Air-Fryer Taquitos

Introduction

Air-Fryer Taquitos are the perfect combination of crispy and flavorful, offering a quick and easy meal or snack with a deliciously satisfying crunch. Whether you choose to fill them with seasoned chicken, beef, or even vegetables, these taquitos deliver a warm, savory bite in every roll. They’re a versatile and fun dish that can be served as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or enjoyed for a cozy meal at home.

What I love most about making these taquitos is the ease and speed of the air fryer. The convenience of cooking them in a fraction of the time it would take to deep fry or bake them is truly a game-changer. I can remember making a batch on a busy weeknight—my family loved them so much, we ended up eating the entire tray! They were golden brown, perfectly crisp on the outside, and wonderfully tender on the inside.

One of the best parts about Air-Fryer Taquitos is how customizable they are. You can experiment with your favorite fillings and even switch up the level of spice to suit your taste. Add some shredded cheese, beans, or fresh cilantro for a unique twist. The air fryer’s crisping magic ensures every bite comes out perfectly browned with minimal oil, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

Once you try this recipe, I’m sure these Air-Fryer Taquitos will become a go-to for you too! They’re irresistibly delicious and so easy to prepare—ideal for busy days when you want something quick and tasty.

Perfect for:

A quick weeknight dinner
Party appetizers
Snack time or light meals
Dips like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Alternative: Made in the air fryer, so you get all the crunch without the extra oil.
Customizable: You can easily change up the fillings, add more spices, or switch up the meat.
Quick and Easy: Prep time is minimal, and they cook quickly in the air fryer.
Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer provides a crispy outer shell without deep frying.
Packed with Flavor: A great balance of savory flavors in every bite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Servings: 12 taquitos
Calories per Serving: Approximately 160–180 calories (per 2 taquitos)
Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Fat: 10g, Carbs: 12g

Ingredients

For the Filling:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
½ cup cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

12 small flour tortillas (corn tortillas can be used as a gluten-free alternative)
1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
Salsa or sour cream for dipping (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Shredded Chicken: A lean protein that provides filling texture and flavor.
Cream Cheese: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together for a creamy, smooth filling.
Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the taquitos a gooey, savory element.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powder create an authentic Mexican taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, lime juice (if using), and salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and the filling is creamy and evenly seasoned.

Roll the Taquitos:

Warm the Tortillas: If the tortillas are stiff, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable. This prevents them from cracking when rolling.
Assemble the Taquitos: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on a plate. Repeat until all the taquitos are assembled.

Cook the Taquitos:

Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Brush with Oil: Lightly spray or brush the taquitos with olive oil to ensure a crispy finish.
Cook the Taquitos: Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking, until the taquitos are golden and crispy.

Serve:

Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

How to Serve

As an Appetizer: Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping at parties or gatherings.
For Dinner: Pair with a side of Mexican rice or a light salad for a complete meal.
Toppings: Top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a more filling dish.
With a Side of Dips: Offer a variety of dips like ranch, spicy mayo, or a creamy cilantro dip for a fun flavor variety.

Additional Tips

Customizable Fillings: You can swap out the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or beans for a vegetarian version.
Crispier Taquitos: If you want extra crispy taquitos, lightly spritz them with more oil halfway through cooking.
Tortilla Alternatives: You can use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free or try corn tortillas for a more traditional taste.
Batch Cooking: If making large quantities, you can freeze the uncooked taquitos for later use. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then store in a zip-top bag until ready to air fry.
Reheating: To reheat leftover taquitos, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for that freshly crispy texture.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Taquitos: Create a plant-based version by swapping the chicken for black beans, sweet corn, and fresh spinach. You can also add some diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor. Season with taco seasoning and a bit of cumin and chili powder for a zesty kick. For an added crunch and texture, consider adding a sprinkle of tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips into the filling.
Cheesy Taquitos: For all the cheese lovers, double down on the cheese by mixing extra shredded cheese into the filling itself, or simply top each taquito with more cheese before baking or frying for that delicious cheesy finish. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mix of both creates a melty, gooey inside that pulls apart beautifully with every bite. You can also add a blend of cream cheese to the mixture for an ultra-creamy filling.
Spicy Taquitos: Bring the heat with some diced jalapeños or spicy salsa mixed into the chicken or vegetable filling. To really amp up the spice, add some hot sauce to the mixture or top each taquito with a spicy ranch dressing or chipotle mayo. If you love a bit of extra fire, try incorporating a few teaspoons of chili powder, cayenne, or crushed red pepper flakes into the mix.
Breakfast Taquitos: Switch up the filling for a hearty breakfast option! Scramble eggs with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a touch of cheese. To make them even more savory, add crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon. These make for a perfect morning snack or hearty brunch treat. You can also add hash browns into the filling for a breakfast burrito-style taquito that’s both comforting and filling. Top with some salsa or avocado for extra flair.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: To freeze uncooked taquitos, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Cook from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.
Storage: Leftover taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes for that crispy finish.

Special Equipment

Air Fryer: The key to achieving a crispy texture without deep frying.
Baking Sheet: Useful for pre-freezing taquitos before cooking them in batches in the air fryer.
Tongs or Fork: To easily flip the taquitos during the air frying process.

FAQ Section

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the taquitos, freeze them uncooked, and air fry them when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas will work, but they might be a little more fragile. Make sure to warm them before rolling to prevent cracking.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and crispiness, so it’s a good step to follow.
Can I use ground beef or other protein in the filling?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even beans for a meatless version.

Conclusion

Air-Fryer Taquitos are a crispy, savory snack or meal that’s quick and easy to make. With the convenience of an air fryer, these taquitos come out golden and crunchy while being much healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. Filled with a savory blend of chicken or beef, cheese, and spices, they deliver bold flavors that are sure to please everyone.

These taquitos are perfect for a weeknight dinner, an appetizer at parties, or even a fun snack for game day. Their crispy exterior and flavorful filling are ideal for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, adding an extra touch of zest to each bite.

Make a batch today, and watch them disappear! Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece on social media—tag me so I can join in celebrating your delicious creation. Enjoy every crunchy bite!