Air-Fryer Taquitos: Frozen To Crunchy In Minutes

Cooking frozen taquitos in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare this snack. Taquitos are corn or flour tortillas rolled up with a filling of chicken, beef, or cheese. Air-frying frozen taquitos is a convenient way to get that perfect crispy texture without deep-frying or using much oil. The air fryer's ability to quickly cook frozen foods to a golden crisp makes it a popular choice for preparing this dish.

Cooking Frozen Taquitos in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not all air fryers require preheating, so be sure to check the instructions for your specific model. If your air fryer does require preheating, it's important to allow it to heat up for the specified amount of time before adding your frozen taquitos. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer can vary depending on the type of taquitos you are cooking and the model of your air fryer.

For corn taquitos, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, as suggested by one source. Another source recommends 370 degrees Fahrenheit specifically for frozen taquitos. However, if you are using homemade taquitos, a higher temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit is suggested.

For flour taquitos, a preheat temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended by one source. This higher temperature will ensure that your flour taquitos cook through and become golden and crispy.

It's worth noting that some air fryers have a preheat function that automatically heats up the appliance before you put your food in. For example, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp and the Cosori air fryer have built-in preheat functionality. If your air fryer has a preheat function, simply follow the instructions in your user manual to ensure proper preheating.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of placing your frozen taquitos into the air fryer basket or rack. Remember to leave some space between each taquito to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Arrange the taquitos in the basket

When arranging the taquitos in the basket, it is important to ensure they are placed in a single layer, with adequate space between each one. This is to prevent overcrowding, which can impact the cooking process and the desired crispiness of the taquitos. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the taquitos in batches to avoid overcrowding.

When placing the frozen taquitos in the basket, lay them out flat, ensuring they do not stack or overlap. The goal is to have an even layer of taquitos, allowing hot air to circulate around each one effectively. It is crucial to follow this step, as stacking or overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy taquitos.

If you are using a larger air fryer with a wire rack, you can place the taquitos on the rack with space between each one. This method ensures even cooking and maximizes the crispy texture. If your air fryer has a smaller basket, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

When arranging the taquitos, consider the type of tortilla used. Corn tortillas tend to cook faster than flour tortillas. Therefore, when placing corn taquitos in the basket, leave a little extra space to allow for even cooking and to prevent them from sticking together.

Additionally, if you are using homemade taquitos, it is recommended to place them seam-side down in the basket. This helps prevent the filling from spilling out during the cooking process. Homemade taquitos may also cook faster than frozen ones, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Cook for 7-11 minutes

Once you've placed your frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket, it's time to start cooking. Set your air fryer to 370-390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 7-11 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the number of taquitos you're cooking, and how crispy you like them. If you're using a rack-style air fryer, your taquitos will likely be done in 7 minutes. If you're using a bucket-style air fryer, they may need the full 11 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of taquitos you're cooking. If your air fryer is crowded, it will take longer to cook, and your taquitos may not get as crispy. If you're cooking a large batch, consider working in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Additionally, different brands of frozen taquitos may have different cooking times. For example, José Olé taquitos may only need 4 minutes, while Delimex taquitos can be cooked for up to 6 minutes without the filling spilling out. Always keep an eye on your taquitos to avoid overcooking, as they will burst at the seam if cooked too long.

During the cooking process, you may choose to flip your taquitos halfway through and respray them with oil to ensure even browning and crispiness. This step is optional, but it will give your taquitos an extra golden and crispy finish.

Flip and respray with oil halfway through

Flipping your taquitos halfway through the cooking process and respraying them with oil is a great way to ensure even cooking and maximise crispiness. While it is not mandatory to flip your taquitos, doing so will help you achieve a consistent golden brown colour and texture. This is especially important if your taquitos are crowded in the air fryer basket, as it will prevent the ones on top from burning while the ones at the bottom remain undercooked.

When flipping your taquitos, use tongs to handle them, as the contents may be extremely hot. After flipping, respray the taquitos with cooking oil to help them achieve that extra level of crispiness. If you desire a lighter coating, you can use spray oil instead of drizzling oil directly onto the taquitos.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand of taquitos and the type of air fryer you are using. For example, corn taquitos may require a shorter cooking time than flour taquitos. Therefore, it is recommended to check on your taquitos periodically to ensure they do not overcook or burn.

Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of taquitos, it is advisable to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will help ensure even cooking and allow for better air circulation, resulting in crispier taquitos.

By following these simple steps of flipping, respraying with oil, and adjusting cooking times as needed, you can achieve perfectly cooked and crispy taquitos that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Serve with toppings or sides

Frozen taquitos are a quick and easy snack, appetiser, or meal that can be made in an air fryer. They can be served with a variety of toppings or sides, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas for toppings and sides to elevate your air-fried frozen taquitos:

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A common topping for taquitos, sour cream adds a tangy and creamy element to your snack.
• Salsa: Choose from salsa roja or salsa verde to add a spicy kick to your taquitos.
• Guacamole: Avocado-based guacamole can add a creamy texture and healthy fats to your taquitos.
• Cheese: Go for shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese to add a cheesy touch to your taquitos.
• Shredded Lettuce: For a crunchy and fresh element, top your taquitos with shredded lettuce.
• Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a mild onion flavour.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves can add a bright, herbal flavour to your taquitos.
• Jalapeños: If you like it spicy, add some sliced jalapeños to your taquitos.
• Cream Cheese: Try adding a creamy texture to your taquitos with cream cheese.
• Butter: For an indulgent twist, brush your taquitos with a light amount of butter.

Sides

• Refried Beans: Serve your taquitos with a side of refried beans, either on their own or as a base with enchilada sauce and cheese.
• Black Beans: Seasoned Mexican black beans make a great side dish to accompany your taquitos.
• Spanish Rice: This flavoured rice dish pairs well with taquitos and can be served as a side or a base.
• Salads: Try a refreshing cucumber-avocado-tomato salad or a wrap with romaine lettuce leaves, sour cream, and sriracha.
• Dips: For an extra indulgent treat, serve your taquitos with dips like Chuy's Jalapeno Ranch, Avocado Bacon Dip, or Roasted Tomatillo Salsa.
• Drinks: Why not offer a refreshing beverage on the side, such as a Keto Margarita or Spiked Blueberry Lemonade?

Frequently asked questions