Air-Fryer Taquitos

Air-Fryer Taquitos are a crispy, golden delight that deliver all the savory goodness of traditional taquitos without the extra oil from deep frying. Filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, beef, or beans, along with cheese and spices, these taquitos are tightly rolled in corn or flour tortillas and air-fried to perfection. The result is a crunchy exterior with a warm, melty, and savory filling. Served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, they’re the ultimate snack or quick meal.

I first made Air-Fryer Taquitos when I was craving something crispy and comforting but wanted a healthier alternative to fried foods. The air fryer made them perfectly crunchy without the mess of frying, and the filling options were endless. What I love most about this recipe is how simple and versatile it is—you can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like sautéed veggies, spicy chorizo, or even creamy avocado. They’re perfect for game day, a party appetizer, or a fun weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

Perfect for:

Game day snacks
Quick dinner options
Appetizers for parties
Busy weeknights
Mexican cuisine lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Air-Fryer Taquitos will become your go-to snack:

Crispy and Delicious: Achieve the perfect crispy texture without deep frying, thanks to the air fryer.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and just 10-15 minutes of cook time, these taquitos are a fast option for busy days.
Customizable Filling: You can choose from a variety of fillings like chicken, beef, or vegetarian options.
Healthier Option: Air frying cuts down on calories and oil while still delivering the satisfying crunch you love.
Perfectly Golden: These taquitos come out golden brown and crispy every time, thanks to the magic of air frying.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and store them for a quick meal or snack later.
Kid-Friendly: The crispy, cheesy filling makes these a big hit with children and adults alike.
Dip-Worthy: Serve with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a flavorful bite.
Finger Food Friendly: These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing and snacking on the go.
Less Mess: Air frying means no need for hot oil, reducing mess and cleanup time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 taquitos
Calories per serving: Approximately 130-150 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 14g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

For the Taquito Filling:

1 lb cooked chicken, shredded (or beef, or beans for a vegetarian version)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
¼ cup onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Taquitos:

12 small flour or corn tortillas
Olive oil spray

Optional Garnish:

Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges

Ingredient Highlights

Shredded Chicken: Provides a tender and flavorful base for the taquito filling.
Cheese: Adds the creamy richness that melts perfectly inside the crispy shell.
Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas both work well for rolling and crisping in the air fryer.
Spices: A blend of garlic, cumin, and chili powder gives the filling its authentic flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken (or other protein), cheese, onion, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Assemble the Taquitos:

Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to make them more pliable for rolling.
Fill the Tortillas: Place 2-3 tablespoons of the filling along the center of each tortilla.
Roll the Taquitos: Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly around the filling.

Cook the Taquitos:

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the taquitos seam side down in the basket, making sure they are not touching.
Air Fry: Air fry the taquitos at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning them halfway through for even cooking.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the taquitos from the air fryer and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Air-Fryer Taquitos:

With Salsa: Dip the taquitos in fresh salsa for a zesty flavor.
With Guacamole: Pair with creamy guacamole for a rich, satisfying bite.
As an Appetizer: Serve as a party appetizer alongside other Mexican favorites.
For Taco Tuesday: Add a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
With Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds extra creaminess.
As a Snack: Perfect for snacking any time of day, especially after school or work.
With Jalapeños: Serve with pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
For Game Day: A crowd-pleasing option for sports events or gatherings.
As a Quick Meal: Pair with a side salad for a fast, well-rounded dinner.
For Lunch Boxes: Pack them in lunchboxes for an easy-to-eat meal on the go.

Additional Tips

Use Parchment Paper: If your air fryer tends to stick, line the basket with parchment paper for easy removal.
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the taquitos are spaced out in the air fryer for even cooking and crispiness.
Use Corn or Flour Tortillas: Either works, but corn tortillas tend to crisp up a bit more.
Check for Doneness: If you prefer extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Avoid Overstuffing: Fill each tortilla moderately to ensure they cook evenly and roll up tightly.

Recipe Variations

Beef Taquitos: Use ground beef or shredded beef for a meaty filling.
Vegetarian Taquitos: Substitute the protein with black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans.
Spicy Taquitos: Add jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling for extra heat.
Cheese Taquitos: Omit the meat and make these all cheese for a cheesy, vegetarian treat.
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
Sweet and Savory: Add a little pineapple to the filling for a sweet, tropical flavor.
Beef Bacon Taquitos: Add crispy beef bacon bits to the filling for a smoky flavor.
Sautéed Veggie Taquitos: Use sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed option.
Tex-Mex Taquitos: Add a layer of beans, corn, or diced tomatoes for a Tex-Mex flair.

Special Equipment

Air Fryer: For crisping the taquitos to perfection.
Brush or Spray Bottle: To lightly coat the taquitos with oil for a golden finish.
Tongs: To turn the taquitos halfway through cooking for even crisping.
Microwave: To warm the tortillas before filling and rolling.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen taquitos?
Yes, you can cook frozen taquitos in the air fryer at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas work well, though they may break more easily when rolling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the taquitos and freeze them. Cook from frozen when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling?
Make sure to roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the air fryer.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use a plant-based protein and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
How do I reheat leftover taquitos?
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for the best results.
Can I make these spicier?
Yes, add more chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
What can I use instead of olive oil?
You can use cooking spray or avocado oil for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Air-Fryer Taquitos are a healthier, crispy take on the classic Mexican dish, offering all the flavor and crunch without the need for deep frying. These taquitos are made by filling corn or flour tortillas with a savory mixture of seasoned chicken, beef, or cheese, then rolling them tightly and air-frying until golden brown and crispy. The air fryer creates a perfect crispiness while keeping the inside tender and juicy, with just a light spritz of oil for that satisfying crunch.

To prepare, simply season your protein (usually shredded chicken, but beef or beans are great alternatives) with spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Roll the mixture inside tortillas and secure them with toothpicks or by tucking the ends in. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and let the air fryer work its magic! These taquitos are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or dinner, and they pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. You can even add extra toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, or fresh cilantro to take them up a notch.

I can’t wait to see how your Air-Fryer Taquitos turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!