This air fryer pinto beans recipe offers a quick and healthy way to enjoy this nutritious legume. The beans are seasoned and cooked to crispy perfection, making them a great snack or addition to salads and bowls.
Using an air fryer reduces cooking time and oil usage, providing a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. This recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite spices.
Overview of Air Fryer Pinto Beans
Crispy air fryer pinto beans present a delightful way to enjoy this nutritious legume.
With their golden brown exterior and satisfying crunch, these beans make for an excellent snack or a tasty addition to salads and grain bowls.
The air fryer method not only enhances the flavor but also reduces the amount of oil needed, making this dish a healthier choice compared to traditional frying.
Preparation Steps
To get started, if you’re using canned pinto beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly.
It’s essential to pat them dry with a paper towel to eliminate excess moisture, which helps achieve that desired crispiness.
Once prepped, the beans can be seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices that elevate their natural flavor.
Seasoning Your Beans
The seasoning process is straightforward.
Combine the cooked pinto beans with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin in a mixing bowl.
Toss everything together until the beans are evenly coated, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is a crucial step.
Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes before adding the seasoned beans.
Once preheated, place the beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer to allow for even cooking. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides become crispy.
Serving Suggestions
After approximately 15 to 20 minutes, the beans should be perfectly crispy.
Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
For an added touch, garnish with fresh cilantro, which not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness.
Nutritional Benefits
These crispy pinto beans are not just delicious; they’re also packed with nutrition.
Each serving contains around 150 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 8 grams of protein, making them a satisfying and healthy snack option.
Their high fiber content also contributes to a balanced diet, making them a great choice for those looking to incorporate more legumes into their meals.
Easy Air Fryer Pinto Beans Recipe
These air fryer pinto beans are seasoned and cooked until crispy, providing a satisfying crunch. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans (canned or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Beans: If using canned pinto beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Beans: In a mixing bowl, combine the pinto beans with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss until the beans are evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Beans: Place the seasoned pinto beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the beans are crispy.
- Serve: Remove the beans from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy as a snack or topping for salads and bowls.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g