ensures that they are vegan and vegetarian tacos.
These Easy Vegan Black Bean Air Fryer Tacos are a fantastic option for anyone seeking a quick, delicious, and plant-based meal. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is ready in just 22 minutes. Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to incorporate more meatless meals into your diet, these tacos are a great choice for your next Taco Tuesday!
Easy Vegan Black Bean Air Fryer Tacos
Ingredients
- 12-14 tortillas
- 1 can black beans
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, optional
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne powder
- ½ cup shredded vegan cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup guacamole
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Open the can of black beans. Rinse them and drain them off the water.
- Add the black beans into your food processor along with the cloves of garlic, chipotle, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse the ingredients together tin the food processor until it is smooth. You may need to use a spatula to scrape down the sides.
- Lay your tortillas flat, and scoop about 2 tablespoons of the black bean mixture evenly into half of the tortilla.
- Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of the black bean spread. Close the tortilla. You can add as much or as little cheese as desired. About 1 tablespoon is a great place to start.
- Fold each tortilla over, and continue until all of your tortillas are filled.
- Spray both sides of the tacos with olive oil spray, or use a paper towel to rub olive oil on the outside.
- Place them in the air fryer in a single even layer, careful not to overlap. You may need to work in batches.
- Air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes until the tortillas are golden brown. Flip them half way through to cook evenly on both sides.
- Once they are done cooking, remove from the air fryer, open them up and stuff with shredded lettuce and Pico de Gallo.
- Serve with guacamole for dipping and lime wedges on top!
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