Crispy Air Fryer Mexican Pizza: Speedy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Whip up an Easy Air Fryer Mexican Pizza in minutes! Crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, and melty cheese make a quick, satisfying dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Meat (can be vegetarian)

# Ingredients:

→ Base & Protein

01 - 8 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
02 - 1 lb lean ground beef
03 - 1 (16 oz) can refried beans

→ Flavor Builders

04 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
05 - 1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chiles, mild, drained
06 - 1/4 cup salsa, plus more for serving

→ Melty Goodness

07 - 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)

→ Fresh Toppings

08 - 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
09 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
10 - 2 green onions, chopped
11 - Sour cream, for serving
12 - Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon, you know the drill. Once it’s all cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat. Honestly, this is where I used to get lazy and not drain enough, and it made the whole thing a bit greasy. Don't be like me! Stir in your taco seasoning and the diced green chiles, adding a splash of water if the seasoning packet calls for it. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it smells amazing, like a taco truck just pulled up outside. Set it aside.
02 - This is a crucial step for a truly crispy Easy Air Fryer Mexican Pizza! Lightly spray two flour tortillas on both sides with cooking spray. Pop them into your air fryer basket in a single layer (don't overcrowd, my past self is screaming at you!). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they're slightly golden and a bit crisp, but still pliable. You're not trying to make chips here, just giving them a head start. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, working in batches. This makes all the difference, trust me.
03 - Now for the fun part! Take one of your lightly crisped tortillas and spread a thin, even layer of refried beans all the way to the edges. Next, spoon about half of your seasoned ground beef mixture over the beans, again, spreading it out nicely. Finally, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese over the beef. This is your foundation, the heart of your Easy Air Fryer Mexican Pizza. I always add a little extra cheese here, because, why not?
04 - Carefully place a second lightly crisped tortilla directly on top of your first layered tortilla. Now, repeat the process! Spread another thin layer of refried beans, followed by the remaining seasoned ground beef. Finish it off with another good sprinkle of shredded cheese. Honestly, it looks like a little cheesy tower at this point, and it’s just so satisfying to build. Don't be afraid to make a little mess, it’s part of the charm.
05 - Gently transfer your assembled Mexican pizza into the air fryer basket. You might only be able to fit one at a time, depending on your air fryer size – remember my soggy tortilla disaster! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on it; air fryers can be quirky, and you don't want burnt edges. The smell is absolutely divine at this stage, pure Mexican pizza bliss!
06 - Carefully remove the hot, crispy Mexican pizza from the air fryer. Transfer it to a cutting board. Now's the time to make it truly yours! Top it with a spoonful of your favorite salsa, some diced fresh tomatoes, a few sliced black olives, and a sprinkle of vibrant green onions. A dollop of sour cream and a dash of hot sauce if you like a little extra kick are always welcome in my kitchen. Slice it into wedges like a regular pizza and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Easy Air Fryer Mexican Pizza!

# Notes:

01 - Always pre-crisp your tortillas for that essential crunch; skipping this step leads to a sad, soggy pizza, I learned that the hard way.
02 - For best leftover texture, store components separately if possible and reheat in the air fryer.
03 - Ground turkey or seasoned black beans are great substitutes for ground beef, and I've tried both with good results.
04 - A dollop of fresh guacamole or a squeeze of lime really brightens up the flavors when serving.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - Large skillet
03 - Spatula
04 - Cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 25-35g

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