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A visually delightful and super easy appetizer; Air Fryer Mexican Pizza Cups are going to be your go-to for any party or brunch!

These come together quickly and taste JUST like the Mexican pizza from your favorite fast food joint!

Fusion recipes have always been popular and they are all over the food space currently. Mexican and Indian, Asian and Mediterranean, Indian and Italian, the list goes on.

Today I am sharing a recipe we have had for the last couple of years and enjoyed it each time.

This recipe is inspired by Mexican pizza and it makes an easy, quick single serve portion of the same; without frying!

This recipe of Mexican Pizza cups comes together in under 10 minutes and makes a great appetizer for a party. It is also a quick snack and toddlers love a slightly non-spicy version of the same!

What is Mexican Pizza

A super delicious dish at Taco bell; Mexican pizza is a cross between pizza and tostada. While the name is pizza, it really does not have a base with toppings and cheese.

It starts with two fried tortillas, has beans for the vegetarian version with some crunchy toppings like scallions and tomatoes.

This dish was super popular at Taco Bell before they stopped it a few years ago. It is back on the menu now! But it is generally sold out within the first couple hours of opening!

Inspired from this, I have made these cups. They are in no way authentic but taste amazing as an appetizer for any summer party and beyond.

This Recipe of Mexican Pizza Cups

Is bite size, making it perfect as an appetizer or snack for a party or as a 4 p.m. snack.
Can be classified at mess-free. I make these in the air fryer so all you need is a plate and an air fryer! So no mess while making, serving or enjoying.
Has a crunchy shell with delicious smooth cheesy beans in it and topped with crunchy veggies. Together these elements make a delicious combination and a great surprise dish at any party!
Is easier to make at home than drive to your favorite restaurant for a fast food takeout!
Comes pretty close in taste to the Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza. Bye bye takeout!
Can be made very quickly. I often make 3-4 batches and all it takes is 20 minutes!

The Phyllo shells are super versatile. I use them all the time for chaat cups, desserts, snacks etc. They come handy on busy days as they crisp up in 5 minutes in the air fryer. Hello surprise guests!

Once the refried beans are done, the entire recipe can be assembled in under 5 minutes.

While the air fryer heats up, the cups are ready to go in. I sometimes have my toddler assemble these too; he truly loves to eat them after making them himself!

Video Recipe

Ingredients

Phyllo Shells: These cups are available in most grocery stores in the frozen aisle. I use this brand; it comes in a pack of 15 shells. Make sure you get more than one box, as they vanish quickly!

They are fully cooked and ready but baking or air frying them makes them super crunchy.

Refried Beans: I like to add a few more ingredients along with a can of pinto beans to make the refried beans. Super flavorful and these beans can be made ahead of time too.

I add cumin powder, red onions and taco seasoning to refried beans. It helps enhance the taste, making them even more delicious.

Use a can of refried beans if you want to skip this process.

Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese is used in the recipe. Using shredded cheese works better than shredding your own.

Taco Seasoning: I use this seasoning to season everything Mexican. This recipe is no exception! I have a few packets stashed in my pantry all the time.

Hot Sauce: Hot sauce adds a zing to the recipe. A little sauce does go a long way. I use Taco Bell's Fire sauce in the the recipe. I always have a couple bottles at home.

Toppings: The crunchy toppings in the recipe includes sliced olives, tomatoes and scallions. These are optional but highly recommended.

Step by Step Instructions to make Mexican Pizza Cups

1- In a pan heat oil. Add onions once the oil is hot.

2- Season with cumin powder and taco seasoning.

3- Once the onions soften, add the beans. Let them cook for a couple minutes, mashing them with a spatula.

4- Add hot sauce and turn down the flame. Set aside.

5- In a plate arrange the phyllo shells.

6- Add a tablespoon of the refried beans in each shell.

7- Top with shredded cheese.

8- Place the shells in an air fryer set to 375 F. Air-fry for 5 minutes.

9- Remove from air fryer and add some fire sauce on each shell.

10- Place the tomatoes, scallions and olives on them and serve immediately.

Other delicious Mexican recipes to try

Tips and Notes

Use canned refried beans to eliminate the step of making them from pinto beans.
The recipe is best enjoyed immediately as the shells tend to become soggy quickly with the beans and cheese.
Add more toppings like tortilla chips, more cheese, sour cream or even guacamole if you like.
Use shredded cheese for this recipe. Shredding from a block gives cheese that melts into the beans and disappears. I have had the best results with shredded cheese.