Air-Fried Taquitos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Taquitos are a delicious, easy-to-make snack that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are a popular choice for those looking for a quick and convenient meal that doesn't compromise on taste and texture. The air fryer's ability to rapidly circulate super-hot air creates a crispy exterior while sealing in tenderness, making it ideal for frozen foods and a perfect method for cooking taquitos. With a variety of fillings and dips to choose from, air-fried taquitos are a versatile option for a tasty treat.

Chicken taquitos recipe

Chicken taquitos are a Mexican dish that consists of a small tortilla that is rolled up with a filling and then deep-fried. You can use corn or flour tortillas, and fill them with shredded chicken, beef, pork, or black beans.

To make chicken taquitos, start by warming your tortillas in the microwave for 20 to 60 seconds, covered with a damp paper towel. This will prevent them from cracking when you roll them.

For the filling, you can use cooked, shredded chicken, either from a rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts. In a bowl, mix the chicken with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, taco seasoning, salsa, and shredded cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Once your filling is mixed, place 2-4 tablespoons of the mixture in the center of each tortilla and roll them up tightly. Place the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Mist or brush the taquitos with avocado or cooking oil.

Air fry the taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for 4-9 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the taquitos, mist or brush with oil again, and air fry for another 3-5 minutes, or until crispy.

Serve your chicken taquitos with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, entree, or snack, and are perfect for dipping!

Preheat and temperature settings

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your taquitos will cook evenly and efficiently. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer will depend on several factors, including the type of taquitos you are cooking (frozen or homemade) and the specific model of your air fryer.

If you are using a frozen taquito, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. This slightly lower temperature ensures that the filling is cooked through while the outside gets crispy. Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching, as this will affect the crispiness of the taquitos.

For homemade taquitos, a higher temperature of 390 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. This temperature range will help create a crispy exterior while keeping the filling hot and delicious. Again, it is important to place the taquitos in a single layer, allowing space for the air to circulate, which will result in a more even cook.

Some air fryers have a built-in preheat functionality, while others may require you to manually preheat by turning them on for a few minutes before adding your food. It is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual to understand its specific preheat settings and recommendations.

Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the number of taquitos you are cooking. As a general guideline, cook your taquitos for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and keep a close eye on them to ensure they reach your desired level of crispiness without burning.

Wrapping and rolling taquitos

Taquitos are rolled tacos filled with chicken, beef, or pork and cheese. They can be baked or fried and are often served with toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

To make taquitos, start by warming your tortillas. You can do this by wrapping a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and heating them in the microwave for about 15 to 60 seconds, or until they are soft and pliable. You can also heat them directly on a griddle or gas stove for about 15 to 30 seconds on each side.

Once your tortillas are warm and pliable, you can start filling and rolling them. Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of your desired filling (meat, cheese, or a combination of both) in a line just off-center of the tortilla. If you're using meat, make sure it's cooked and shredded before placing it on the tortilla.

Next, carefully roll the tortilla up tightly over the filling. You can use a toothpick to secure the rolled tortilla. If one toothpick isn't enough, you can use two. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of taquitos.

At this point, you can cook your taquitos in an air fryer or freeze them for later. To cook in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the taquitos seam-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them for the air to circulate. Spray the taquitos with cooking spray, then air fry for 4 to 9 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. If needed, flip the taquitos halfway through the cooking process and spray with cooking spray again.

You can also bake your taquitos in the oven or freeze them for future use. To bake, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and place the taquitos on a baking sheet. Spray the tops with cooking spray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the shells are crispy.

To freeze, wrap the assembled but uncooked taquitos in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a hot skillet or air fryer until crispy again.

Cooking time and batches

The cooking time and temperature for taquitos in an air fryer depend on the type of taquitos you are cooking. Frozen taquitos are best cooked at 370°F for 4-6 minutes. Homemade taquitos are best cooked at 390°F for 4-6 minutes. However, some sources suggest cooking homemade taquitos at 400°F for 8 minutes, shaking halfway through, or for 4-5 minutes, flipping and cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes.

If you are cooking taquitos in batches, the second batch may take less time to cook because the air fryer is already hot. It is recommended to use a single layer of taquitos in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching, as this allows for more air circulation and makes the taquitos crispier. The number of taquitos you can cook in a single batch depends on the size of your air fryer. For example, a 5.8-quart air fryer can fit about 6 taquitos, so you would need to cook 12 taquitos in two batches.

It is important to note that every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. It is recommended to monitor the taquitos 2 minutes before the cooking time is up and adjust the recipe as needed. Additionally, if your taquitos are not crispy enough, you can try cooking them for an extra 1-2 minutes per side.

Dips and sides

Taquitos are a traditional Mexican dish made from small tortillas rolled around a filling, typically consisting of beef, chicken, or cheese. They can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal and are often served with various dips and sides.

• Guacamole: Mash some fresh avocados with lime, cilantro, and diced tomatoes to create a creamy and delicious dip for your taquitos.
• Salsa: Try a fresh pico de gallo, a smoky chipotle salsa, or a traditional red salsa. Salsa adds freshness and complexity to your taquitos.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream is a popular choice to complement the savoury flavours of taquitos.
• Mexican Rice: This can add a colourful and nutritious side dish to your meal.
• Beans: Whether you choose refried beans, whole beans, or a bean dip, they make a great addition to your taquito spread.
• Salad: A fresh salad can provide a healthy and colourful contrast to the crispy, fried taquitos.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese over your taquitos during the last minute of cooking, or serve a cheese dip on the side.
• Ranch Dressing: Drizzle ranch dressing over bite-sized pieces of taquitos served on a bed of lettuce for a unique twist.

Remember, taquitos are versatile, so feel free to get creative with your dips and sides! You can also serve them with classic toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, taco seasoning, or a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to elevate your air-fried taquito experience.

Frequently asked questions