Copycat Mexican Pizza (Air Fryer Version)
Intro
If you’ve ever craved the iconic Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell but wanted to make it at home, this air fryer recipe will be your new go-to. It’s a flavor-packed fusion of Mexican and Italian influences: crispy tortillas as the crust, seasoned ground beef for a hearty filling, refried beans for creaminess, and a zesty tomato sauce topping that’s finished with melted cheese. Making it in the air fryer not only crisps the tortillas to perfection but also melts the cheese evenly—without deep frying. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, olives, or extra salsa.
Preheat air fryer: 350°F (175°C) — 2 minutes
Crisp tortillas: 350°F (175°C) — 3–4 minutes per side until golden
Final melt & heat: 350°F (175°C) — 3–4 minutes
Ingredients (Makes 2 Mexican Pizzas)
4 small flour tortillas (6–8 inches)
1 cup refried beans (canned or homemade)
½ lb (225 g) ground beef
1 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup water
½ cup enchilada sauce or mild taco sauce
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar + Monterey Jack)
2 tbsp diced tomatoes
2 tbsp sliced black olives (optional)
2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
Cooking spray or light brushing of oil
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5–6 minutes).
Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and water, stir well, and simmer until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
Set aside.
Crisp the Tortillas
Lightly spray or brush both sides of each tortilla with oil.
Place them in the air fryer basket (in a single layer) and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes per side until crisp and slightly golden.
They should feel firm like a pizza base.
Assemble the Pizzas
Spread refried beans evenly on two tortillas.
Top beans with the seasoned beef.
Place the second tortilla on top (like a quesadilla).
Spread enchilada or taco sauce over the top tortilla.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then diced tomatoes and olives if using.
Air Fry to Melt & Serve
Place the assembled pizzas back into the air fryer.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove carefully, slice into quarters, and sprinkle with green onions before serving.
Serving Tips
Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
For a spicy kick, add pickled jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
You can swap beef for shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian option.
Air Fryer Pro Tip
If your air fryer basket is small, assemble and cook one Mexican pizza at a time to keep the cheese from sliding off.
If you’d like, I can also give you a homemade Taco Bell–style pizza sauce recipe so it tastes even closer to the original.