Air Fryer Fiesta Pizza

Delicious Air Fryer Mexican Pizza: Your Easy Taco Bell Copycat Recipe

Are you a fan of the legendary Taco Bell Mexican Pizza? Good news! You no longer have to mourn its fleeting appearances on the menu or spend a fortune at the drive-thru. With your air fryer, you can recreate that beloved crispy, cheesy, and savory Mexican pizza right in your own kitchen. This Air Fryer Mexican Pizza recipe is not just a copycat; it’s an upgrade – offering all the nostalgic flavors with the convenience and crispiness that only an air fryer can deliver. Imagine a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for taco night, a casual family dinner, or even a fun individual snack.

Close up photo of stacked mexican pizza made in the air fryer.

Forget about the drive-thru and endless waiting. This simple Mexican pizza recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients, making it a healthier and more satisfying choice. Whether you’re planning a fun family dinner or looking for a quick meal prep option, this air fryer method guarantees a perfectly crispy base and gooey, melted cheese every time. It’s truly at the top of my list of must-have Mexican recipes to keep on hand for any occasion.

This recipe is perfect for serving individual pizzas to kids and adults alike. They’re just the right size, making for a fun and interactive family meal where everyone can customize their own toppings. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your loved ones with one of the best copycat recipes out there!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Mexican Pizza

  • Taco Bell Copycat Perfection: It tastes remarkably similar to the original, satisfying that specific craving without leaving your house.
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish, thanks to the efficiency of the air fryer.
  • Cost-Effective: Make several pizzas for a fraction of the cost of buying them from a fast-food restaurant.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings and ingredients to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crispy Texture: The air fryer ensures perfectly crisp tortillas, which is essential for an authentic Mexican pizza experience.
  • Family-Friendly: A fun and engaging meal that kids and adults will both enjoy assembling and eating.

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Mexican Pizza:

Crafting the perfect Air Fryer Mexican Pizza starts with a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

  • Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best, but feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Taco Seasoning: A good quality taco seasoning blend is crucial for authentic flavor. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own.
  • Flour Tortillas: Small to medium-sized flour tortillas are key for creating the signature crispy layers. Corn tortillas tend to be too brittle for this recipe.
  • Oil: A tiny bit of oil for browning the tortillas, ensuring that perfect golden crisp.
  • Refried Beans: The creamy, savory layer that glues the two tortillas together and adds a classic Mexican flavor.
  • Salsa: Your favorite mild or medium salsa adds a fresh, zesty kick to the meat layer.
  • Red Enchilada Sauce: This provides the rich, saucy top layer, reminiscent of a traditional Mexican pizza base.
  • Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: A blend that melts beautifully and adds a sharp, creamy finish. Mexican cheese blend or even mozzarella would also work.
  • Black Olives: Sliced black olives add a distinct salty flavor and visual appeal.
  • Roma Tomato: Diced Roma tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and color.
  • Shredded Lettuce (optional topping): For a cool, crisp contrast after cooking.
  • Green Onions (optional topping): Adds a mild oniony bite and vibrant green color.
  • Sour Cream (optional topping): A dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema provides a cool, tangy finish.
Ground beef, tortillas, cheese, sauce, beans, seasoning, lettuce, and more on a table to make mexican pizzas.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Mexican Pizza

Creating this delicious Air Fryer Mexican Pizza is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef:

    In a small skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to prevent your pizza from becoming soggy. Stir in the taco seasoning until thoroughly combined, ensuring every piece of meat is flavored. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Browned ground beef with seasoning on top, ready to be mixed together.

  2. Crisp the Tortillas:

    There are two great ways to crisp your tortillas. For the stovetop method, use a small skillet heated over medium-high heat with a tiny bit of oil. Lightly brown the tortillas for about 1 minute per side, or until they are lightly golden and slightly crispy. Alternatively, for the air fryer method, place one tortilla at a time into the air fryer basket. To prevent it from flying around, place a trivet or a lighter wire rack on top. Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 3 minutes. Carefully remove the hot trivet before taking out the crispy tortilla. Repeat for all tortillas.

    Browned tortilla in the basket of the air fryer.

  3. Assemble the First Layer:

    Place one crispy tortilla into the basket of your air fryer. Carefully spread a generous layer of refried beans over the entire surface of the tortilla. Next, evenly distribute a portion of the seasoned taco meat over the beans. Finish this layer with a drizzle of salsa.

    Tortilla in the basket of the air fryer being spread with toppings.

  4. Add the Second Layer and Toppings:

    Gently place a second crispy tortilla on top of the first assembled layer. Now, generously cover the top tortilla with red enchilada sauce, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle with diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and black olives. For an extra cheesy finish, add a bit more shredded cheese on top.

    Tortilla topped with meat, beans, cheese, and other toppings before being air fried.

  5. Air Fry to Perfection:

    Carefully place the assembled Mexican pizza back into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model and how crispy you prefer your crust. The goal is for the cheese to be perfectly melted and bubbly, and the tortillas to be extra crisp.

    Fully cooked mexican pizza in the basket of the air fryer.

  6. Garnish and Serve:

    Once cooked, use a spatula to carefully transfer the hot Mexican pizza from the air fryer to a serving plate. Top with your desired optional garnishes such as fresh shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onion tops. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Taco Bell copycat!

    Sliced mexican pizza topped with lettuce and sour cream and ready to eat.

  7. Repeat for Additional Pizzas:

    If you’re making more than one Mexican pizza, repeat the assembly and air frying process for the remaining tortillas and toppings. Serve each pizza fresh and hot for the best experience.

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Mexican Pizza

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For maximum crispiness, cook one pizza at a time or ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate if your air fryer is larger.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: A preheated air fryer helps achieve an even crisp and ensures the cheese melts perfectly.
  • Evenly Spread Toppings: Distribute the beans, meat, and cheese evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and to help the pizza cook consistently.
  • Watch the Cheese: Air fryers can cook quickly, so keep an eye on the cheese to prevent it from burning. Once it’s bubbly and slightly golden, it’s ready.
  • Spice It Up or Down: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your preference. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the beef.
  • Use Good Quality Salsa and Enchilada Sauce: These form a significant part of the pizza’s flavor profile, so choose ones you genuinely enjoy.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Mexican Pizza

The beauty of homemade Mexican pizza is its versatility. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

  • Change the Type of Cheese: While Cheddar Jack is classic, explore other cheeses like Monterey Jack, a spicy jalapeño cheddar, a Mexican blend, or even a mild mozzarella for a different texture.
  • Add Your Favorite Taco Toppings: This is where you can truly make it your own!
    • Heat Boosters: For those who love spice, sprinkle chili powder into the ground beef, add a dash of hot sauce or taco sauce on top, or include finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers.
    • Beans, Beans, Beans: Instead of or in addition to refried beans, try a layer of black beans, pinto beans, or even a mix. You can mash them or leave them whole.
    • Onion Power: Add chopped red onion or white onion to the beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor, or use them as a fresh topping.
    • Veggie Power: Incorporate diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or even a layer of sautéed mushrooms.
    • Creamy Additions: A dollop of fresh guacamole or a drizzle of queso blanco would elevate the richness.
    • Protein Swap: Not a fan of ground beef? Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and double up on beans or add roasted vegetables.
    • Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving adds a vibrant, herbaceous note.
Close up of Mexican pizza sliced and stacked and toped with lettuce and sour cream.

What to Serve with Your Mexican Pizza

This copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is incredibly satisfying on its own, especially when topped with your favorite fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions. However, if you’re looking to turn it into a more substantial meal, here are some great pairing options:

  • Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the pizza.
  • Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier and delicious alternative to regular fries, adding a touch of sweetness.
  • Chips and Dips: Serve with tortilla chips and a side of guacamole, salsa, or queso for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Mexican Rice: A classic side that complements any Mexican-inspired dish.
  • Black Beans or Corn Salad: A light and refreshing side that adds extra nutrients.
  • Elote (Mexican Street Corn): A flavorful and festive side dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Mexican Pizza

If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious air fryer Mexican pizza, storing them properly will help maintain their flavor for a quick snack later. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored and reheated.

  • Storage: Place any leftover Mexican pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days for the best quality and flavor.
  • Reheating: For the best results and to regain that delightful crispiness, reheat your Mexican pizza in the air fryer.
    • Air Fryer: Place the leftover pizza in the air fryer basket at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortilla is crisp again. This is the recommended method to avoid sogginess.
    • Oven: You can also reheat it in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
    • Microwave: While convenient, the microwave will make the tortillas soft and less desirable, but it’s an option if you’re in a hurry. Heat for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use corn tortillas for this recipe?

For this copycat Mexican Pizza, we highly recommend sticking to flour tortillas. They provide the necessary crispiness and structural integrity to hold all the delicious toppings. Corn tortillas tend to be more fragile and can fall apart easily once loaded with ingredients, resulting in a less satisfying texture.

Can I make this tasty dinner without the lean ground beef?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily opt to remove the meat entirely and make a delicious vegetarian Mexican pizza. Simply replace the ground beef with extra refried beans, black beans, or a medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions. The other flavors will still shine through beautifully.

Can I prepare parts of the Mexican pizza ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can cook the ground beef and mix it with the taco seasoning a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also dice your tomatoes and green onions. However, for the crispiest tortillas, it’s best to crisp them and assemble the pizza right before air frying.

My air fryer is small. How many can I make at once?

Most standard air fryers can comfortably fit one Mexican pizza at a time. To ensure proper air circulation and even crisping, avoid overcrowding the basket. If you’re making multiple pizzas, cook them in batches.

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

The key to preventing soggy tortillas is to crisp them well before assembling and to ensure your ground beef is thoroughly drained of any grease. Also, don’t overload the pizza with too many wet ingredients. Air frying also helps by circulating hot air around the entire pizza, keeping it crisp.

Air Fryer Mexican Pizza Taco Bell copycat recipe on a board and topped with lettuce and sour cream and sliced and ready to serve.

There you have it – a fantastic, easy, and customizable way to enjoy your favorite Mexican Pizza right from your air fryer! This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or whenever that Taco Bell craving hits. With simple ingredients and quick cooking times, you’ll be enjoying crispy, flavorful perfection in no time. Give it a try and discover your new favorite homemade meal!

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:

  • Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
  • Air Fryer Pizza Quesadilla
  • Air Fryer Chimichangas
  • Air Fryer Nachos
  • Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

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Air fryer Mexican Pizza close up photo of slices of pizza on a plate and ready to serve.















5 from 1 vote
Servings:
2

Air Fryer Mexican Pizza

By
Jen
Air Fryer Mexican Pizza is the best way to make a simple meal that the whole family will love!
Prep:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Total:
20 minutes
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Rate
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients


  • ½ lb ground beef


  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning


  • 4 flour tortillas


  • 1 tsp oil


  • 4 tbsp refried beans


  • ½ cup salsa


  • 1 cup red enchilada sauce


  • cups sharp cheddar jack cheese, shredded


  • 2 tbsp black olives


  • 1 Roma tomato, diced


  • optional toppings, shredded lettuce, green onions, sour cream

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Instructions

  • In a small skillet, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Stir in the taco seasoning until combined, and remove from heat.
  • Use a small skillet and heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brown the tortillas about 1 minute per side, or until lightly browned and slightly crispy. Set aside. (You can also heat the tortillas in the air fryer. Add the tortillas to the basket of the air fryer and then add a trivet to the top to keep them from flying around. Heat the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and air fryer for 3 minutes. Carefully remove the trivet, it will be hot)
  • Place a tortilla into the basket of the air fryer. Spread the top of the tortilla with refried beans. Top the beans with taco meat and with salsa.
  • Add the second tortilla on top of the first. Cover the top of the tortilla with enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, green onions, and black olives. Then top with additional shredded cheese.
  • Air fry the Mexican pizza at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes. Use a spatula to carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer to a serving plate. Top with lettuce, sour cream, and green onion tops before serving. Repeat the process for the second pizza.

Notes

I make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer or 6.8 quart air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages, cooking time may need to be adjusted 1-2 minutes.

If you want to have crispy tortillas for this recipe, you must stick to flour. This copycat version relies on the crispiness of the tortillas to hold sturdy for all those toppings!

Nutrition

Calories: 942kcal, Carbohydrates: 52g, Protein: 49g, Fat: 60g, Saturated Fat: 27g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 19g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 165mg, Sodium: 2938mg, Potassium: 691mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 2393IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 743mg, Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.



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