When the craving for a crunchy snack strikes, nothing beats the delightful crunch of crispy air fryer taquitos. The first time I whipped these up, it was an impromptu decision after noticing a few ingredients languishing in my fridge, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden taquito, the savory filling bursting with flavor, while the air fryer delivers that just-right crispy texture without all the guilt of traditional frying.
These taquitos not only satisfy my hunger but also bring a spark of creativity to my kitchen routine. Whether you’re hosting friends for game day or simply indulging in a cozy night in, they are versatile enough to be filled with whatever your heart desires—chicken, cheese, veggies, or even leftovers! Best of all, they come together in a flash, making them the ideal dish for anyone looking to elevate their homemade food game.
Join me in creating this deliciously satisfying treat that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
- These crispy air fryer taquitos are incredibly easy to make, saving you time in the kitchen without compromising on flavor.
- The air fryer gives them a deliciously crunchy texture that’s hard to resist, making every bite a delight.
- Their versatility allows you to get creative with fillings, ensuring there’s a flavor for everyone to enjoy.
- Plus, they look amazing on a plate, making them a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos Ingredients
For the Filling
• Cooked chicken – shredded and seasoned chicken adds a savory punch to your taquitos.
• Cream cheese – provides creaminess that balances the spice in your filling.
• Taco seasoning – this blend brings authentic flavor; feel free to substitute with homemade mix!
• Shredded cheese – choose your favorite, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a melty goodness.
For the Taquito Wraps
• Tortillas – use flour or corn; flour will give a softer texture while corn adds that classic bite.
• Cooking spray – for achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior without the extra oil.
For Serving
• Salsa – a fresh and zesty dip that pairs perfectly with your air fryer taquitos.
• Guacamole – its creamy richness complements the crunch of the taquitos beautifully.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
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Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream cheese, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese. Mix until well blended, ensuring the flavors mingle beautifully.
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Assemble the Taquitos: Take a tortilla and add a generous spoonful of the filling along one edge. Roll it up tightly, then secure with a toothpick if needed. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve that lovely golden crunch.
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Spray and Cook: Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray for that perfect crispy exterior. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown.
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Serve with Dips: Remove the taquitos carefully from the air fryer. Serve with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole for a delightful dipping experience.
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor a crunchy snack even on the busiest days! You can prepare the filling (shredded chicken, cream cheese, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese) up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to lock in flavor. You can also roll the taquitos ahead of time, wrapping them tightly and refrigerating them for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, simply preheat the air fryer and cook as directed, ensuring they’re crispy and golden. This way, you get that delightful crunch with minimal effort, saving time while enjoying your homemade treat!
What to Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos?
Elevate your taquito experience with these delightful pairings that complement their crunchy, savory goodness.
- Refreshing Salsa: A classic companion, fresh salsa offers zesty flavors that enhance each taquito bite.
- Creamy Guacamole: This rich and smooth dip provides a luscious contrast to the crispy texture, making every mouthful divine.
- Spicy Mexican Rice: Fluffy and flavorful, the rice rounds out your meal with a comforting and hearty touch.
- Crisp Garden Salad: A light salad filled with vibrant greens and veggies adds freshness, offsetting the richness of the taquitos beautifully.
- Cheesy Queso Dip: Perfect for dipping, this warm, gooey cheese dip pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the taquitos.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds a burst of brightness that lifts all the flavors, enhancing the overall dish.
- Chilled Mexican Beer: Opt for a light lager or a refreshing cerveza that complements the lively spices in your taquitos.
- Margaritas: Enjoy a fruity margarita for a festive feel that matches the fun of flavor-packed taquitos.
- Chocolate Flan: For dessert, this silky-smooth flan brings a touch of elegance and sweetness to round out your meal.
Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your taquitos with these delightful twists!
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Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for a medley of sautéed black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a hearty, plant-based filling.
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for an extra layer of heat that will ignite your taste buds.
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Cheesy Delight: Incorporate cream cheese and shredded cheddar or pepper jack for an enriched, gooey texture that takes your taquitos over the top.
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Sweet Twist: Use a mix of sweet potatoes and spices instead of meat, creating a sweet-savory contrast that surprises and delights in every bite.
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Tex-Mex Crunch: Mix diced tomatoes, olives, and taco seasoning into your filling for a flavor-packed explosion that’s both savory and fresh.
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Breakfast Style: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and sautéed onions for a breakfast taquito that’s perfect for morning gatherings or weekend brunch.
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Loaded Toppings: After air frying, top your taquitos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or spicy mayo for a loaded crunch that bursts with flavor.
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Different Tortillas: Experiment with whole wheat or spinach tortillas to add a wholesome touch, enhancing both flavor and nutrition in each delightful crunch.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
Room Temperature: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container, and enjoy them within 2 hours to prevent any food safety issues.
Fridge: Refrigerate taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to retain their crunch.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked taquitos tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fry time.
Reheating: To reheat leftover crispy air fryer taquitos, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring they regain their delightful crunch!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos, ensure your tortillas are at room temperature to prevent them from cracking while rolling.
- Avoid overfilling the taquitos; too much filling can make them difficult to roll and lead to breakage during cooking.
- When preheating the air fryer, give it a full 5 minutes to ensure a consistent cooking temperature for that perfect crunch.
- Be sure to flip the taquitos halfway through cooking to achieve an even golden brown on all sides for maximum crispiness.
Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos Recipe FAQs
What type of tortillas should I use for taquitos?
Absolutely! You can use either flour or corn tortillas. Flour tortillas will give you a softer texture, while corn tortillas offer that classic bite. I often choose corn for an authentic Mexican flavor, but the choice is yours!
How long can I store leftover crispy air fryer taquitos?
For best flavor and texture, refrigerate any leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispy goodness; I recommend setting it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Can I freeze uncooked taquitos?
Yes, you can! To freeze uncooked crispy air fryer taquitos, tightly wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you are ready to cook them, place them directly into the air fryer from frozen, allowing a few extra minutes for cooking.
What if my taquitos are falling apart while rolling?
Very! If your tortillas crack while rolling, they might be too cold. Warming them briefly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) or a pan can make them more pliable. Remember not to overstuff them; a generous spoonful of filling is perfect to keep them intact!
Are there any dietary considerations for making taquitos?
Definitely! If you or someone you’re serving has specific dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free tortillas or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. For those who are pet owners, avoid sharing any filling that might include onions or certain seasonings that are harmful to pets. Always check ingredient labels to be safe!
What can I serve with my crispy air fryer taquitos?
I often serve them with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole for dipping—these pair perfectly with the crunchiness of the taquitos! You can also add a side of refried beans or a light salad for a more substantial meal. The more the merrier, right?
Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream cheese, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Take a tortilla and add a generous spoonful of the filling along one edge. Roll it up tightly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the taquitos carefully from the air fryer and serve with fresh salsa and creamy guacamole.
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