Air Fryer Mini Tacos

Air Fryer Mini Tacos

This recipe combines the crunch of the air fryer with the vibrant goodness of vegetables – Air Fryer Mini Tacos topped with a zesty Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce are an easy, healthy, vegetarian, and crowd-pleasing recipe that are gluten free to boot. These come together effortlessly and are much healthier than grocery store frozen mini tacos. You’ll want to try them today!

Perfectly crispy taco shells filled with a colorful medley of nutrient-packed vegetables, creating a fiesta of flavors in every bite. What sets these air fryer mini tacos apart is not just their taste, but the ease with which they come together, making them a go-to for busy health-conscious home cooks. As always, as we explore the recipe, we'll also unravel the nutritional benefits of each ingredient, offering you valuable insights that align with our philosophy – that all the small healthy bites add up to a healthier you. 

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Ingredients for the Mini Tacos

  • Corn Tortillas (8):
    • Rich in fiber and gluten-free, these tortillas contribute to better digestion and provide sustained energy.
  • Avocados (2-3):
    • Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados add a creamy texture to the air fryer mini tacos. They're also a great source of vitamins and minerals, promoting skin health and boosting immune function.
  • Black Beans (15.5 oz can):
    • A powerhouse of plant-based protein and fiber, black beans support muscle health and aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Rinse and drain the beans to reduce sodium content.
  • Mexican-style Cheese (½ cup):
    • Choose plant-based cheese or emit entirely to keep the tacos vegan. 
  • Spices (½ teaspoon each - Garlic Powder, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt; ½ teaspoon Black Pepper):
    • Beyond flavor, these spices offer numerous health benefits. Garlic and cumin possess anti-inflammatory properties, while chili powder adds a metabolism boost. Black pepper aids digestion.
  • Lime Juice (1 tsp):
    • The acidity of lime juice not only enhances flavor but also provides a dose of vitamin C, supporting immune health and collagen production.
  • Olive Oil:
    • A heart-healthy choice, olive oil contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Brushing the tortillas with olive oil before air frying ensures a crispy texture.

Ingredients for the Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce

  • Lime Juice (1 lime):
    • An excellent source of vitamin C, lime juice adds a zesty kick while supporting skin health and immune function.
  • Cilantro (½ cup):
    • Bursting with antioxidants, cilantro not only adds freshness but also promotes detoxification in the body.
  • Spinach (½ cup):
    • Sneak in extra nutrients by adding spinach. It's rich in iron, promoting healthy blood circulation. The addition of spinach creates an eye-catching bright green color for the sauce.
  • Garlic (2 cloves):
  • Mayonnaise (¼ cup) and Sour Cream (¼ cup):
    • Opt for low-fat or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. These dairy products provide a creamy base for the sauce.

Make Air Fryer Mini Tacos - Step by Step

  • Prepare Avocados:
    • Open the avocados, remove the pits, and cut them into cubes. The creamy texture of avocados will add a luscious element to the taco filling.
  • Create the Bean and Avocado Mixture:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed avocados with the drained black beans. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Gently mix, ensuring the spices coat every bite.
  • Warm the Tortillas:
    • To make the tortillas pliable and prevent cracking, wrap them in a wet paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds. This step ensures easy handling during assembly.
Air Fryer Mini Tacos with Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce

Prepare the Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce

  • In a blender or food processor, combine lime juice, cilantro, spinach, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and exhibits a vibrant green hue. This sauce will be the perfect accompaniment to elevate your mini tacos.

Mini Taco Assembly

  • Air Fryer Setup:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Brush and Fill the Tortillas:
    • Brush each tortilla with a hint of olive oil. Spoon a generous scoop of the bean and avocado mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Top with Mexican-style cheese. Now, you have the choice to either fold the tortilla like a taco or wrap it like a taquito, depending on your preference.
  • Air Frying:
    • Place the filled tortillas in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at 400 degrees fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or until the mini tacos are crispy and golden brown. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air Fryer Mini Tacos with Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce

Serving and Final Touches for Air Fryer Mini Tacos

  • Serve with Salsa:
    • Once the mini tacos are ready, serve them hot with a side of your favorite salsa.
  • Garnish and Enjoy:
    • Garnish the mini tacos with additional cilantro, a drizzle of the Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce. Serve with a side of the cilantro sauce for dipping.
  • Try your homemade Air Fryer Mini Tacos with our Vegetarian Tortilla Soup Recipe.
Air Fryer Mini Tacos with Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Mini Tacos

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Certainly! While the recipe calls for corn tortillas, feel free to substitute with flour tortillas if that's your preference. Opt for whole-grain or gluten-free varieties for added health benefits. Adjust the air fryer cooking time accordingly, as flour tortillas may crisp up a bit faster.

I'm vegan – any suggestions for dairy-free alternatives in the recipe?

Absolutely! For a vegan version, swap out the Mexican-style cheese with your favorite plant-based alternative. Additionally, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream in the Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce with vegan mayo or dairy-free yogurt. These adjustments will ensure the recipe aligns with your vegan lifestyle while maintaining delicious flavors.

I don't have an air fryer – can I still make these tacos?

Definitely! While the air fryer gives the tacos that coveted crispiness, you can achieve similar results in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, place the filled tacos on a baking sheet, and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, and enjoy the same tasty results!

Air Fryer Mini Tacos with Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce

Air Fryer Mini Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce

This recipe combines the crunch of the air fryer with the vibrant goodness of vegetables. These bite-sized tacos are not just about satisfying your taste buds; they are a testament to the idea that healthy eating can be both exciting and delicious. These come together effortlessly and are much healthier than grocery store frozen mini tacos. The Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce is the perfect topping and dip for this delicious appetizer!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican, vegetarian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 2-3 avocados
  • 15.5 oz. can black beans
  • ½ cup Mexican-style cheese (or preferred cheese)
  • ½ t garlic powder
  • ½ t cumin
  • ½ t chili powder
  • 1 t salt
  • ½ t black pepper
  • 1 lime juiced (to be used for the taco filling and cream sauce)
  • olive oil
  • ½ cup cilantro
  • ½ cup spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Open the avocados and cut into cubes.
  • Mix the avocados, drained black beans and spices.
  • Wrap the tortillas in a wet paper towel and microwave for approximately 30 seconds. This will prevent the tortillas from cracking when you are working with them.
  • Spray the air fryer with cooking spray.
  • Brush a tortilla with olive oil and fill with a scoop of the bean and avocado mixture. Top this with cheese and fold the tortilla. The mini tacos can be folded like a taco or wrapped like a taquito.
  • Place the tortilla in the air fryer in a single layer and continue this process until the air fryer is full. Work in batches if necessary.
  • At 400 degrees, cook the mini tacos for about 5 minutes, or until they are crispy.
  • Place the Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, creamy and bright green in color.
  • Serve the mini tacos with the Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce and Salsa.
Keyword Air Fryer, Air Fryer Mini Tacos, Mini Tacos, vegetarian

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