Air Fryer Taquitos recipe

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly crispy taquito. That crunch giving way to a warm, savory filling is pure comfort food bliss. For years, achieving that ideal texture at home meant dealing with the mess, smell, and unhealthy aspects of deep-frying. I avoided making them often, reserving them for restaurant treats. Then came the air fryer, and honestly, it changed the taquito game entirely! The first time I pulled a batch of these Air Fryer Taquitos from the basket, I was hooked. They were incredibly crispy, golden brown, and tasted exactly like the deep-fried version, but without the guilt or the greasy cleanup. My family devoured them, requesting them again the very next week. Now, making homemade taquitos is a quick, easy, and much healthier affair, perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a fun weeknight meal. They come together surprisingly fast, and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting, circulating hot air to create that addictive crunch we all crave.

Complete Ingredients Amount for Air Fryer Taquitos

This recipe makes approximately 12-15 taquitos, perfect for a snack or light meal for 3-4 people.

For the Filling (Chicken Tinga Inspired – Variations Below):

• Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, finely shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• Cream Cheese: 4 oz (½ block), softened (can substitute with vegan cream cheese)
• Salsa: ¼ cup (your favorite kind – mild, medium, or hot)
• Shredded Cheese: ½ cup (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend; use vegan shreds for dairy-free)
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Cumin Powder: ½ teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
• Onion Powder: ¼ teaspoon
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon (or to taste, depends on chicken/salsa saltiness)
• Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (for smoky heat)

For Assembling:

• Corn Tortillas: 12-15 (small, taco-sized – typically 6-inch)
• Cooking Oil Spray: Avocado oil, olive oil, or canola oil spray (essential for crisping in the air fryer) OR 1-2 tablespoons of oil for brushing

Common Filling Variations:

• Seasoned Ground Beef: Brown 1 lb ground beef with taco seasoning; drain fat before mixing with cheese/salsa.
• Black Bean & Corn (Vegetarian/Vegan): Mash 1 can (15 oz) black beans, mix with ½ cup corn, ½ cup salsa, spices, and optional vegan cheese/cream cheese.
• Shredded Beef: Use leftover cooked shredded beef (like barbacoa or pot roast).
• Potato & Chorizo: Mix cooked mashed potatoes with cooked crumbled chorizo and cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making crispy taquitos in the air fryer is straightforward. Follow these steps for delicious results:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, salsa, shredded cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If using, stir in the optional cilantro, lime juice, or chopped chipotle peppers. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the filling holds together. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
2. Warm the Tortillas: This step is crucial to prevent the corn tortillas from cracking when you roll them. Wrap a stack of 5-6 tortillas in damp paper towels. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until they are warm and pliable. Keep the remaining tortillas covered while you work. Alternatively, you can quickly warm them individually in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side.
3. Assemble the Taquitos: Lay a warmed tortilla flat on your work surface. Spoon about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the filling in a line near one edge of the tortilla. Don’t overfill, or they will be difficult to roll tightly and might burst open.
4. Roll Tightly: Carefully and tightly roll the tortilla up around the filling, starting from the filling side. Try to keep the roll as compact as possible. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat the warming and filling process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes, if your model requires preheating. Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
6. Oil the Taquitos: Arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket – cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding prevents the air from circulating properly, resulting in less crispy taquitos. Generously spray the tops and sides of the taquitos with the cooking oil spray. Alternatively, you can lightly brush them with oil using a pastry brush. The oil is key to achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior.
7. Air Fry: Place the basket into the air fryer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 12 minutes. Around the halfway mark (after 4-6 minutes), carefully flip the taquitos using tongs. Continue cooking until they are golden brown, crispy, and heated through. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and how full the basket is. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
8. Cook Remaining Batches: Remove the cooked taquitos from the air fryer basket and place them on a serving platter. If cooking in batches, repeat steps 6 and 7 with the remaining taquitos. You can keep the cooked taquitos warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while the other batches cook, if desired.
9. Serve: Serve the air fryer taquitos immediately while they are hot and crispy, accompanied by your favorite dips and toppings.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 12-15 taquitos. A typical serving size is 3-4 taquitos.
• Calories per Serving (3-4 taquitos): Approximately 280-400 kcal.

Important Considerations:

• These nutritional values are estimates. The actual calorie count and macronutrient breakdown will vary based on:
  • The specific ingredients used (type of chicken, cheese, salsa, tortillas).
  • The exact amount of filling per taquito.
  • The amount of oil spray used.
  • Serving size consumed.
  • Any dips or toppings added.
• Using leaner chicken, reduced-fat cheese or vegan cheese, and being mindful of oil spray can lower the calorie and fat content.
• These taquitos provide a good source of protein, especially when using chicken or beef filling.

Preparation and Cook Time

Knowing the time commitment helps you plan your cooking:

• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes (assuming chicken is already cooked and shredded; includes mixing filling and rolling taquitos)
• Cook Time: 8-12 minutes per batch in the air fryer. (If making 12-15 taquitos, likely 2 batches, so 16-24 minutes total cook time)
• Total Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes (depending on the number of batches needed)

This timeframe makes Air Fryer Taquitos a viable option for a relatively quick weeknight meal, appetizer, or snack.

How to Serve Your Air Fryer Taquitos

Taquitos are fantastic on their own, but serving them with the right accompaniments elevates the experience. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• Dip It Good: Dips are practically essential! Offer a variety:
  • Guacamole: Creamy, fresh avocado dip is a classic pairing.
  • Salsa: Restaurant-style salsa, pico de gallo, salsa verde, or corn salsa all work well.
  • Sour Cream or Crema: Cool and tangy, provides balance. Use dairy or vegan sour cream, or Mexican crema.
  • Queso Dip: Warm, melty cheese dip is always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Chipotle Ranch or Avocado Crema: Add a smoky or zesty twist to creamy dips.
• Top It Off: Add texture and freshness with toppings:
  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Chopped Fresh Cilantro
  • Crumbled Cotija Cheese (or vegan feta/parmesan)
  • Pickled Red Onions
  • Sliced Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Make it a Meal: Turn taquitos into a full meal with sides:
  • Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: A flavorful grain base.
  • Refried Beans or Black Beans: Classic and filling accompaniments.
  • Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a lime vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast.
  • Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites): A creamy, zesty corn salad.
• Presentation:
  • Arrange taquitos attractively on a platter.
  • Serve dips in small bowls alongside.
  • Garnish the platter with lime wedges and fresh cilantro sprigs.

Additional Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Taquitos

Unlock the full potential of your air fryer taquitos with these handy tips:

1. Master the Tortilla Warm-Up: Seriously, don’t skip warming the corn tortillas. Cold or dry tortillas will crack and break when you roll them. Wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave briefly, or warm them quickly in a skillet until they feel soft and pliable. Work with only a few at a time, keeping the rest covered.
2. Oil is Your Crispy Friend: While air frying uses significantly less oil than deep-frying, a light coating of oil is crucial for achieving that super crispy, golden-brown exterior that mimics deep-frying. Use a cooking oil spray (avocado, olive, canola) for even coverage, or lightly brush with oil. Don’t forget to spray/brush after placing them in the basket.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give your taquitos space! Air fryers work by circulating hot air rapidly around the food. If the basket is overcrowded, the air can’t flow properly, leading to uneven cooking and soggy spots instead of uniform crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary for the best results.
4. Get Creative with Fillings: The chicken tinga-inspired filling is just a starting point! Use leftover taco meat, seasoned ground beef, shredded barbacoa, pulled pork, or try vegetarian/vegan options like spicy black bean and corn, potato and poblano, or seasoned mashed sweet potato. Just ensure the filling isn’t too wet.
5. Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Taquitos are great for prepping ahead! Assemble them fully, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Transfer the frozen, un-fried taquitos to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can air fry them directly from frozen – just add 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time, spraying well with oil before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to common questions about making taquitos in the air fryer:

1. Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
   • A: Yes, you can use small flour tortillas (fajita size). They are generally more pliable and less likely to crack than corn tortillas, so warming might be less critical (though still helpful). However, the texture will be different. Air-fried flour tortillas tend to become a bit bubbly and slightly chewier rather than achieving the signature crispiness of corn taquitos. They are still delicious, just different!
2. Q: How do I store and reheat leftover air fryer taquitos?
   • A: Store leftover cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best results when reheating and restoring crispiness, use the air fryer! Reheat them at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Microwaving will make them soft.
3. Q: Can I make these taquitos completely oil-free?
   • A: You can, but they won’t get as golden brown or crispy, and they might be more prone to sticking to the air fryer basket (even if it’s non-stick). The texture will be drier. If you choose to go oil-free, ensure your basket is very clean and potentially use parchment paper liners designed for air fryers (with holes) if sticking is a major issue, though this can slightly impede airflow.
4. Q: My corn tortillas keep cracking when I roll them. What am I doing wrong?
   • A: This is almost always because the tortillas aren’t warm or moist enough. Ensure you are properly warming them using the damp paper towel microwave method or skillet method right before rolling. Don’t try to roll them cold or dry. Also, avoid overfilling the taquitos, as this puts stress on the tortilla. Roll tightly but gently.
5. Q: I don’t have an air fryer. Can I bake these in the oven?
   • A: Yes! While the air fryer excels at crispiness, you can bake taquitos. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Assemble the taquitos as directed. Brush them lightly with oil or spray them well. Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup). Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. They might not be quite as uniformly crisp as the air-fried version, but still delicious.

Enjoy your homemade, crispy, and easy Air Fryer Taquitos – a healthier way to indulge in a favorite Mexican-inspired treat!

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