Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
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This air fryer taquitos recipe is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal you can get on the table in minutes. Pair the taquitos with creamy guacamole, cool sour cream, or fluffy rice on the side, and you have a fun Mexican feast ready for any night of the week!
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Air Fryer Taquitos: Crunchy, Cheesy, and Simply Perfect
This air fryer taquito recipe is everything you want in a quick, delicious meal—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfect as a snack, party appetizer, or easy dinner, these taquitos are a versatile staple.
Traditionally deep-fried, taquitos get their crunch without the mess thanks to the air fryer. Filled with melty cheese or your choice of protein, they’re an easy way to satisfy cravings.
Every time I make these, they’re a hit. The best part? You can customize the fillings or sides to make them your own. I like mine with a little pepper jack for a kick, paired with guacamole on the side.
Why Make This Recipe For Air Fryer Taquitos
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a short cook time, these are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Fillings: Cheese, chicken, beans, or beef – use what you have on hand!
- Great Texture: The air fryer gives you that crunchy tortilla shell and keeps the inside wonderfully gooey.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will love these, from kids to adults. They even work for a party spread!
Ingredients + Tips for Air Fryer Taquitos
(Ingredients at a glance, find the full recipe in the printable card at the bottom of the post.)
- Corn Tortillas: Traditional and perfect for taquitos. If needed, flour tortillas can work, but the texture will be different.
- Cheese: Colby Jack works best for melting, but Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick. Monterey Jack or Cheddar are great options too.
- Olive Oil: A light brush of oil makes the tortillas crispy and golden in the air fryer.
- Optional Protein: Add cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or refried beans for a heartier version. Rotisserie chicken works brilliantly.
- Salsa: Use your favorite store-bought salsa or make your own! Red, green, or even smoky chipotle salsas all pair beautifully.
- Toppings: Guacamole, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime will take these taquitos to the next level.
How To Make Air Fryer Taquitos
1 Prep: Warm up five tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes.
2 Assemble: Place a generous amount of cheese on each tortilla and roll them up tightly. Place the five taquitos in an air fryer basket and brush the top of each taquito with olive oil.
3 Bake: Air-fry the taquitos for 8 minutes at 390°F, and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
Serve with salsa, your other favorite fixings, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Warm the Tortillas: Heating them in the microwave for 30 seconds makes them pliable and helps prevent cracking.
- Roll Them Tight: Keep the filling snug inside and place the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer to hold their shape.
- Lightly Oil Them: Brushing the tops with olive oil gives you that classic crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches to allow air to circulate freely, ensuring even crispness.
Variations
- Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, or chipotle sauce to the filling.
- Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, or even shrimp for a protein-packed bite.
- Try smoked gouda, queso blanco, or even feta for unique flavors.
- Pair your taquitos with tangy tomatillo salsa, creamy jalapeño ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigerate: Store cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze them for up to 2 months by wrapping them individually or placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheat: Use the microwave (30 seconds to 1 minute) or pop them back in the air fryer for ultimate crispiness (2 minutes from the fridge, 5 from the freezer).
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
You can use flour tortillas, but they won’t quite have the same traditional taste and texture as corn tortillas do in a taquito. The flavor profile will be a bit different.
Can I add other fillings?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken, black beans, or refried beans make for delicious additions.
How do I stop my tortillas from cracking?
Warm them up in the microwave for 30 seconds before rolling. While this helps prevent most cracking, minor splits are totally okay!
Can I cook these taquitos in the oven?
Yes! Place them on a greased baking sheet, spray the taquitos with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through.
What’s the best way to reheat these taquitos?
For the best crispiness, reheat them in an air fryer. Two minutes for refrigerated taquitos, and five minutes for frozen ones.
Looking for other air fryer recipes? I’ve got you covered:
- Air Fryer Pork Ribs
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Berry Crisp
Did You Make These Air Fryer Taquitos?
Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or a review in the comments section below. If you share an image on Instagram or Facebook, be sure to tag me and use #scatteredmomrecipes!
Print
Air Fryer Taquitos
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 15 taquitos 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: air fryer
Description
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Taquitos are the perfect flavorful meal you can put together in minutes.
Ingredients
- 15 corn tortillas
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- salsa
- optional: additional protein, such as chicken, beef, or refried beans
- Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos
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Instructions
- Warm up five tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds. This helps prevent them from cracking when you roll them up.
- Place a generous amount of cheese on each tortilla and roll them up tightly.
- Preheat your air fryer for five minutes at 390 degrees. Place the five taquitos in an air fryer basket and brush the top of each taquito with olive oil.
- Air fry the taquitos for eight minutes at 390°F and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve with salsa, your other favorite fixings, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 286
- Fat: 17
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Protein: 11
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