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

Get a Crispy Air Fryer Mexican Pizza on your table fast! This recipe brings all the flavor with a quick air fryer crunch. So easy for busy nights.

# 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: Contains Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Base & Fillings

01 - 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
02 - 1 lb ground beef (90/10 recommended)
03 - 1 can (16 oz) refried beans, warmed slightly
04 - 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce

→ Flavor Essentials

05 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
06 - Cooking oil spray

→ Toppings & Freshness

07 - 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
08 - 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
09 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Optional Zest

10 - Sour cream, for serving
11 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - Pickled jalapeños, sliced

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those tortillas ready! Lightly spray both sides of your flour tortillas with cooking oil spray. I mean, a light mist, not a drench. Place two at a time into your air fryer basket, making sure they're in a single layer and not overlapping—this is key for that crispy air fryer Mexican pizza crunch. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them lightly golden and crisp, not hard or brown. This step, honestly, is where the magic starts. I’ve definitely under-crisped them before, and they just don't stand up to the toppings, so take your time!
02 - While your tortillas are crisping, brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat—super important for a less greasy result! Stir in your taco seasoning and about 1/4 cup of water, letting it simmer until the water evaporates and the beef is perfectly seasoned. In a separate small bowl, warm your refried beans slightly, just enough to make them spreadable. I usually pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds. This makes layering so much easier, and you avoid tearing your lovely crisp tortillas. Don't forget to give them a good stir; sometimes they get a little stiff.
03 - Now for the first layer of assembly! Take one of your lightly crisped tortillas. Spread a thin, even layer of the warmed refried beans over it, almost to the edge. Next, spoon on a layer of the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef. This is where you can get a little wild; I always add more cheese than I think I need! Place this assembled tortilla back into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Oh, the smell at this stage is just incredible; it fills the whole kitchen!
04 - Once your first layer is melty and glorious, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Place another crisped tortilla directly on top of the cheesy beef layer. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over this top tortilla—again, almost to the edge. This sauce layer is crucial for that authentic flavor. Then, pile on more shredded cheese! This is going to be the top, super melty, golden brown layer. I’ve definitely had moments where I globbed too much sauce on and it dripped everywhere, so a thin, even layer is your friend for this crispy air fryer Mexican pizza.
05 - Carefully place your fully stacked Mexican pizza back into the air fryer basket. Air fry again at 350°F (175°C) for another 4-6 minutes, or until the top layer of cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to get those lovely golden-brown spots. You want that perfect melty pull when you cut into it. Keep an eye on it, air fryers can be quirky; some run hotter than others. Don't be afraid to peek! This step is all about getting that perfect, irresistible finish.
06 - Once your crispy air fryer Mexican pizza is out, let it rest for just a minute or two. This helps the cheese set a little. Then, slide it onto a cutting board. Top with your diced fresh tomatoes and thinly sliced green onions. If you're feeling fancy, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cilantro never hurt anyone! Slice it into quarters, like a traditional pizza, and serve immediately. The satisfying crunch of the tortilla combined with the warm, savory fillings is just so good. This is where all those little kitchen experiments pay off!

# Notes:

01 - Always pre-crisp your tortillas in a single layer for the best crunch.
02 - Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven to retain some crispness; microwaving makes them soggy.
03 - For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the ground beef.
04 - Serving with a side of fresh guacamole and chips really elevates the whole meal.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer
02 - Large skillet
03 - Small microwave-safe bowl

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 480
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 25g

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