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

Taquitos are a delicious snack, side, or main meal that can be made in an air fryer with minimal effort and clean-up. They can be made with a variety of fillings, including chicken, beef, or cheese, and can be served with a range of toppings and sides. Air-fried taquitos are a healthier alternative to deep-fried taquitos, and they can be made from fresh or frozen, with a variety of tortillas. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of tortilla and filling used, as well as the brand of air fryer, but generally, they will cook for around 6-10 minutes at 350-400°F.

Cooking times and temperatures for different types of taquitos

The cooking time and temperature for taquitos in an air fryer depend on the type of taquito and the brand of air fryer being used. It's recommended to preheat your air fryer for optimal results.

For frozen taquitos, cook at 380°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes. For corn taquitos, check after 5 minutes, then again after 7 and 9 minutes. Flour taquitos should be checked after 8 minutes, then again after 10 and 12 minutes.

For homemade or fresh taquitos, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook for 10–12 minutes. Check for crispiness, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) if there is meat in the filling.

For beef taquitos, cook at 400°F for 7–8 minutes. If you're cooking 2–3 taquitos, 6 minutes should be enough. For chicken taquitos, cook at 400°F for 4–5 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the tortillas and the brand of air fryer being used. Some recipes recommend flipping the taquitos halfway through for even cooking and crispiness.

How to prepare the air fryer and taquitos before cooking

Preparing the air fryer and taquitos before cooking is a straightforward process. First, ensure your air fryer is set up and ready to go. If your air fryer does not have a built-in preheat functionality, you should preheat it to between 375°F and 400°F. Some sources recommend 380°F as the ideal temperature. If you are cooking corn tortillas, a lower temperature of 350°F is recommended.

Next, prepare your taquitos. If you are making them from scratch, you will need to cook your filling. This could be ground beef, shredded chicken, or another protein of your choice. Season the meat with paprika, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, and salt. Cook the meat until it is no longer pink, which should take around 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

Now it's time to prepare your tortillas. Corn and flour tortillas are the most common choices. Warm your tortillas in the microwave for 30-40 seconds, or until they are soft and pliable. You can wrap them in a damp paper towel to help keep them moist. Once the tortillas are warm, add your filling. For beef taquitos, this could be ground beef with taco seasoning. For chicken taquitos, try shredded chicken with cream cheese and green chiles. Don't overfill the tortillas, or they may burst open during cooking. Place the filling in the center of each tortilla and roll it up carefully. To help the taquitos stay closed, you can secure them with toothpicks or use an egg wash to seal the tortillas shut.

Finally, arrange the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. Brush or spray the taquitos with oil, such as avocado or olive oil, for extra crispness. If you are cooking frozen taquitos, you can skip the previous steps and go straight to this step, placing the frozen taquitos directly into the air fryer basket without overcrowding it.

How to cook taquitos in an air fryer

Taquitos are a delicious snack or meal that can be made in an air fryer with minimal effort and clean-up. They can be made from scratch or store-bought, and can be frozen and reheated in the air fryer.

Ingredients

To make taquitos from scratch, you will need corn or flour tortillas, oil or cooking spray, and a filling of your choice. Fillings can include beef, chicken, or cheese, and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, and salt. You can also add salsa, green chiles, chilli powder, oregano, and cream cheese.

Method

First, prepare your filling. If using meat, cook it over medium heat with your desired seasonings until it is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat and set it aside. For a vegetarian option, you can sauté onions and garlic, and add your desired vegetables and seasonings.

Next, heat your tortillas in the microwave for 30-40 seconds, or on a gas stove until soft and pliable. Place your filling in the centre of each tortilla and add cheese, if desired. Roll the tortillas up and secure them with a toothpick or an egg wash to prevent them from unravelling.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, seam-side down, and mist or brush them with oil or cooking spray. Air fry for 6-10 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping them over and misting or brushing with more oil halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

Taquitos can be served on their own or with a variety of toppings and sides. Popular toppings include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, cilantro, shredded lettuce, cheese, and Mexican rice and beans.

Reheating

Taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days and reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also be frozen for up to three months and reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.

How to serve and present air-fried taquitos

Air-fried taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main course. They can be served on their own or with a variety of toppings and sides.

When serving air-fried taquitos, it is important to ensure that they are hot and crispy. To keep them warm, place the taquitos on a wire rack in a baking sheet in an oven set to a low temperature, such as 250°F. This will ensure that they stay crispy and warm without burning.

Taquitos can be served on a platter or plate, and it is recommended to remove any toothpicks before serving. They can be served plain or with a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, cilantro, and cheese. For a more substantial meal, they can be served with sides such as Mexican rice and beans, or with a salad.

For a more interactive and fun presentation, consider setting up a taquito bar where guests can choose their own toppings and create their perfect taquito. This can be a great way to accommodate different dietary restrictions and preferences. Simply lay out the taquitos on a platter and provide bowls of various toppings and sides, such as those mentioned above. This allows guests to customise their taquitos and creates a visually appealing and engaging display.

Additionally, when serving air-fried taquitos, consider the following tips to enhance their flavour and presentation:

• Use fresh ingredients: Top your taquitos with freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, or other herbs to add a burst of flavour and colour.
• Get creative with dips: In addition to the traditional salsa and guacamole, offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as queso or Mexican tomato sauce.
• Add a crunchy element: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or fried corn kernels on top of the taquitos for added texture.
• Garnish with a twist: Instead of the usual lime wedges, try serving your taquitos with charred orange or grapefruit slices for a unique flavour profile.

How to store and reheat leftover taquitos

Taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or in a toaster oven for 5 minutes. You can also wrap them loosely in a paper towel and microwave for 45 seconds to a minute.

If you want to freeze your leftover taquitos, place them in a single layer in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them out and reheat them in an air fryer or toaster oven. You can also reheat frozen taquitos in the microwave for 45 seconds, followed by 5-7 minutes in a toaster oven.

Frequently asked questions