Easy Air Fryer Taquitos – Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Golden, crispy Air Fryer taquitos made effortlessly in minutes without added fat and oils – a delicious twist on a classic Chicken Taquitos Recipe.

These little bites of joy are a crispy, golden delight filled with your choice of mouthwatering ingredients. With the magic of air frying, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of crunch and tenderness, all without the guilt of deep frying.

I promise these Air Fryer Taquitos will leave your family begging for them again and again. Since they are freezer-friendly, you can prepare a double batch to freeze for quick weeknight dinners or game day snacks!

Say adiós to the hassle of frying and hola to the tastiest, healthiest taquitos you’ve ever had!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Taquitos

In combination, these ingredients create a flavorful and well-rounded chicken taquito filling. They work together to balance the savory, spicy, tangy, and cheesy elements, resulting in delicious and satisfying air fryer taquitos that are perfect for snacking or as a meal.

• Shredded Chicken: Shredded chicken is the primary protein in chicken taquitos. It provides a meaty and savory element, making the taquitos hearty and satisfying.
• Onion: Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the filling. They also contribute texture and aroma to the dish when sautéed.
• Garlic: Garlic enhances the overall savory profile and provides depth of flavor. It’s a classic aromatic in many Mexican dishes.
• Chile Powder: Chile powder adds heat and smokiness to the filling. The level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit your preference, making the taquitos as mild or as spicy as you like.
• Cumin: Cumin is a common spice used in Mexican cuisine. It imparts a warm, earthy flavor and complements the other spices and ingredients in the filling.
• Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. It balances the dish’s overall taste.
• Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce adds moisture and a hint of tangy sweetness to the filling. It also helps bind the ingredients together.
• Lime: Lime provides a zesty and citrusy kick to brighten up the flavors in the filling. It adds a refreshing element that pairs well with the other savory components.
• Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese offers a creamy and cheesy goodness to the filling. It provides a rich and indulgent flavor while helping hold the taquitos together as they melt.
• Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas serve as the outer shell of the taquitos. They provide the necessary structure and a slightly nutty, corn flavor that complements the filling. Corn tortillas also become wonderfully crispy when air fried, adding a pleasing contrast in texture.

How to Make Air Fryer Taquitos

These air fryer taquitos make a great lunch or quick snack, but they are also a great crowd-pleaser for game day or served with Mexican rice, refried beans, and salad for dinner.

1. Prepare the chicken mixture in a large skillet. Add the spices and tomato sauce and stir to combine. (Option 2: If you prefer, start with my Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe).
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Spoon 2 Tablespoons of filling mixture down the middle of the tortilla shell and roll it up as tightly as you can.
4. Secure it with a toothpick straight through, top to bottom through the flaps.
5. Air-fry them in batches until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from air fryer and remove toothpicks.
7. Serve warm on a platter with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and salsa. Hot sauce is optional!

Why this Recipe Works

1. Efficiency: The use of an air fryer ensures that the taquitos cook evenly and become perfectly crispy without the need for excessive oil or deep frying. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
2. Speed: Air frying is faster than traditional oven baking, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknight dinners or impromptu snack cravings. The quick cooking time ensures you have hot, delicious taquitos on the table in no time.
3. Healthier Choice: By air frying instead of deep frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil used in the cooking process. This makes the taquitos a healthier option without compromising on flavor or texture.
4. Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re serving these taquitos as a snack for a game night or as a meal at a family gathering, they are sure to be a hit. The combination of crunchy texture and delicious fillings makes them appealing to a wide range of palates.

Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks

1. Choose the Right Tortillas: Use fresh, pliable tortillas that are less likely to crack when rolled. You can warm them slightly in the microwave or on a griddle to make them more flexible.
2. Filling Distribution: When adding your filling, make sure it’s evenly distributed along the length of the tortilla. This ensures that each taquito has a balanced combination of flavors.
3. Use Toothpicks: If your taquitos tend to unroll during cooking, secure them with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving!
4. Oil Spray: Lightly spray or brush the taquitos with a small amount of cooking oil before air frying. This helps enhance their crispiness and color.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before placing the taquitos inside. This ensures that they start cooking immediately, resulting in a more even texture.
6. Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leaving some space between taquitos allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. You might need to cook them in batches.
7. Rotate or Flip: Halfway through the cooking time, consider flipping or rotating the taquitos to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.

Recipe Variations

• Shredded Brisket Taquitos: Fill tortillas with cooked and shredded brisket, a blend of shredded cheeses (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend), and a dash of Sweet BBQ Rub and your favorite tangy BBQ Sauce. Roll them up and air fry until crispy.
• Beef and Bean Taquitos: Brown ground beef with onions and garlic, then mix in refried beans, chili powder, and cumin. Spoon this mixture onto tortillas, roll them up, and air fry until golden. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of queso sauce.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Taquitos: Combine mashed black beans with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and corn. Add a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder for flavor. Roll the mixture into tortillas and air fry until crispy. Serve with guacamole and salsa

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer taquitos are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions and preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taquito experience:

1. Dipping Sauces: Provide an array of dipping sauces for added flavor. Classic choices include pico de Gallo fresh salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a zesty ranch dressing. You can also offer unique options like chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or a cilantro-lime crema.
2. Sliced Avocado: Garnish your taquitos with slices of ripe avocado or a scoop of fresh guacamole for a creamy and nutritious accompaniment.
3. Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat, provide pickled jalapeño slices as a condiment.
4. Mexican Rice: Serve your taquitos with a side of Mexican rice (like Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice) for a complete and satisfying meal.
5. Refried Beans: A scoop of warm, creamy refried beans on the side can complement the taquitos beautifully.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions for Air Fryer Taquitos

Storing Cooked Taquitos:

1. Allow the cooked taquitos to cool to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the storage container.
2. Place the taquitos in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
3. Refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Taquitos:

If you want to freeze taquitos for longer storage:

1. Allow the cooked taquitos to cool to room temperature.
2. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper [paid link], making sure they are not touching each other.
3. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours or until the taquitos are partially frozen. This step prevents them from sticking together when stored.
4. Transfer the partially frozen taquitos to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a resealable freezer bag.
5. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
6. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Taquitos:

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated taquitos:

For Frozen Taquitos:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
3. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
4. Check one taquito for doneness before removing the rest.

For Refrigerated Taquitos:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the refrigerated taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
3. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
4. Check one taquito for doneness before removing the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for taquitos? Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Corn tortillas will give your taquitos a different flavor and texture compared to flour tortillas. Just make sure to warm them slightly to prevent cracking when rolling.

2. Can I make taquitos ahead of time and reheat them for a party? Absolutely! Taquitos can be made ahead of time and reheated before your party. Follow the freezing and reheating instructions mentioned earlier for best results.

3. What’s the best way to prevent taquitos from unraveling during cooking? To prevent taquitos from unraveling, you can secure them with toothpicks before air frying. Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.

4. Can I make gluten-free taquitos? Yes, you can make gluten-free taquitos by using gluten-free tortillas. Ensure that all your filling ingredients are also gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.

5. Are there low-carb options for taquitos? Yes, you can make low-carb taquitos using low-carb or keto-friendly tortillas, such as almond flour or coconut flour tortillas. Fill them with low-carb ingredients like cauliflower rice, cheese, and lean proteins.

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

Remember, personal preferences play a role, so feel free to explore and discover your own favorite pairings!

Wine Pairings:

1. White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc: Its crisp acidity and herbal notes complement chicken or seafood taquitos.
   • Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay pairs well with creamy and cheesy taquitos.
2. Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon: The bold flavors of Cabernet can stand up to beef or spicy taquitos.
   • Pinot Noir: A lighter Pinot Noir is a versatile choice that works with a variety of taquitos, including mushrooms and spinach.
3. Rosé Wine: Rosé: A dry Rosé can balance the flavors of vegetarian or chicken taquitos and provide a refreshing contrast.

Cocktail Pairings:

1. Margarita: A classic choice, the tangy and citrusy Margarita pairs wonderfully with any type of taquitos.
2. Mojito: The minty freshness of a Mojito complements seafood or vegetarian taquitos, especially those with a hint of lime.
3. Paloma: This tequila-based cocktail with grapefruit soda is a zesty and refreshing match for chicken or pork taquitos.