Air Fryer Taquitos: How Long To Cook Them Perfectly?

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They are typically made with corn or flour tortillas, filled with chicken, beef, or cheese, and deep-fried to a golden brown. Cooking taquitos in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to achieve crispy perfection without the mess and hassle of deep frying. The cooking time for air fryer taquitos varies depending on the type of taquito and the brand of air fryer, but generally, they cook in 6 to 11 minutes at 350-400°F.

Air Fryer Taquitos

Cooking times for frozen taquitos

Frozen taquitos are a quick and easy snack or meal that can be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of taquito, the number of taquitos being cooked, and the air fryer being used.

For corn taquitos, it is recommended to cook them for 5 minutes initially and then check on them after every 2 minutes until the desired level of doneness is achieved. Corn taquitos should be ready in no more than 9 minutes.

For flour taquitos, it is recommended to cook them for 8 minutes initially and then check on them after every 2 minutes until they are done to your liking. Flour taquitos should be ready in no more than 12 minutes.

It is important to note that frozen taquitos should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not stacked or overcrowded. This will ensure even cooking and crispiness. Additionally, some air fryers may require preheating before adding the taquitos, while others may have a built-in preheat functionality.

The cooking time may also vary depending on the brand of taquitos and the specific air fryer being used. It is recommended to monitor the taquitos during the cooking process and adjust the recipe as needed. For example, some sources suggest cooking taquitos at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-8 minutes, while others suggest cooking at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.

It is also worth mentioning that frozen taquitos are typically pre-cooked, so the goal is to heat them through and achieve the desired crispiness. The cooking time can be adjusted based on personal preference and the desired level of doneness.

Pre-made vs. homemade

If you're short on time, you can opt for pre-made taquitos and cook them in your air fryer. Most pre-made taquitos will come with their own cooking instructions, which may vary depending on the brand. However, as a general guide, you can cook pre-made taquitos in your air fryer for around 6 to 9 minutes at 400°F (200°C), turning them over halfway through the cooking time.

On the other hand, if you're feeling more adventurous or want to customize your taquitos, you can make them from scratch at home. The first step is to prepare your filling, which typically involves cooking and seasoning meat (such as ground beef or shredded chicken) and combining it with other ingredients like cheese, onion, garlic, and spices. Once your filling is ready, you'll need to roll it up inside tortillas, securing them with toothpicks or an egg wash to prevent them from unravelling.

When it comes to cooking your homemade taquitos in the air fryer, the process is quite similar to that of pre-made ones. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F–400°F (depending on the recipe), brush the taquitos with oil, and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6 to 9 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Whether you choose to go with pre-made or homemade taquitos, the air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to prepare them, resulting in a crunchy texture without the mess and hassle of deep frying. Additionally, air fryers offer versatility, allowing you to experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Oil vs. no oil

Air fryers are a popular option for cooking taquitos, as they can create a crispy texture without the need for deep frying in oil. The circulating hot air in an air fryer gives food a crispy exterior, and using oil is optional.

If you want to use oil, you can spray or brush the taquitos with a light coat of cooking spray, olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your choice. This can enhance the crispiness of the taquitos and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. However, even without oil, taquitos will still cook well in an air fryer.

Cooking taquitos in an air fryer without oil is a healthier option, as it reduces calorie intake while still delivering a fried taste and texture. It also eliminates the need for oil clean-up afterward.

When cooking taquitos in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer and place the taquitos in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. The cooking time will depend on the number of taquitos and the desired level of crispiness, but it typically ranges from 5 to 9 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

On the other hand, frying taquitos in oil involves heating a large pan with about 2 cups of oil to 350-375°F. You can then add the taquitos in batches, frying for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. This method creates a crispy texture but requires more oil and can be messier, with the need to drain excess oil on paper towels.

Chicken, beef or vegetarian?

Air fryer taquitos are a versatile dish that can be made with chicken, beef, or vegetarian fillings. Here's a detailed guide to help you decide which option to choose:

Chicken Taquitos

Chicken taquitos are a great choice if you're looking for a tasty and easy-to-make option. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time on preparation. The filling is usually a combination of chicken, cheese, salsa, and various seasonings. Some recipes also include cream cheese, sour cream, and lime juice to add a tangy twist.

To make chicken taquitos, you'll start by preparing the filling and heating your tortillas. You can use corn or flour tortillas, but corn tortillas are more traditional for taquitos. Soften the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 20 seconds.

Next, spoon the filling onto the tortillas and roll them up tightly. Brush the taquitos with oil, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Beef Taquitos

Beef taquitos are a popular choice for those who enjoy a hearty and flavorful option. You can use ground beef or leftover cooked beef, such as beef birria or carne asada. The beef is seasoned with various spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley flakes.

The process of assembling the beef taquitos is similar to that of chicken taquitos. You'll roll up the filling in corn or flour tortillas, secure them with toothpicks or an egg wash, and then air fry them. Beef taquitos typically take a bit longer to cook than chicken taquitos, with cooking times ranging from 6 to 10 minutes at 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Vegetarian Taquitos

Vegetarian taquitos are a delicious and versatile option for those who don't eat meat. You can get creative with the fillings, such as Mexican street corn, cheese, beans, and soyrizo (a plant-based alternative to chorizo). The preparation and cooking process is similar to that of meat-based taquitos, and you can adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the type of filling you choose.

In summary, air fryer taquitos can be easily adapted to your preference for chicken, beef, or vegetarian options. Each variation offers its own unique flavors and textures, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Serving suggestions

When it comes to serving suggestions for air fryer taquitos, the possibilities are endless. You can serve them as a main dish, appetiser, or snack, depending on your preference and the occasion. Here are some specific ideas to try:

Main Dish

For a hearty and satisfying meal, serve your air fryer taquitos with a side of Mexican rice and seasoned black beans. You can also add a refreshing margarita to the mix to complete the experience. If you're feeling creative, try making chicken taquitos with a filling of shredded rotisserie chicken, Mexican cheese blend, and Neufchâtel cheese. Serve these with Mexican tomato sauce and guacamole on the side.

Appetiser or Side Dish

Taquitos can be an excellent appetiser or side dish for a Mexican-themed meal. Serve them with slow cooker birria stew, chilaquiles rojos, or Instant Pot shredded Mexican beef. For a lighter option, pair them with a refreshing salad or soup, such as chicken taco soup.

Snack

Air fryer taquitos are a fantastic snack option, perfect for when you're craving something crunchy and delicious. You can serve them plain or with a variety of toppings and dips. Some popular choices include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, cilantro, and cheese. They're also great for game day or Taco Tuesday gatherings.

Party or Gathering

When serving a crowd, air fryer taquitos are a convenient and tasty option. You can cook them in large batches, and they can be easily customised to suit different tastes. Set up a taquito bar with various toppings, dips, and fillings to let your guests create their own unique combinations. Don't forget to include some fun drinks, like margaritas, to complete the festive atmosphere.

Reheating and Leftovers

One of the best things about air fryer taquitos is that they reheat beautifully. If you have any leftovers, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes, and they'll become crispy and delicious all over again. Store your leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Frequently asked questions