taco bell mexican pizza recipe air fryer

Olvin

2 min read

·

01-02-2025

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Craving that iconic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza but don't want to leave the house? This air fryer recipe delivers a satisfyingly crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful copycat version, right in your kitchen! Forget the long drive-thru lines and enjoy this delicious meal whenever the craving hits.

Why This Air Fryer Mexican Pizza Recipe Works

This recipe leverages the air fryer's magic to achieve that perfectly crispy crust, mirroring the texture of the fast-food favorite. Unlike oven-baked versions, the air fryer cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in a golden-brown, satisfyingly crunchy base for your cheesy, meaty delight. We'll break down how to achieve that Taco Bell magic at home.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Crust:

• 2 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized work best)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (or your preferred protein, like seasoned ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (Monterey Jack and cheddar work great)

For the Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Your favorite hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Crusts: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over both tortillas.

2. Air Fry the Crusts: Carefully place the seasoned tortillas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overlapping. Air fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Filling: While the crusts are cooking, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Assemble the Mexican Pizza: Spread a thin layer of refried beans evenly over each crispy tortilla crust. Top with the seasoned ground beef, then generously sprinkle with shredded cheese.

5. Air Fry the Pizza: Carefully place the assembled Mexican pizzas back into the air fryer basket. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

6. Add Toppings & Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce. Cut into wedges and serve immediately!

Tips for Taco Bell Perfection:

• Crisp Tortillas: For extra crispy tortillas, you can pre-bake them in a dry skillet for a minute per side before air frying.
• Cheese Choice: Experiment with different Mexican cheese blends to find your favorite!
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spice level.
• Protein Alternatives: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with other proteins like seasoned ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles.
• Air Fryer Variations: Air fryer models can vary slightly, so adjust cooking times as needed.

Enjoy Your Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza!

This air fryer recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious and convenient copycat version of the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, anytime you want. The crispy crust, savory filling, and customizable toppings make it a crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend snack. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!