Crispy Potato Taquitos

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

Whip up these crispy, tasty vegan taquitos in just 45 minutes! Stuffed with mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, and plant-based cheese, they’re seasoned perfectly with Mexican-inspired flavors. Skip frying and bake or air-fry until golden for a lighter, crunchy option. Easily adjustable for gluten-free diets, they work well as snacks, appetizers, or even mains. Pair with dips like guacamole, salsa, or vegan sour cream for a flavorful treat anytime!
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Updated on Tue, 06 May 2025 18:36:07 GMT
Crunchy Vegan Taquitos Pin it
Crunchy Vegan Taquitos | tasteofmoms.com

That crunchy outside and tasty inside combo makes these vegan taquitos impossible to resist. I've tried tons of different mixtures and finally nailed a veggie filling that wins over even the biggest meat fans. The trick? Getting that golden crunch while keeping everything inside juicy and full of flavor.

I made these for my family yesterday. My picky nephew, who usually runs from anything vegetable-related, gobbled up four before asking what was in them. What's the trick? A well-seasoned potato mixture that makes everything rich and satisfying.

Key Ingredients

  • Yukon Gold potatoes: They've got that creamy texture that makes the perfect base. Don't use Russets as they tend to dry out
  • Fresh corn tortillas: Go for bendy ones without any breaks. I grab mine from a nearby tortilla shop
  • Fresh carrots: Cut them tiny so they cook evenly and don't make rolling tough
  • Quality spices: Freshly ground cumin and chili powder really bump up the taste
Golden baked vegan taquitos packed with flavorful veggie filling, perfectly crisped. Pin it
Golden baked vegan taquitos packed with flavorful veggie filling, perfectly crisped. | tasteofmoms.com

After making batch after batch, I've figured out that amazing taquitos depend on both how the filling comes together and how you prep the tortillas.

Step-By-Step Guide

Nail The Filling:
Cook potatoes until soft but not mushy. Mash them while they're hot, keeping some chunks. Cook your veggies until carrots just get tender. Add seasoning bit by bit, tasting as you go. Let everything cool a little before you start rolling.
Get Tortillas Ready:
Heat tortillas in a pan until they're flexible. Keep them covered in a towel to stay warm. Work with just one at a time. Don't stuff them too much - about 2-3 tablespoons works best.
Roll Them Right:
Put your filling in a line off to one side. Keep it packed tight and even. Roll the tortilla around it snugly. Stick a toothpick in if needed. Put them down with the seam underneath.
Make Them Crispy:
Lightly coat with oil. Spread them out on your baking tray. Turn the pan around halfway through cooking. Watch them closely at the end. Let them sit for 5 minutes before eating.

My first try at vegan taquitos was awful - soggy filling and broken tortillas everywhere. Now that I've got the method down, I whip these up every week for quick meals.

Getting The Heat Right

For truly crunchy taquitos, you need steady heat. Always preheat your oven or air fryer first. I've learned that 400°F in a regular oven or 350°F in an air fryer gives that perfect crunch without burning the edges.

Prep In Advance

You can make the filling up to three days early. You can even roll them up and stick them in the freezer uncooked - just cook them a bit longer when you bake them straight from frozen.

Ways To Serve

Put together a DIY taquito station with different dips and extras. My favorite spread includes: Homemade guacamole, Hot red salsa, Vegan cashew cream, Tangy pickled red onions, Crisp shredded lettuce.

These taquitos have become my favorite thing to bring to gatherings. Even my friends who doubt vegan food always come back for more.

Wrapping Up

These vegan taquitos show that plant-based cooking can hit the spot just like traditional dishes. It's all about getting the textures and seasonings just right - that perfect mix of crispy outside and flavorful inside. Whether you don't eat animal products, or you're just trying to eat more plants, these taquitos give you all the satisfaction of the regular version while being better for our planet.

Simple plant-based taquitos, perfect for quick meals or party snacks. Pin it
Simple plant-based taquitos, perfect for quick meals or party snacks. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these ahead?
For sure! Pop them in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
→ Is air frying an option?
Yep, they crisp up beautifully in an air fryer as well!
→ What tortillas should I use?
Warmed corn or flour tortillas work great, or go gluten-free if needed!
→ Can I change the filling?
Absolutely! Swap potatoes with beans or vegan meat crumbles if you’d like.
→ How do I prevent corn tortillas from cracking?
Warm them in a skillet or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave briefly before rolling.

Crispy Vegan Taquitos

Golden baked tortilla rolls stuffed with well-seasoned potatoes, veggies, and vegan cheese—classic taste with a lighter twist.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 10 Servings (10 taquitos)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Vegetables

01 Half of a large onion, diced
02 2 medium-sized potatoes (400 g), peeled and cubed
03 1 medium carrot (140 g), finely chopped or shredded
04 1 cup (180 g) peas—use canned (drained) or frozen
05 3 minced garlic cloves

→ Seasonings

06 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
07 1 tsp onion powder
08 3/4 to 1 tsp sea salt, adjust to your liking
09 1 tsp curry powder
10 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
11 1/2 tsp ground cumin
12 Black pepper to your liking
13 Red chili flakes as desired

→ Additional Ingredients

14 8-10 tortillas, medium or small
15 1/2 tbsp cooking oil
16 5 oz (140 g) vegan cheese, use whichever you like best
17 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable stock
18 Optional taco seasoning for garnishing

Instructions

Step 01

Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them in salty water for about 12-15 minutes—until soft. After draining, mash them up. You can stir in a small splash of plant-based milk if you'd like them creamier. Set aside for now.

Step 02

In a heated skillet with oil, cook the onion over medium heat for around 3 minutes. Toss in the garlic, grated carrot, and spices. Stir and let them cook together for another minute.

Step 03

Pour the veggie stock along with the peas into the pan and cover it up. Let it heat until the carrots soften. If you're using frozen peas, make sure they're fully thawed. If they're canned, rinse and drain before adding them later on.

Step 04

Mash the cooked potatoes into the veggie mix, then add your vegan cheese. Use a masher or fork to stir everything until it's nicely combined. Give it a taste and tweak the seasonings, if needed.

Step 05

Turn the oven on to 410°F (210°C) and get a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto each tortilla, roll them tight, and lay them seam-side down on the sheet.

Step 06

Brush the tops with oil, sprinkle taco seasoning if you'd like, and bake for 17-20 minutes until they're crispy and golden. If you want them extra crunchy, pop them under the broiler briefly. Enjoy warm with any toppings you like.

Notes

  1. Swap in gluten-free tortillas to make these gluten-friendly
  2. Store in the fridge for 3 days or freeze up to 2 months
  3. Air fryer works well if you want a quicker method

Tools You'll Need

  • Pot for boiling
  • Tool for mashing, like a masher or fork
  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Oven-safe baking tray
  • Parchment to line the tray