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Air Fryer Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: A Homemade Delight

The Taco Bell Mexican Pizza has long been a favourite for fast food aficionados, combining layers of seasoned beef, refried beans, zesty tomato sauce, and a medley of cheeses atop a crisp, fried tortilla. Though the iconic item has had its ups and downs on the Taco Bell menu, fans everywhere are reimagining this culinary delight in their own kitchens. Enter the air fryer: a kitchen gadget that’s perfect for achieving that deliciously crispy texture without the excess oil. In this article, we’ll explore how to make an Air Fryer Taco Bell Mexican Pizza from scratch, ensuring you can enjoy this cherished treat right at home.

Ingredients

To create your very own air fryer Mexican pizza, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pizza Base

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup of refried beans (canned or homemade)
• 1 cup of cooked ground beef (seasoned with taco seasoning)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of Mexican cheeses)

For the Sauce

• ½ cup of tomato sauce (preferably with added spices)
• 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning
• A pinch of salt and pepper

For Toppings

• ½ cup of diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup of sliced black olives
• ¼ cup of diced onion (optional)
• 1 cup of shredded lettuce
• ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yoghurt (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside for a few minutes to let the flavours meld.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza

1. Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of refried beans over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.
2. On top of the beans, add a layer of seasoned ground beef, followed by a portion of the prepared tomato sauce. Sprinkle with half of your shredded cheese.
3. Place the second tortilla on top, gently pressing down to ensure everything sticks together.
4. Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients to create a second pizza if desired.

Step 3: Air Frying

1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
2. Lightly spray or brush the top of the assembled Mexican pizza with oil to ensure it crisps up beautifully.
3. Carefully place the assembled pizza in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them one at a time.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling and melted.

Step 4: Add Toppings

1. Once cooked, remove the pizza from the air fryer and allow it to cool slightly.
2. Top with diced tomatoes, black olives, onions, and shredded lettuce as desired.
3. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream or Greek yoghurt and fresh cilantro.

Why the Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer for your Mexican pizza not only reduces the amount of oil used compared to traditional frying methods, but it also ensures a delightful crunch while retaining the gooey goodness of melted cheese and toppings. The convenience of the air fryer allows for a quicker preparation time, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays or impromptu gatherings.

Conclusion

The Air Fryer Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is an easy and satisfying way to bring the flavours of your favourite fast food right into your home kitchen. With customizable toppings and a streamlined cooking process, this recipe is perfect for impressing family and friends alike. So why not give it a go? Grab your air fryer and embark on a delicious culinary adventure!