If you’re searching for a meal that’s irresistibly crunchy on the outside, packed with flavor, and completely plant-based, these Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos will win your heart—and maybe convert a few skeptics along the way. Made with a creamy filling, honest-to-goodness spices, and a golden finish fresh from your oven, this dish is a celebration of texture and taste that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner or planning a festive spread for friends, Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos never fail to impress with their bold flavors and satisfying crunch.

Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos comes down to a handful of honest ingredients. Each component brings something unique—a pop of color, a boost of protein, or a zesty punch of flavor. Gathering these essentials is the first fun step toward golden, craveable perfection.

Corn tortillas: Authentic and sturdy, they’re essential for rolling and crisping up beautifully in the oven.
Canned black beans: Creamy, protein-rich, and perfect for creating that satisfying filling.
Cooked sweet potato: Adds irresistible sweetness, creaminess, and that eye-catching orange color.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens the filling with a citrusy tang that makes flavors pop.
Garlic powder: Lends depth and savory warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Ground cumin: Brings a toasty, earthy spice that’s always at home in taquito fillings.
Chili powder: Adds just the right amount of heat and smokiness—feel free to adjust to your taste.
Salt and pepper: Two staples that round out all the flavors to their fullest potential.
Olive oil spray: A light coating gives the taquitos that signature crispy finish without a drop of deep-frying.

How to Make Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by mashing together the black beans and cooked sweet potato in a large bowl. Get in there with a fork or potato masher until the mixture is mostly smooth but still has some lovely texture. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and season generously with salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix—you’re looking for a unified, creamy, but slightly chunky filling that smells downright irresistible.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

To prevent tortillas from cracking as you roll them, loosely wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for about 30 seconds. This helps soften them up so you can easily wrap the filling without any crumbling—a little tip that makes a huge difference for picture-perfect taquitos!

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos

Lay out a warm tortilla, then spoon about two generous tablespoons of filling along one edge. With gentle but firm hands, roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down on a lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, lining them up with just a bit of space between each to help them crisp up all over.

Step 4: Bake Until Crisp

Give each taquito a quick spray of olive oil to boost that golden, crispy finish. Pop the tray in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result? Beautifully browned, perfectly crispy baked vegan taquitos that are crunchy on the outside and warm and luscious inside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the taquitos cool slightly—though I’ll admit these can be tough to resist straight out of the oven! Arrange them on a platter with your favorite dips and garnishes, then get ready to watch them disappear. Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos are at their best when shared, but you’re totally allowed to keep a secret stash for yourself.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos

Garnishes

Add a final flourish by topping your Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos with vibrant extras like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a few thinly sliced fresh jalapeños. A sprinkle of dairy-free cheese or a drizzle of vegan crema can also take things to the next level—don’t forget a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping!

Side Dishes

These taquitos pair perfectly with sides like zesty Mexican street corn, a simple avocado salad, or cilantro-lime rice for a well-rounded feast. If you’re feeling casual, crispy tortilla chips and a trio of salsas bring plenty of fun to the table alongside your Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos.

Creative Ways to Present

Level up your presentation by serving them as party-friendly finger food with a colorful dip platter. For weekday dinners, pile them high with a rainbow slaw on top for a fresh crunch. Feeling bold? Try stuffing them in a burrito bowl, or slice them into bite-sized pieces for a festive appetizer at your next get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover taquitos (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay crisp and tasty in the refrigerator for up to three days, ready to revive that craveable crunch whenever you need a snack or quick lunch.

Freezing

For longer storage, place cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos can be frozen for up to two months and still bake up fabulously when you’re ready for another round.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven crispiness, reheat taquitos in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 7 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving—while quick, it’ll compromise their signature crunch. Instead, let the oven work its magic and enjoy every golden bite.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Absolutely! While corn tortillas bring a classic flavor and crunch to Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos, flour tortillas can also be used for a softer, slightly chewier texture. Just note that flour tortillas may not crisp up quite as much as corn, but they’re still delicious.

What other fillings work for baked vegan taquitos?

The options are endless! You can swap in mashed pinto beans, spicy lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or vegan cheese along with your favorite seasonings. The main goal is creating a filling that holds together and tastes great in every bite.

Are these taquitos gluten-free?

As long as you use certified gluten-free corn tortillas, Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos are completely gluten-free. Double check the labels, especially if serving anyone with celiac or gluten sensitivities, to keep the meal worry-free.

Can I make these oil-free?

Yes! If you prefer to skip the oil, simply omit the spray before baking. The taquitos may not brown quite as much, but they’ll still hold together and develop a pleasantly toasty exterior with a little extra baking time.

Do I have to flip the taquitos while baking?

Flipping them halfway through baking allows both sides to achieve maximum crispiness, but if you forget or skip it, your Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos will still taste amazing—just slightly less uniformly golden.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll find these Crispy Baked Vegan Taquitos as irresistible and crowd-pleasing as I do. Whether you’re making a batch for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend dinner, or a festive get-together, they’re bound to bring a big smile to everyone at the table. Give them a try, have fun with the toppings, and enjoy every deliciously crisp bite!