Crispy Air Fryer Beef & Black Bean Taquitos with Zesty Avocado Lime Crema

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with these incredibly crispy Air Fryer Beef & Black Bean Taquitos! Ditch the deep fryer and enjoy a healthier, homemade twist on a Mexican favorite that's bursting with savory flavor. Ready in under 35 minutes, these taquitos are perfect for a family meal or a fun appetizer, especially when paired with our vibrant, creamy avocado lime crema.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup corn, frozen or canned (drained)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 12-14 corn tortillas (6-inch)
• Olive oil spray
• For the Avocado Lime Crema:
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon. Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add rinsed black beans and corn to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the tortillas: Wrap corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until pliable. This prevents them from cracking when rolled.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. To assemble taquitos: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and bean mixture onto one side of a warm tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down on a plate.
7. Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with olive oil spray. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch (you'll likely need to work in batches).
8. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. While taquitos cook, prepare the crema.
9. For the Avocado Lime Crema: Combine avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt in a small food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding 1-2 tablespoons of water if needed to reach desired consistency.
10. Serve the hot, crispy taquitos immediately with the fresh avocado lime crema for dipping or drizzling. Garnish with extra cilantro, if desired.

Chef's Note

To ensure your corn tortillas don't crack, always warm them thoroughly before rolling. A quick microwave session wrapped in a damp paper towel makes them super pliable, resulting in perfectly rolled, crack-free taquitos!

Make-Ahead Tips

The beef and black bean filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The avocado lime crema is best made fresh but can be stored for a few hours, covered tightly, in the fridge to prevent browning.

Substitutions

For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with a mixture of finely diced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, or use plant-based ground meat alternative. Ground turkey can also be used for a leaner protein. For extra spice, add a pinch more cayenne or a diced jalapeño to the filling.