These Air Fryer Taquitos are ultra crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside without deep frying. Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or game day snacks. Learn how to make taquitos in the air fryer that don’t unroll and stay crunchy every time. Save this easy air fryer recipe for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – ready in under 15 minutes
- Crispy without frying
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Budget-friendly with pantry staples
- Customizable with different fillings
Ingredients
- 10–12 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken (or beef)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup salsa (thick works best)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil spray
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Warm tortillas slightly so they’re pliable.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto each tortilla.
- Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray taquitos with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Let cool for 1–2 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Cooking spray
Tips & Variations
- Don’t overfill, or the taquitos may open while cooking.
- Use toothpicks if needed (remove after cooking).
- Swap chicken for shredded beef, pork, or beans.
- Add cream cheese for extra creamy taquitos.
- Use corn tortillas for traditional flavor, flour for easier rolling.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving to keep them crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
- Pair with Mexican rice or a fresh salad.
- Add to a party platter with nachos and quesadillas.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per 2 taquitos)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 8g
(Values vary by ingredients used.)
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Taquitos are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, perfect for snacks, dinners, or entertaining. Save this recipe for busy nights, share it with fellow air fryer fans, and enjoy restaurant-style taquitos right at home.
FAQ – Air Fryer Taquitos
Can I make taquitos ahead of time?
Yes Assemble them, refrigerate, and air fry when ready.
Can I freeze air fryer taquitos?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked taquitos, then air fry straight from frozen.
How do I keep taquitos from unrolling?
Place them seam-side down and don’t overfill.
Corn or flour tortillas, which is better?
Corn is more traditional; flour is easier to roll and less likely to crack.
Do I need oil?
Just a light spray helps them crisp beautifully.