Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
If you are craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and delightfully crispy texture, you must try this Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe. These golden, crunch-packed taquitos combine creamy black beans, smoky chipotle peppers, and just the right amount of spice rolled in warm corn tortillas and fried to perfection. They are easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy night at home. Get ready to dive into a vibrant blend of flavors that will make this recipe your new favorite go-to snack or appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is the secret to this vibrant dish. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a spicy kick, or that irresistible crunch, making these taquitos truly unforgettable.
- 10-12 corn tortillas: Soft, pliable, and perfect for rolling without cracking when warmed properly.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds luscious creaminess to balance the smoky chipotle heat.
- 1 can black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): The hearty base packed with protein and fiber.
- 2 tablespoons jarred diced jalapeños: For a fresh, tangy heat that livens up the filling.
- ½ teaspoon cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note that enhances every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle depth and savoriness.
- ⅕ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo plus ½ teaspoon adobo sauce: The smoky, spicy star ingredient that gives these taquitos their signature flavor.
- Avocado oil (as needed): Ideal for frying because it withstands high heat and keeps the taquitos crispy.
- Guacamole, salsa, sour cream, queso (for dipping): Perfect accompaniments that make each bite a flavor celebration.
How to Make Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese with rinsed black beans, diced jalapeños, cumin, garlic powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Finely mince one smoky chipotle pepper and mix it in along with half a teaspoon of its rich adobo sauce. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This flavorful filling is what makes these taquitos so addictive — smoky, creamy, just a little spicy, and perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
A little taste test here is key! Adjust the spices and chipotle heat if needed to suit your palate. Remember, it’s your chance to make these taquitos exactly how you like them before rolling them up.
Step 3: Soften the Tortillas
To avoid cracking when rolling, warm the corn tortillas in small batches by wrapping 3–4 in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds on high. This steams the tortillas and makes them wonderfully pliable, setting the stage for those perfect rolls.
Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
Place about 2 tablespoons of the bean and chipotle filling about a third of the way up from the bottom edge of each warm tortilla. Shape the filling into a small log and then roll tightly to encase that delectable filling. Place each rolled taquito seam side down on a plate or baking sheet to keep them secured. You can use toothpicks if you want an extra hand holding them together.
Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat about ¼ inch of avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, carefully place 4 taquitos seam side down into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step transforms the taquitos, turning them gorgeously golden and irresistibly crunchy. After frying, drain them on paper towels or, for an extra crisp finish, on a wire cooling rack laid over paper towels.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe hot, accompanied by your favorite dips like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or queso, and watch them disappear fast!
How to Serve Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of cool sour cream can elevate your taquitos to a whole new level. These bright touches cut through the richness and add layers of flavor and color, making every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Pair your taquitos with a colorful Mexican-style slaw, a fresh avocado salad, or even some warm refried beans. These sides complement the smoky, spicy notes of the taquitos and offer different textures that round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Stack the taquitos upright in a festive bowl alongside ramekins of dips, or slice them into bite-sized pieces and serve as a fun appetizer platter. The crispy shell and creamy filling make for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece no matter how you present them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep them crispier.
Freezing
For long-term storage, follow the partial frying instructions to lightly fry the taquitos first. After cooling, freeze them on parchment paper spaced apart until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen taquitos keep well for 1-2 months without losing their fantastic texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated taquitos in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer to bring back their golden crunch. Avoid the microwave as it tends to soften the crispy shells — using dry heat methods ensures every bite stays perfectly crispy and warm.
FAQs
Can I make these taquitos vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese alternative, and make sure the queso dip is vegan or omit it. The black bean and chipotle filling is naturally vegan and delicious on its own.
What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo?
You can substitute with chipotle powder or smoked paprika combined with a bit of hot sauce, but using the canned chipotle pepper in adobo really gives that signature smokiness and depth. It’s worth seeking out for this recipe.
Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying?
Yes, baking is an option for a lighter version. Place the rolled taquitos seam side down on a baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through.
How many taquitos does this recipe make?
This Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe yields 10-12 taquitos depending on how tightly you roll them and the size of your tortillas. It’s perfect for a crowd or meal prepping some snacks.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! Making the filling a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and assemble the taquitos just before frying to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe bring together smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors inside a cracker-crisp shell that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a casual meal, they never fail to impress. So grab your ingredients, gather your friends or family, and dive into this warm, comforting treat that feels like a little fiesta in every bite. You’re going to want to make these again and again!
Print
Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos are a deliciously crunchy snack or meal featuring a creamy, smoky black bean filling wrapped in warm corn tortillas and fried to golden perfection. Served with your favorite dips like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or queso, they make for an irresistible Tex-Mex treat that’s quick to prepare and perfect for entertaining or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons jarred diced jalapeños
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅕ teaspoon salt
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon adobo sauce from the chipotle pepper can
Tortillas
- 10–12 corn tortillas
For Frying
- Avocado oil, as needed (about ¼ inch for frying)
Serving Suggestions
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Queso
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese with black beans, diced jalapeños, ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Finely mince one chipotle pepper and add it along with ½ teaspoon of the adobo sauce to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine and set aside.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the filling to ensure it has the desired flavor and spice level. Adjust seasoning or add more chipotle pepper for extra heat if preferred.
- Soften tortillas: Working in small batches of 3-4, wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 30 seconds. This steaming softens the tortillas and makes them pliable for rolling without cracking.
- Fill tortillas: Lay a softened tortilla flat and place 2 tablespoons of the black bean filling side by side about one-third of the way up from the bottom, shaping it into a small log.
- Roll taquitos: Tightly roll each tortilla around the filling while still warm. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on a large plate or baking sheet. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Repeat: Continue the process with remaining tortillas and filling to make approximately 10-12 taquitos.
- Heat oil for frying: In a high-sided frying pan, heat about ¼ inch of avocado oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry taquitos: Using tongs, carefully place 4 taquitos seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Adjust batches according to pan size, adding more oil if needed.
- Drain excess oil: Remove taquitos from the pan and transfer to a stack of folded paper towels to drain. For extra crispness, place the paper towels on a wire cooling rack.
- Serve: Enjoy the crispy chipotle black bean taquitos hot with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, queso, or any preferred dips.
- Freezing instructions: To freeze, lightly pan-fry taquitos as above, then let cool on paper towels. Arrange taquitos spaced on parchment paper-lined plates or baking sheets and freeze for about an hour until solid. Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, label with the date, and store for 1-2 months.
- Reheating frozen taquitos: Reheat frozen taquitos in an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer until warmed through and crispy.
Notes
- Microwaving tortillas wrapped in damp paper towels softens them and prevents cracking during rolling.
- Adjust chipotle pepper amount to control the heat level in the filling.
- Frying in avocado oil creates a crispy exterior and adds a subtle flavor; adjust oil quantity depending on pan size.
- Use toothpicks to keep taquitos secure while frying if needed.
- Storing taquitos on a wire cooling rack over paper towels ensures they remain crispy after frying.
- Freezing after partial cooking allows for quick, convenient reheating without compromising texture.
- Serve with a variety of dips like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for extra flavor and moisture contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
