Name: Air Fryer Taquitos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 10 small corn or flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or beef); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); 1/2 cup salsa or enchilada sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Olive oil or cooking spray; Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños

I love making air fryer taquitos because they’re quick, crispy, and packed with flavor without all the oil from deep frying. Whether you’re craving a snack, an easy appetizer, or a fun dinner, these taquitos come together in minutes and are always a crowd-pleaser. The air fryer ensures they get golden and crunchy while keeping the inside filling warm and delicious.

One of the best things about homemade taquitos is how customizable they are. You can fill them with seasoned shredded chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian option like beans and cheese. With a drizzle of sour cream, fresh toppings, and your favorite dipping sauce, they taste just as good—if not better—than restaurant versions.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Taquitos Recipe

Crispy perfection – The air fryer gives these taquitos the perfect crunch without the extra grease.
Fast and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Customizable fillings – Choose your favorite proteins, cheeses, or even go vegetarian.
Healthier alternative – Enjoy the crispiness of fried taquitos with much less oil.
Kid-friendly – A fun and tasty meal that even picky eaters will love.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

When making air fryer taquitos, you can use either corn or flour tortillas, but they each bring a slightly different texture. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice, offering an authentic flavor and a satisfying crunch. However, they can be delicate and prone to cracking if not softened first. Flour tortillas, on the other hand, are softer and easier to roll, giving you a slightly chewier texture. If you prefer extra crispiness, opt for corn tortillas; if you want a softer bite, go with flour.

To prevent cracking, warm corn tortillas before rolling—just a few seconds in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel will do the trick!

Options for Substitutions

Protein choices: Swap shredded chicken for ground beef, shredded pork, or even a plant-based alternative like black beans and sweet potatoes.
Cheese options: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco depending on your flavor preference.
Tortillas: If you’re gluten-free, choose corn tortillas or a gluten-free flour alternative.
Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Spice level: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat, or keep it mild for a family-friendly version.
Low-carb alternative: Try using low-carb tortillas to make a lighter version of taquitos.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Taquitos

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect crispy and flavorful taquitos. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tortillas – The base of the taquitos; use corn for a crispy texture or flour for a softer bite.
Shredded Chicken (or Beef) – Provides a flavorful and hearty filling. You can also use shredded pork or a vegetarian option like black beans.
Cheese – Melts inside the taquito for a gooey, delicious bite. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work great.
Seasonings – A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt enhances the filling with bold flavor.
Salsa or Enchilada Sauce – Adds moisture and extra flavor to the filling.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray – Lightly coats the taquitos to help them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Toppings (Optional but Recommended) – Sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro take these taquitos to the next level.

These simple ingredients come together to create a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful snack or meal in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken (or chosen protein) with cheese, seasonings, and salsa or enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until well coated and evenly mixed. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

If using corn tortillas, warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. This makes them more flexible and prevents cracking when rolling. Flour tortillas are naturally softer and usually don’t need warming.

Step 3: Roll the Taquitos

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Tightly roll up each tortilla and place it seam-side down on a plate or tray. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.

Step 4: Spray or Brush with Oil

Lightly spray or brush each taquito with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without deep frying.

Step 5: Air Fry Until Crispy

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange the taquitos in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Add Toppings & Serve

Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauces. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

How Long to Cook Air Fryer Taquitos

Air fryer taquitos cook quickly, making them perfect for a fast meal or snack. Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispiness. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and how full your basket is, so keep an eye on them. They’re ready when they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Taquitos

Don’t overfill the tortillas – Too much filling can cause them to burst open while cooking. Stick to about 2 tablespoons per taquito.
Tightly roll them – A loose roll may unravel during air frying. Placing them seam-side down helps keep them secure.
Warm corn tortillas first – This prevents cracking when rolling. A quick microwave heat wrapped in a damp paper towel works best.
Use oil for crispiness – A light spray or brush of oil ensures a golden, crispy texture without making them greasy.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Arrange taquitos in a single layer with space between them for even cooking.
Flip halfway through – This helps them brown evenly on all sides.
Customize your fillings – Experiment with different meats, cheeses, or even vegetarian options like beans and sweet potatoes.

These simple tips guarantee that every batch of air fryer taquitos turns out perfectly crispy and full of flavor!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though air fryer taquitos are easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Overfilling the tortillas – Too much filling can cause them to burst open while cooking, making a mess in your air fryer.
Not warming corn tortillas – Corn tortillas can crack if not softened before rolling. A quick microwave heat prevents this.
Skipping the oil – A light spray of oil helps achieve that perfect golden crisp. Without it, they may turn out dry.
Overcrowding the air fryer – If the taquitos are too close together, they won’t cook evenly. Leave space for airflow.
Not flipping them – Flipping halfway through ensures both sides get crispy instead of just one.
Using too much cheese – While cheese is delicious, excessive amounts can melt out and burn in the air fryer.
Rolling too loosely – Loose taquitos may unroll during cooking, so make sure they are tightly wrapped and placed seam-side down.
Cooking at the wrong temperature – Too low, and they’ll turn out soggy; too high, and they might burn before getting crispy. Stick to 380°F (190°C) for the best results.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Taquitos?

Taquitos are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and toppings makes them even better!

1. Guacamole

Creamy, fresh guacamole adds a cool contrast to the crispy taquitos.

2. Salsa

Serve with pico de gallo, salsa verde, or a spicy homemade salsa for an extra kick.

3. Sour Cream or Mexican Crema

A drizzle of sour cream or crema balances the spice and adds a creamy texture.

4. Mexican Rice

A classic side that makes taquitos a complete meal.

5. Refried Beans

A protein-packed option that pairs well with the crispy tortillas.

6. Shredded Lettuce & Tomatoes

A fresh, crunchy topping that adds extra texture and flavor.

7. Jalapeño Slices

For those who love heat, add fresh or pickled jalapeños.

8. Queso Dip

Dip your taquitos in a warm, melty queso for the ultimate indulgence.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover air fryer taquitos, you can store them easily for later!

Refrigerator: Place cooled taquitos in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: To freeze, arrange the taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until crispy again. You can also bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or microwave for a softer texture.

Estimated Nutrition

The nutrition for air fryer taquitos varies depending on the filling and tortilla type, but here’s a general estimate per taquito:

Calories: ~180-220
Protein: ~12g
Carbohydrates: ~18g
Fat: ~8g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~300mg

Using lean meats, low-fat cheese, or whole wheat tortillas can make them even healthier while keeping them delicious and crispy!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes! You can roll and assemble the taquitos ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. If freezing, follow the freezing instructions and cook directly from frozen.

2. Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake the taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

3. Why are my corn tortillas cracking?

Corn tortillas tend to crack if they’re not warmed before rolling. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften them.

4. What’s the best cheese to use?

A Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco all work great. Use what you have on hand!

5. Can I make these taquitos vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the meat for black beans, refried beans, sautéed mushrooms, or mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious vegetarian version.

6. How do I keep my taquitos from unrolling?

Roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the air fryer. If needed, you can secure them with toothpicks (just remove them before serving).

7. Do I need oil for air fryer taquitos?

A light spray of cooking oil helps crisp them up, but they’ll still cook well without it. For extra crunch, don’t skip this step!

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches so the air fryer isn’t overcrowded. Overlapping taquitos won’t crisp up properly.

Conclusion

Air fryer taquitos are the perfect quick, crispy, and flavorful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or a simple weeknight dinner, they’re always a hit! Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with your friends and family, and let me know how you customize your taquitos! Enjoy!