Name: Baked or Air-Fried Chickpea Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 medium-sized onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed); 1/2 cup tomato sauce (passata); 3 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste); 2 tbsp plant-based milk; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp onion powder; 3/4 tsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; Sea salt & black pepper, to taste; Chili powder, to taste; 10 small flour tortillas (gluten-free if needed, about 14 cm in diameter); Vegetable oil, for brushing; Vegan cheese sauce or your favorite vegan cheese and dipping sauce, for serving

Jump to Recipe·4 from 8 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with flavor, crispy on the outside, and wonderfully hearty on the inside, this Baked or Air-Fried Chickpea Taquitos Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining the wholesome goodness of chickpeas with an array of vibrant spices, these taquitos deliver a satisfying crunch and a soulful kick that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you bake them in the oven or air-fry for extra crispiness, this recipe offers a fun and tasty way to enjoy plant-based comfort food that’s both simple to prepare and utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A frying pan filled with a thick mixture of mashed orange and light brown pieces, showing cooked small chunks evenly spread across the pan. A wooden spoon is placed inside the pan, its handle pointing outward. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a neutral cloth beneath it. The overall texture looks soft and dense with no clear layers, only the mixed ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential to creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color in your taquitos. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy notes that will make these chickpea taquitos stand out.

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing and brushing to ensure crispiness without overpowering flavor.
Medium-sized onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic cloves (minced): Brings a warming pungency to brighten the dish.
Bell pepper (chopped): Offers a subtle sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
Cooked chickpeas: The hearty, creamy base that gives the taquitos their wonderful texture and protein punch.
Tomato sauce (passata): Provides moisture and a fresh, tangy undertone.
Hot sauce: Adds the essential spicy element, which you can adjust to your taste.
Plant-based milk: Helps bind the filling while maintaining creaminess without dairy.
Balsamic vinegar: A little acidity that enhances all other flavors beautifully.
Onion powder: Concentrates the onion flavor and rounds out the seasoning.
Coconut sugar: Balances heat and acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
Garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic notes in a subtle, layered way.
Smoked paprika: Offers that irresistible smoky depth you want in every bite.
Ground cumin: Adds an earthy warmth to harmonize the spices.
Sea salt & black pepper: To taste, enhancing all flavors.
Chili powder: To taste, bringing more fire if you like it hotter.
Small flour tortillas: The perfect size and pliability to roll up the filling without breaking.
Vegan cheese sauce (optional): An indulgent topping or dipping option to complement your taquitos.

How to Make Baked or Air-Fried Chickpea Taquitos Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chickpea Filling

Start by mashing the cooked chickpeas roughly with a fork in a large bowl. This texture ensures each bite has a little bite and doesn’t turn into a mush. The chickpeas provide the hearty base that carries all the vibrant spices and veggies beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Spices

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant — about 3 minutes. Then add your minced garlic and the spice mix (onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin) sautéing for an additional minute to release their rich aromas.

Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients

Add the tomato sauce, hot sauce, plant-based milk, balsamic vinegar, coconut sugar, and the roughly mashed chickpeas into the pan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step melds all those bold flavors together wonderfully.

Step 4: Adjust the Heat

Give your filling a taste test. If you’re craving more spice, sprinkle in extra chili powder until it hits just the right note for you. This personal touch is what makes this Baked or Air-Fried Chickpea Taquitos Recipe so flexible and crowd-pleasing.

Step 5: Roll and Bake or Air-Fry

Preheat your oven to 410 degrees Fahrenheit (210 degrees Celsius), or prepare your air fryer. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla. Roll the tortillas up tightly and place them seam-side down on the sheet. Brush them lightly with vegetable oil to encourage that perfect golden crisp. Bake for 15-20 minutes until delightfully crispy and browned, or air-fry according to your appliance’s recommended crisping times.

Step 6: Add Optional Finishing Touches

For an extra indulgent layer of flavor, drizzle vegan cheese sauce on top or add your favorite vegan cheese before baking. This makes each taquito ooze with creamy, cheesy goodness that perfectly complements the crunch and spice.

How to Serve Baked or Air-Fried Chickpea Taquitos Recipe

The image shows a row of seven golden-brown rolled crepes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, each tightly wrapped and filled, with some of the filling slightly visible at the ends. The crepes have a lightly textured, slightly crispy surface with uneven browning, giving a homemade appearance. Positioned close together in a straight line, the edges of the parchment paper show some dark, baked spots. The background beneath the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add brightness and texture to every bite. A dollop of guacamole or vegan sour cream also adds a cooling contrast to the spicy filling, making the whole dish more vibrant and layered.

Side Dishes

Serve these taquitos alongside a colorful salad, zesty black bean salsa, or some refreshing corn on the cob to round out your meal. The crispy taquitos balance wonderfully with the fresh crunch and earthy beans, making the meal wholesome and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at a party? Arrange your taquitos upright in a glass or serve them bite-sized with toothpicks for easy snacking. You can also cut them into halves or thirds for a tapas-style platter that invites everyone to sample and share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover taquitos cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay crunchy and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a perfect quick snack or lunch option.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze the taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents sticking and helps you reheat crispy taquitos anytime you want up to 1 month later.

Reheating

Reheat baked or air-fried taquitos in a preheated oven or air fryer to restore their crunchy exterior. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. Thirty to forty minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit usually does the trick for oven reheating, and just a few minutes in the air fryer will bring back that perfect golden crunch.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) is a convenient and reliable option that works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to mash them roughly for the best texture.

What’s the difference between baking and air-frying these taquitos?

Baking produces a wonderfully crispy taquito with a hands-off approach, while air-frying usually crisps them faster and can make them extra crunchy. Both methods deliver delicious results, so it’s up to your texture preference and time.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas of similar size and pliability. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.

What dips pair best with these taquitos?

Guacamole, vegan sour cream, salsa verde, or a creamy vegan cheese sauce all complement these taquitos beautifully, balancing the spicy, smoky filling with fresh and cool flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! The filling can be made ahead and stored, and the assembled taquitos can be baked or air-fried fresh. They also reheat well, making them great for lunches or snacks throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a crispy, flavorful taquito packed with nourishing chickpeas and bold spices. This Baked or Air-Fried Chickpea Taquitos Recipe is incredibly satisfying and adaptable, perfect whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy snack at home. So why not give it a try? Once you do, you’ll find it’s one of those recipes worth making again and again, sharing with friends, and savoring bite after delicious bite!