Air Fryer Taquitos Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer taquitos with this easy baking recipe. These crispy, golden-brown rolled tortillas filled with seasoned shredded chicken, beef, or beans require minimal oil while delivering maximum crunch. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing appetizers!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

8 mins

Serves:

12 taquitos

Ingredients

<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>

Equipment

<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>

Directions

<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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Taquitos Recipe?

Air Fryer Taquitos require corn tortillas, cooked shredded meat (chicken, beef, or pork), cheese, green chilis, onion, garlic, cilantro, and spices (cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper). Minimal oil is needed for brushing, plus optional toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

How to cook Air Fryer Taquitos Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Taquitos by first preparing a seasoned filling of shredded meat, cheese and spices. Warm corn tortillas until pliable, fill and roll them tightly, then brush with olive oil. Air fry at 200°C for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Serve with guacamole, salsa or sour cream for a healthier take on this Mexican favourite.

Can I make vegetarian taquitos in the air fryer?

Absolutely! For vegetarian air fryer taquitos, substitute the meat with black beans, refried beans, or a mixture of beans and corn. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives or a medley of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, peppers and onions for a flavourful filling that crisps beautifully.

Why are my corn tortillas breaking when I roll them?

Corn tortillas break when they're not properly warmed. Ensure they're thoroughly heated in the microwave with a damp paper towel for 30-45 seconds, or quickly passed over an open flame. Work with one tortilla at a time while keeping others covered to maintain moisture and flexibility.

How can I make these taquitos even crispier without deep frying?

For maximum crispiness, ensure tortillas are thoroughly dried after warming, brush all sides evenly with oil, and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Increasing cook time by 1-2 minutes can help, as can a light spritz of oil halfway through cooking. The drier your filling, the crispier your taquito will be.

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