Vegan Crunchwraps

Vegan Crunchwraps are the kind of meal you turn to when you want bold flavor, satisfying texture, and a plant-based twist on a comfort-food classic—all in one handheld bite. This version brings together smoky lentils, creamy queso, and crisp veggies wrapped in a golden tortilla that stays crunchy on the outside and irresistibly soft inside. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a group, this recipe delivers a fast, fun, and ultra-tasty dinner that doesn’t rely on complicated steps or specialty ingredients. It’s familiar, comforting, and crafted to make vegan cooking feel exciting and effortless.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Made with pantry staples and ready in under an hour.
  • Incredibly Satisfying: Smoky lentils + crunchy tostada + creamy toppings = the perfect texture combo.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Even non-vegans love these hearty, flavorful wraps.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice, swap toppings, or add your favorite veggies.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Lentil filling reheats beautifully and stays delicious.

What makes these Vegan Crunchwraps stand out? The technique: gently mashing the lentils creates a saucy, cohesive filling that mimics classic taco meat without losing texture. With layers of freshness, crunch, and creaminess, each bite feels like comfort food with a smart, wholesome twist—ideal for cozy nights, quick lunches, or impressing guests with something unexpectedly delicious.

Ingredients Needed

For the Lentil Filling

  • 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced for even sautéing
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, roughly chopped
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 2 1/2 cups cooked green lentils (from 1 cup dry) or canned, rinsed well
  • Splash of cold water, as needed for texture

For Assembling the Crunchwraps

  • 11 large flour tortillas (8 whole + 3 for cutouts)
  • Chipotle vegan queso, for drizzling
  • 8 crispy tostada shells
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • Vegetable oil, for pan-searing

How to Make Vegan Crunchwraps

Lentil Filling

Step 1:
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent—about 7 minutes. This step helps build the base flavor. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Mix in the chopped chipotle and tomato paste, pressing the paste into the pan to deepen its flavor and darken slightly (about 2 minutes). Sprinkle in the cumin and coriander, then season generously with salt.

Step 2:
Add the cooked lentils along with 1/4 cup cold water. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes, occasionally mashing some of the lentils to create a thicker, heartier texture. If the skillet becomes too dry, drizzle in an extra tablespoon of water. Cook until the mixture is heated through and no liquid remains.

Crunchwraps

Step 1:
From the 3 extra tortillas, cut out as many 2½-inch squares as possible. These will act as the “lid” to help seal each Crunchwrap.

Step 2:
Place a generous scoop of the warm lentil filling in the center of each of the 8 full tortillas, leaving enough room to fold the edges later. Drizzle with chipotle vegan queso. Top with a tostada shell, then spread a layer of guacamole on the tostada. Finish with shredded lettuce and the quartered cherry tomatoes.

Step 3:
Set one tortilla square over the toppings. Fold the edges of the large tortilla inward, forming neat pleats. Flip the Crunchwrap seam-side down immediately to hold the folds in place.

Step 4:
Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, place one Crunchwrap seam-side down and cook for about 3 minutes per side or until golden and crisp. Repeat for all remaining wraps.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving: Pair with salsa verde, extra vegan queso, or a squeeze of lime. Great with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
  • Storage: Store cooked Crunchwraps in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to revive crispness—avoid the microwave if possible, as it softens the tortilla.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Lentil filling can be made up to 4 days in advance.

Helpful Notes

  • Warm your tortillas before assembling to prevent tearing.
  • If you prefer less heat, use half a chipotle pepper or replace it with mild chili powder.
  • Add sautéed peppers, corn, or black beans for extra volume and texture.
  • Use gluten-free tortillas and tostadas if needed.
  • For a cheesier wrap, double the queso drizzle or add a vegan cheese slice before folding.
Vegan Crunchwraps

Vegan Crunchwraps

These Vegan Crunchwraps pack smoky lentils, crunchy tostadas, creamy queso, and fresh veggies into a perfectly crisp, golden tortilla. They’re satisfying, bold, and easy to customize—ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 crunchwraps
Course: Dinner, LUNCH
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, Vegan

Ingredients
  

Lentil Filling
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 2 1/2 cups cooked green lentils or canned, rinsed well
  • Splash of cold water, as needed
For Assembling the Crunchwraps
  • 11 large flour tortillas (8 whole + 3 for cutouts)
  • Chipotle vegan queso, for drizzling
  • 8 crispy tostada shells
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • Vegetable oil, for pan-searing

Method
 

  1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in chipotle and tomato paste, cooking until darkened, about 2 minutes. Add cumin, coriander, and salt.
  2. Add lentils and 1/4 cup cold water. Cook 5 minutes, mashing some lentils to thicken. Add more water if needed. Cook until heated through and no liquid remains.
  3. Cut several 2½-inch squares from the 3 extra tortillas for sealing the wraps.
  4. Fill each of the 8 whole tortillas with lentil mixture, queso, a tostada shell, guacamole, lettuce, and tomatoes.
  5. Place a tortilla square on top of the fillings, fold edges inward to pleat, then flip seam-side down.
  6. Heat oil in a skillet over medium. Cook each Crunchwrap seam-side down for 3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.

Notes

Warm tortillas before folding to prevent tearing. Adjust heat level by reducing chipotle or substituting chili powder. Use gluten-free tortillas and tostadas as needed.

Conclusion

These Vegan Crunchwraps are the kind of recipe that makes plant-based eating exciting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With smoky lentils, crunchy tostadas, and creamy toppings wrapped in a golden tortilla, each bite delivers comfort and bold flavor in a single, handheld package. They’re easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests—especially when you’re looking for a fun, customizable meal that everyone can enjoy.

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating—your feedback helps others discover it! And don’t forget to share your beautiful wraps on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram.
What variation will you try first? Spicier lentils? Extra veggies? A different sauce? Tell us below—I love seeing your creations!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of lentil?

Green or brown lentils work best because they hold their shape. Avoid red lentils—they become too soft and mushy.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use large gluten-free tortillas and gluten-free tostada shells. Warm the tortillas well before folding to avoid cracking.

Can I make the wraps ahead of time?

You can prepare the lentil filling in advance, but assemble and cook the Crunchwraps just before serving to keep them crisp.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Uncooked Crunchwraps freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then pan-sear until golden.

Why are my Crunchwraps falling apart?

Usually the tortilla wasn’t warm enough or you added too much filling. Heat the tortillas slightly and keep the center mound compact.