Taquitos in air fryer are a delightful and crispy take on the classic Mexican dish. These rolled tortillas filled with flavorful ingredients are transformed into golden, crunchy bites of deliciousness when cooked in the air fryer. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or cheese as your filling, the air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy exterior with a tender and savory center. With the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy homemade taquitos without the need for deep frying. Let's dive into this easy and satisfying recipe that will surely become a favorite for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.

How to make the Taquitos In Air Fryer

Making taquitos in the air fryer is a simple and straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare delicious taquitos:

Prepare the filling

Choose your desired filling for the taquitos, such as shredded chicken, beef, or cheese. Season the filling with your preferred spices, herbs, and seasonings to add flavor.

Warm the tortillas

To make the tortillas pliable and easier to roll, warm them slightly. You can either wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for a few seconds or heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side.

Assemble the taquitos

Take a warm tortilla and place a spoonful of the filling along one edge of the tortilla. Roll it tightly around the filling, making sure the seam is on the bottom. Repeat this step until all the tortillas are filled with the desired filling.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.

Coat the taquitos

Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil to help them achieve a crispy texture. This step is optional but recommended for better browning.

Air fry the taquitos

Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook the taquitos for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through the cooking process. This will help achieve a golden brown and crispy texture on all sides.

Serve and enjoy

Once the taquitos are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They make a great appetizer, snack, or even a main course when paired with sides like rice and beans.

Note:

Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the taquitos and the specific model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

With this simple method, you can enjoy crispy and flavorful taquitos right from your air fryer, making them a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried taquitos.

Recipe Variations for Air Fryer Taquitos

When it comes to making taquitos in the air fryer, there are plenty of recipe variations to exploreHere are a few ideas to spark your culinary creativity:

Vegetarian Taquitos

Fill the tortillas with a combination of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Add a sprinkle of cheese and your favorite seasonings for a tasty vegetarian option.

Seafood Taquitos

Use cooked shrimp or flaked fish as the filling, mixed with spices, herbs, and perhaps a touch of lime juice. Seafood taquitos offer a unique and delicious twist.

Breakfast Taquitos

Fill the tortillas with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese. These breakfast taquitos are perfect for a quick and satisfying morning meal.

BBQ Chicken Taquitos

Combine shredded cooked chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce and a touch of diced onions. The sweet and tangy flavors of barbecue chicken make for a mouthwatering filling.

Tex-Mex Taquitos

Embrace Tex-Mex flavors by filling the tortillas with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and cheese. Top them with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a fiesta in your mouth.

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Toss shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and a hint of ranch dressing. The spicy and tangy buffalo chicken filling adds a kick to your taquitos.

Feel free to customize these variations by adding your preferred spices, herbs, and additional ingredients to make the taquitos uniquely yours. Remember to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the specific filling ingredients and the size of your taquitos. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and combinations to discover your favorite air fryer taquito recipe!

Sauce Options for Taquitos in Air Fryer 

When serving taquitos made in the air fryer, the right sauce can elevate the flavors and provide a delicious dipping experience. Here are some sauce options that pair well with taquitos:
  1. Salsa: Traditional salsa, whether mild or spicy, is a classic choice that complements taquitos perfectly. You can use store-bought salsa or make your own using fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, and lime juice.
  2. Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful guacamole made from ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onions, and spices is a popular accompaniment for taquitos. Its coolness and richness balance the spiciness of the taquitos.
  3. Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy and tangy element to taquitos. It helps mellow down the heat and provides a cooling contrast to the crispy taquito shells.
  4. Chipotle Sauce: If you enjoy a smoky and spicy kick, chipotle sauce is an excellent choice. Its smoky flavor pairs well with the seasoned filling of taquitos, adding an extra layer of depth.
  5. Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing is a versatile option that goes well with various types of taquitos. Its cool and tangy flavor complements the crispy texture of the taquitos.
  6. Queso Dip: For a cheesy and indulgent experience, serve taquitos with a warm queso dip. This melted cheese dip adds richness and flavor to each bite.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Taquitos


To achieve perfectly cooked and delicious taquitos in the air fryer, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
  1. Properly heat the tortillas: Warm the tortillas before rolling them to make them pliable and prevent them from cracking. This will make the rolling process easier and help the taquitos hold their shape.
  2. Don't overfill the tortillas: Be mindful not to overstuff the tortillas with filling as it can make them difficult to roll and may cause the taquitos to burst open during cooking. Leave some space at the edges to ensure a secure seal.
  3. Brush or spray with oil: Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil before air frying. This will help them achieve a crispy texture and golden brown color.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking the taquitos. This ensures a consistent and even cooking temperature, resulting in crispy and evenly cooked taquitos.
  5. Avoid overcrowding the basket: Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space around them for proper air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and may affect the crispiness.
  6. Flip halfway through: Flip the taquitos halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
  7. Keep an eye on cooking time: Cooking time may vary based on the size and thickness of the taquitos and the specific model of your air fryer. Monitor the taquitos as they cook to prevent them from becoming overly browned or burnt.
  8. Serve immediately: Taquitos are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the air fryer. Serve them immediately to retain their crispy texture.

By following these expert tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful taquitos in the air fryer, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for you and your guests.

Benefits of Taquitos In Air Fryer

There are several benefits to making taquitos in an air fryer:
  • Healthier Option: Cooking taquitos in an air fryer requires significantly less oil compared to deep frying. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the taquitos, resulting in a crispy exterior without excessive oil absorption. This makes air-fried taquitos a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried ones.
  • Time-Saving: Air fryers are known for their quick cooking time. Taquitos cooked in an air fryer typically require less cooking time compared to traditional oven baking or deep frying methods. This makes it a convenient option for those who want a delicious snack or meal in a shorter amount of time.
  • Crispy Texture: The air fryer produces a crispy and golden exterior while maintaining a tender and flavorful filling. The hot circulating air ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides of the taquitos, resulting in a satisfying crunch with every bite.
  • Versatile Recipe: Taquitos are incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with various fillings and flavors. Whether you prefer classic chicken and cheese or want to explore vegetarian or seafood options, the air fryer provides a consistent and efficient cooking method for a wide range of taquito recipes.
  • Easy Cleanup: Air fryers are designed with easy cleanup in mind. Most air fryer baskets and trays have non-stick coatings, making them effortless to clean. Additionally, since air frying requires less oil, there is minimal grease and mess to deal with compared to traditional frying methods.
By utilizing an air fryer to make taquitos, you can enjoy a healthier, faster, and more convenient cooking experience while still achieving deliciously crispy and flavorful results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taquitos cooked in the air fryer offer a fantastic combination of convenience, flavor, and texture. With reduced oil usage and shorter cooking times, air-fried taquitos provide a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried ones. The air fryer ensures a crispy and golden exterior while keeping the filling tender and flavorful. It's a versatile cooking method that allows you to explore various fillings and experiment with different flavors. The easy cleanup adds to the appeal of making taquitos in the air fryer. So, whether you're hosting a gathering, craving a tasty snack, or looking for a quick and satisfying meal, the air fryer is a reliable tool to achieve perfectly cooked taquitos that will impress your taste buds.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for air fryer taquitos?
A1: Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for air fryer taquitos. However, corn tortillas may require a bit more care during the rolling process as they are more prone to cracking. You can warm them slightly before rolling to make them more pliable.

Q2: Can I freeze air fryer taquitos before cooking them?
A2: Yes, you can freeze air fryer taquitos before cooking them. After preparing the taquitos, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they are firm.Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, simply place the frozen taquitos in the air fryer and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q3: Can I make taquitos ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer?
A3: Yes, you can make taquitos ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer. After cooking the taquitos, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, place them in the air fryer and cook at a slightly lower temperature for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.

Q4: How do I prevent the taquitos from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A4: To prevent taquitos from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. These options create a non-stick surface and make it easier to remove the taquitos once they're cooked.

Q5: Can I make taquitos in a different flavor or cuisine?
A5: Absolutely! Taquitos can be customized to suit various flavors and cuisines. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, seasonings, and dipping sauces to create your desired flavor profile. Whether you prefer classic Mexican-inspired fillings or want to try out different cultural twists, the air fryer provides a versatile cooking method to bring your creative taquito ideas to life.