Air Fried Black Beans

You’ve heard of Roasted Chickpeas, but have you ever thought to roast or air fry black beans?

I don’t know why this hadn’t occurred to me until now, but I’m so glad this recipe is in my life now.

These Crispy Air Fried Black Beans are so simple yet so delicious. They’re the perfect quick snack, salad topper, or garnish to any plant-based meal.

Toss them in a tortilla with Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw and Vegan Chipotle Lime Aioli and you have a simple yet delicious taco. 

Looking for more ways to use up your black beans? Try this Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili, Vegan Loaded Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas, or Chipotle Style Black Beans.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fried Black Beans

• The perfect crispy snack – The satisfying crisp on these black beans is unbeatable. They are perfect on their own as a snack, or they add great texture to a salad or chili as a garnish.
• Quick & easy – With only 5 minutes of prep and about 10 minutes cook time, these black beans are ready in under 20 minutes, making them a great last minute protein option.
• Air Fryer optional – If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! Throw these babies on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400 for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.

Ingredients for Air Fried Black Beans

• Black Beans – I use canned black beans for ease and to cut down on time. If you are starting with dry black beans, make sure to cook them thoroughly first.
• Olive Oil – You can easily omit the oil to make these black beans oil-free. Just don’t dry the beans completely after rinsing them. The water will help the spices stick to the beans.
• Taco Seasoning – I use my homemade taco seasoning, but you can absolutely use a packet or just go with whatever vibes you want for spices.

Helpful Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Air fryer (or oven)
• Silicone liners for air fryer
• Storage container

How to Make Air Fried Black Beans

Start by draining and rinsing the black beans. Pat dry with a towel before transferring to a mixing bowl. Skip this step if you are omitting the oil in this recipe. The water helps the spices stick to the black beans.

Once the black beans are in the mixing bowl, add the oil and taco seasoning and mix with a spatula until all beans are covered.

Transfer the beans to your air fryer basket. I like to use these silicone basket liners for quicker clean up and less waste. You can throw the beans directly into the basket or line it with aluminum foil instead.

Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes or until the black beans are crispy. Make sure to toss about halfway through for even cooking.

That’s it!

How to Serve Air Fried Black Beans

• Solo – These black beans make the perfect plant-based snack. They travel well, too. Great for work or school lunches.
• Salads – These make a great addition to a taco salad – or any salad. They add some protein (8.8g per 1/3 cup!) and great texture and flavor.
• Tacos – Use these as a topping or a base for some delicious tacos. They’d be a great addition to these Roasted Cauliflower Tacos for sure.

How to Store Air Fried Black Beans

• Room Temp – I find that these black beans last the best when stored loosely covered at room temperature after they have fully cooled. At room temp they will last about 3-5 days.

More Tips for Making Air Fried Black Beans

• Not Vegan? Add these to your meat-based tacos or any other non-vegan dish.
• Gluten-Free? As long as you ensure your taco seasoning selection is gluten-free, you are all set!
• Want more heat? Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning for an added kick.

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fried Black Beans

1. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can make these in the oven, boom – crispy roasted black beans! Just toss them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet (or naked sheet if you prefer), and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.

2. Do air fried black beans need to be refrigerated?

Nope! You CAN refrigerate them, but you don’t need to. In my experience, refrigerating them dries them out a bit more than storing at room temperature, but they may last a day or two longer if you do.

3. Can I use different spices for these black beans?

YES! Go wild. I would love to hear what spice combinations you come up with and how it turns out!

Last Updated on February 14, 2025