Air Fryer Taquitos Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">12 corn tortillas (15cm diameter)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">450g cooked shredded chicken (or cooked shredded beef/pork)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g grated cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60g diced green chilis</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon ground cumin</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon chili powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">½ teaspoon salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ teaspoon black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml olive oil for brushing</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For serving: guacamole, salsa, sour cream (optional)</li> </ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Tongs</li> </ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grated cheese, diced green chilis, finely diced onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This flavor-packed filling is the heart of your taquitos, so feel free to taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolling. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30-45 seconds, or heating them briefly in a dry skillet. Work with one tortilla at a time, keeping the rest covered with a towel to retain moisture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in a line along one side of each warmed tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, being careful not to overfill which could cause splitting during cooking. The tight roll ensures the filling stays inside during air frying and creates that perfect cylindrical shape. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Lightly brush each rolled taquito with olive oil using a pastry brush. This minimal amount of oil is what helps achieve that golden-brown color and crispy texture without deep frying. Make sure to coat all sides for even browning. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This creates a non-stick surface without adding excessive oil. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching. You'll likely need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, which is essential for achieving that perfect crispy exterior. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Air fry the taquitos at 200°C for 6-8 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through cooking time using tongs. Keep a close eye on them as they can go from perfectly golden to too dark quite quickly. They're done when the tortillas are crispy and golden brown all around. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Transfer the cooked taquitos to a serving plate and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the filling to settle and prevents burnt mouths! Serve with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> For make-ahead convenience, prepare extra taquitos but don't air fry them. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. When ready to eat, air fry frozen taquitos at 190°C for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. </li> </ol>