Air Fryer Taquitos: How Long Until They're Done?

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be made with various fillings, such as chicken, beef, or cheese, and are typically deep-fried. However, air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they are perfect for cooking taquitos. The cooking time for taquitos in an air fryer depends on the type of air fryer, the filling, and the desired level of crispness. On average, it takes around 7 to 10 minutes to cook taquitos in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 380 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long to cook frozen taquitos in an air fryer

Air fryer frozen taquitos are a quick, easy, and tasty snack. They can be cooked and ready to serve in under 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen taquitos in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375°F–400°F (around 190°C–200°C). The exact temperature will depend on the model of your air fryer, so be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions. This preheating step can be skipped if your air fryer does not require it.

Step 2: Prepare the Taquitos

Place the desired number of frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the wire rack, leaving some space between each one. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Spray the taquitos generously with cooking oil or cooking spray, which will help achieve that extra crunch.

Step 3: Air Fry

Now, air fry your taquitos for 7–11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For an even crispier result, consider flipping the taquitos halfway through the cooking time and respraying with oil. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryers work fast!

Step 4: Serve

Once the taquitos are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Taquitos can be enjoyed on their own or with your favourite toppings and sauces. Some popular options include shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cheese.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. For an extra crispy reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes until heated through.

How to make taquitos from scratch

Taquitos are a delicious snack and a great appetizer for any Mexican-themed party. They can be made with a variety of fillings, including beef, chicken, or pork, and are usually served with toppings such as salsa, sour cream, and cheese. Here is a detailed guide on how to make taquitos from scratch:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make beef taquitos:

• Corn tortillas (white corn tortillas hold together better than yellow)
• Lean ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Oil with a high smoke point (such as vegetable, corn, or canola oil)
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, green chilies, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, etc.

Instructions

• Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. You can add taco seasoning or your own combination of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, parsley flakes, and salt to taste. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.
• Warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable. You can do this by wrapping a stack of tortillas in a damp kitchen towel or paper towel and microwaving them for about 30-40 seconds. Keep them wrapped as you work to prevent them from drying out.
• Place about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned ground beef in the center of each tortilla and carefully wrap and roll until they are fully closed. Secure the taquitos with toothpicks to prevent them from unrolling.
• If you are frying the taquitos, heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the taquitos in batches for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Place them on a paper towel-lined surface to drain and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
• If you are baking the taquitos, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet and brush or spray them with oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 380-400°F. Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket seam-side down and brush or spray them with oil. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve the taquitos with your choice of toppings. You can also serve them as a main course with sides such as refried beans, black beans, or Spanish rice.

Tips and Variations:

• You can also make chicken taquitos by shredding cooked chicken breasts or using rotisserie chicken. Add some cream cheese and green chilies to the mixture before filling and rolling the tortillas.
• For a vegetarian option, try making bean taquitos with refried beans or black beans.
• If you want to add some heat to the meat mixture, include chili powder or diced jalapenos.
• Taquitos can be made in advance and frozen for up to 3-6 months. Reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until crispy and warmed through.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking taquitos in an air fryer depend on the type of taquito and the type of air fryer being used. Here is a guide to help you get the best results:

When cooking taquitos in an air fryer, it is important to note that the temperature and timing may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. It is recommended to keep an eye on your taquitos during the cooking process and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

For frozen taquitos, it is best to cook them at a temperature between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes. Some sources suggest shaking or flipping the taquitos halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking a large batch of taquitos, it is recommended to cook them in multiple batches to ensure they get crispy.

For homemade taquitos, the temperature and timing may vary depending on the filling and the size of the taquitos. However, a good starting point is to cook them at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-8 minutes, and then flip them and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are browned and crisp.

It is worth noting that the type of air fryer you use will also make a difference in the cooking time. For example, a Cosori air fryer with a 5.8 QT square basket can fit 16 taquitos, while a Ninja air fryer with a circular design can only fit 10 taquitos. The Ninja air fryer also cooks the taquitos faster due to its slightly higher wattage.

When making taquitos in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the taquitos are not stacked and that they are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will help ensure that they get crispy. Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the taquitos.

In terms of toppings, the options are endless. You can serve taquitos plain or with a variety of toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese, green onions, cilantro, and more.

How to store air-fried taquitos

Taquitos are a great snack, especially when they are hot and crispy. But what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips on how to store air-fried taquitos to keep them tasting fresh and delicious.

Firstly, it is important to let the taquitos cool down before storing them. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should last for up to five days when stored this way. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Be sure to lay them out in a single layer in a freezer zip-top bag.

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover taquitos, you can reheat them in the air fryer or toaster oven. For the air fryer, heat them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one to two minutes. If you prefer to use the toaster oven, heat them for about five minutes.

It is best to avoid using the microwave to reheat taquitos as they can become soggy. If you need to use the microwave, wrap the taquitos in paper towels first to help keep the tortillas from becoming tough.

By following these simple storage and reheating instructions, you can enjoy delicious, crispy taquitos even after your game night or Taco Tuesday celebration!

Toppings for taquitos

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas for toppings to elevate your taquitos:

The Classic Toppings

The most traditional toppings for taquitos are guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, and lettuce. These toppings provide a range of textures and flavours, from the creaminess of guacamole and sour cream to the crunch of lettuce and the tang of salsa. You can also add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

The Zesty Toppings

If you're looking for something zingy and zesty to complement the creaminess of the sour cream and guacamole, consider adding some diced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, fresh jalapeños, or green chilies. Blending salsa verde with avocado creates a thicker salsa that will also add a zesty kick to your taquitos.

The Cheesy Toppings

For cheese lovers, there are several options to top your taquitos. You can use shredded Mexican blend cheese, crumbled queso fresco, or Monterey Jack cheese. Cheese adds a creamy texture and savoury flavour to your taquitos.

The Fresh Toppings

If you want to add some freshness to your taquitos, consider toppings such as avocado crema, pico de gallo, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. These toppings provide a bright and acidic contrast to the other flavours and can help to balance the dish.

The Spicy Toppings

For those who like their food spicy, you can add hot sauce or salsa to your taquitos. You can also incorporate spices into your meat filling, such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This will give your taquitos an extra kick of heat.

The Creative Toppings

If you want to get creative with your toppings, you can try adding Mexican Street Corn Salad, Mexican rice, refried beans, black beans, or Spanish rice. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as shredded mozzarella or cheddar, or even cream cheese mixed into your filling.

Frequently asked questions