Air Fryer Taquitos
Air fryer taquitos come out shatteringly crunchy in about 8 minutes per batch, with a cheesy, hot filling and none of the oil of deep frying. The hot air crisps the corn tortilla evenly all the way around, which is hard to do in the oven. This recipe makes homemade chicken taquitos and also covers frozen taquitos in the air fryer, with times for how many fit in the basket.
- Temperature
- 400°F200 °C
- Total time
- 38min
- Prep time
- 20min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 165°F74 °C
- Per serving
- 310kcal
Why the air fryer works for taquitos
A taquito is a rolled tortilla around a cooked filling, and the whole appeal is the crunch. Frying gives that, but it needs a lot of oil. Baking tends to leave the shell tough and uneven. The air fryer circulates 400 °F air around each rolled tube, so every side crisps at the same time with only a light mist of oil.
Corn tortillas contain little moisture, so they blister quickly, and the seam seals itself as the tortilla dries and sets. The filling is already cooked, so the air fryer only needs to heat it through while the shell browns. That makes air fryer taquitos a fast option for a weeknight dinner or a game day appetizer.
How to make taquitos in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Mix the filling Combine the chicken, cheese, salsa verde, cilantro, cumin, chili powder and salt in a bowl. The filling should hold together without dripping.
- Warm the tortillas Wrap 6 tortillas at a time in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Warm tortillas bend without cracking.
- Fill and roll Spoon about 3 tablespoons of filling in a line near one edge of a tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam side down. Secure with a toothpick if the roll will not stay closed.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F for .
- Cook Mist the taquitos on all sides with oil. Place 6 in a single layer, seam side down, with space between them. Air fry for , flipping after , until golden and crisp. Repeat with the rest.
- Check and serve The filling should read 165 °F on an instant-read thermometer. Rest for , remove toothpicks and serve with lime wedges.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Taquitos | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade chicken, corn tortillaFlip after 4 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8 min |
| Frozen, store-boughtDo not thaw | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Flour tortilla | 375 °F (190 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Ground beef fillingBeef must be cooked first | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8 min |
| Reheat leftover | 350 °F (180 °C) | 3–4 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 165 °F (74 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Keep the filling cooked. The chicken, beef or beans should be fully cooked before rolling. The air fryer only has time to heat it.
- Roll tight, seam down. A tight roll with the seam side down keeps the taquito closed.
- Do not crowd. Leave a small gap between taquitos so the air can circulate. A 6 qt basket holds 6 to 8.
Corn, flour and filling choices
Corn tortillas give the traditional shatter-crisp shell. Flour tortillas are easier to roll and make a softer, flaky taquito. Chicken is the classic filling, and rotisserie chicken saves time. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is another favorite, and refried beans with cheese make a good vegetarian choice. Frozen taquitos are already seasoned and fully assembled; cook them directly from the freezer at 400 °F, without thawing. Taquitos are also a good partner for nachos in the air fryer on game day.
What to serve with taquitos
Serve with guacamole, sour cream and salsa. For dinner, add Mexican rice, black beans and corn on the cob. More ideas are in the dinner category.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate cooked taquitos in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3 to 4 minutes, until crisp and 165 °F in the center. Uncooked rolled taquitos freeze on a tray, then in a bag for 2 months; cook them from frozen at 400 °F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Variations
- Beef: Use 1 lb cooked, drained ground beef with taco seasoning.
- Bean and cheese: Fill with refried beans and shredded cheese.
- Buffalo chicken: Add 2 tbsp hot sauce and a little cream cheese.
- Breakfast: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese and cooked sausage.
If it does not turn out right
- The tortillas crack when rolling
- Warm them in a damp paper towel, and roll while still soft. Dry or cold corn tortillas break. Use fresh tortillas, not stale ones.
- The taquitos unroll in the basket
- Place them seam side down, keep them tight and use a toothpick. Do not overfill, since a bulky filling forces the seam open.
- They are pale or chewy
- Mist the outside well with oil and preheat the basket. Cook in one layer, because crowding traps steam.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook taquitos in the air fryer?
Homemade taquitos take 8 minutes at 400 °F, flipped halfway. Frozen taquitos take 8 to 10 minutes at 400 °F.
How many taquitos fit in the air fryer?
Most 4 to 6 qt baskets fit 6 to 8 taquitos in a single layer. For 10 or more, cook in two batches so they crisp evenly.
Can you use flour tortillas for taquitos?
Yes. Flour tortillas roll easily without cracking, but they brown less and are softer. Cook at 375 °F for 8 to 10 minutes.
What temperature should chicken taquitos reach?
The filling should reach 165 °F in the center, the USDA safe temperature for chicken.
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