These crunchy little delights are our new fave for snack time - crispy rolled tortillas known as taquitos, typically filled with cheese and seasoned chicken, a popular Mexican street food. We've got crispy exteriors and delicious fillings without the hassle of frying.
Who knew an air fryer could turn us into taquito-making pros?
We love whipping these up for a quick bite during movie marathons or game nights. Plus, they're great for mixing and matching with different sauces.
Feeling adventurous? Try stuffing them with your leftover taco meat for an extra tasty twist.
Trust us, these taquitos will become your go-to snack. Let's get frying!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Taquitos
Gather these simple ingredients to make your taquitos a hit:
- Shredded Chicken: Cooked and seasoned, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Tortillas: Corn or flour, depending on your preference.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded, for that melty, cheesy goodness.
- Salsa: Add a bit of zest to the filling.
- Cream Cheese: For a creamy texture.
- Cumin & Chili Powder: To spice things up.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Cooking Spray: For that golden crispiness.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Taquitos
- Warm Your Tortillas: Heating them up makes them easier to roll; heat each tortilla about 10-15 seconds in the microwave or warm briefly in a skillet to improve pliability.
- Don't Overfill: Less is more to keep them from falling apart; aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla to avoid bursting.
- Roll Tightly: Secure the filling inside for even cooking; for another easy air-fryer snack try easy air fryer chicken wings.
Variations and Add-Ons
Make your taquitos unique with these fun ideas; pair them with moist cornbread variations for a comforting side, such as a buttermilk cornbread with a tender, slightly tangy crumb.
- Loaded Taquitos: Add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the filling.
- Spicy Taquitos: Include jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Taquitos: Swap out chicken for a mix of sautéed veggies or beans; sauté the vegetables about 5-7 minutes until softened for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Kick things up a notch with these serving ideas:
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Guacamole, sour cream, or spicy salsa.
- Make a Taquito Platter: Pair with Mexican street corn, pico de gallo, and other festive sides - Mexican street corn (elote) is charred corn tossed with mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder for bright, savory flavor.
- Taquito Salad: Top a fresh salad with warm taquitos and a drizzle of ranch dressing, for a crunchy, creamy contrast.
Easy Air Fryer Taquitos
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Microwave or Skillet (for warming tortillas)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Tongs
- Plate
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 8 small tortillas corn or flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, salsa, cream cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave or skillet to make them pliable.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Arrange the rolled taquitos in the air fryer basket, not overcrowding them.
- Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary based on air fryer model.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep taquitos from unrolling during cooking.
Nutrition
Crispy French fries made in an air fryer get golden edges with a single layer and a 375-400°F roast for 18-22 minutes; see crispy fries for air fryer beginners for timing and oil tips. Tuna steaks cook quickly at high heat-about 6-8 minutes at 400°F for medium-rare-read easy air fryer tuna steak method for searing and doneness guidance.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
