Air Fryer Smoky Corn and Black Bean Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Mexican-inspired tacos featuring smoky roasted corn and black beans with a hint of chipotle, made quickly in the air fryer for a delicious weeknight meal. This mexican-inspired instant pot (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs frozen corn kernels, canned black beans, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, toss 1 cup frozen corn kernels and 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 3/4 tsp salt until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spread the corn and bean mixture in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the corn is smoky and slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: Remove from the air fryer and toss with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp kitchen towel and microwaving for 30 seconds.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the smoky corn and black bean mixture evenly among tortillas. Top each with 1/8 cup shredded red cabbage, 1 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp crumbled queso fresco, and a dollop of sour cream.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Air Fryer Smoky Corn and Black Bean Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Smoky Corn and Black Bean Tacos?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep frozen corn kernels from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Smoky Corn and Black Bean Tacos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air Fryer Smoky Corn and Black Bean Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Air Fryer Smoky Corn and Black Bean Tacos vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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