Air Fryer Taquitos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Taquitos are a versatile dish, perfect for a quick snack or a fun dinner. They can be made in an air fryer in as little as 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the recipe and air fryer model. This cooking method yields a crispier texture than baking them in an oven.

Preheat the air fryer to 380–400 °F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not only does it help ensure your food cooks evenly, but it can also impact the texture and taste of your final dish. When preparing taquitos, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380 and 400 °F. This temperature range is ideal for achieving the desired crispiness of the taquitos without burning them.

Different air fryer models may have varying preheat functions. Some air fryers will automatically begin the countdown once the desired temperature is reached, while others may have a preheat button that you need to press to initiate the preheating process. If your air fryer doesn't have a built-in preheat function, you can manually preheat it by turning it on and setting the desired temperature a few minutes before you plan to cook your taquitos.

It's important to note that the temperature settings may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. Therefore, it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines. Additionally, when cooking taquitos, it's recommended to prepare them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. This allows for even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness.

Preheating your air fryer to the right temperature is crucial for achieving the best results when cooking taquitos. By following the instructions provided by your air fryer's manufacturer and maintaining the appropriate temperature, you can ensure that your taquitos turn out crispy, golden brown, and delicious every time.

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature of 380–400 °F, you can proceed with placing the taquitos into the air fryer basket and following the remaining cooking instructions. Remember to refer to your specific air fryer's guidelines and adjust the temperature accordingly if needed.

Prepare the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray

Preparing your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray is an important step in ensuring your taquitos turn out crispy and golden brown. By coating the basket with a thin layer of non-stick spray, you create a barrier that prevents the taquitos from sticking to the surface. This step is especially crucial if you're cooking frozen taquitos, as they tend to release moisture during the cooking process, which can cause sticking.

When selecting a non-stick cooking spray, opt for one that is specifically designed for air fryers or high-heat cooking. These sprays have a higher smoke point, which means they can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning or breaking down. Additionally, look for a spray that is flavourless and colourless so that it doesn't affect the taste or appearance of your taquitos.

Before spraying, ensure that your air fryer basket is clean and dry. Hold the spray can about 6 to 8 inches away from the basket and use a sweeping motion to evenly coat the entire surface. You don't need to use a lot of spray; a light coating is usually sufficient.

Once you've prepared the basket, you can confidently place your taquitos inside, knowing that they will release easily once cooked. This step not only ensures your taquitos turn out perfectly but also makes clean-up a breeze, as any residue or stuck-on food will be minimised.

Remember, if you're using frozen taquitos, it's essential to keep them frozen until you're ready to cook them. Don't thaw them beforehand, as this can affect their texture and cooking time. Place the frozen taquitos directly into the prepared air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each one for even cooking.

Place frozen taquitos in a single layer in the basket

Placing the frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket is an important step to ensure even cooking and crispiness. By arranging them in a single layer, you allow the hot air to circulate effectively around each taquito. This helps to achieve that desirable golden brown exterior and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

When placing the frozen taquitos in the basket, it is recommended to leave a little space between each one. This ensures that the hot air can reach all sides of the taquitos, resulting in a consistent crisp texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the taquitos in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding. For example, the Cosori air fryer can fit about a dozen taquitos, but it might be a bit of a squeeze.

If you are cooking a large quantity, it is best to cook them in batches and keep the cooked taquitos warm by reheating them for 1-2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit if they start to cool down. It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor the taquitos during the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed.

Additionally, some recipes suggest misting the taquitos with oil, such as avocado oil or cooking spray, before placing them in the air fryer. This step is not mandatory, but it can help to enhance the crispiness and golden color of the taquitos. However, it is worth noting that some sources claim that oil is unnecessary, as most frozen taquitos already contain oil, and they can be cooked without sticking.

In summary, arranging frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with a little space between each one, is crucial for achieving the best results. This technique ensures even cooking, maximizes crispiness, and prevents overcrowding in the air fryer. By following these simple steps, you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy taquitos in no time!

Air fry for 4–10 minutes, until golden brown

Air frying taquitos is a quick and easy way to make a delicious snack or meal. The air fryer's rapid circulation of super-hot air crisps up the outside of the taquitos to perfection while sealing in tenderness on the inside.

To get that perfect golden brown colour, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure to preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F (about 200°C). Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking and maximum crispness. You don't need to use any oil or cooking spray as the frozen foods usually already contain oil. However, if you want to get that extra crispy texture, you can spray the taquitos with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.

Now it's time to air fry! Depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary slightly, but on average, it should take around 4–10 minutes for your taquitos to turn golden brown. For a smaller quantity of taquitos, there is usually no need to flip them during cooking. However, if they are tightly squeezed into the basket, you may need to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on your taquitos, as you don't want them to burn!

Once they've reached that perfect golden brown colour, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve. Taquitos are best enjoyed hot and crispy, so be sure to serve them immediately. You can enjoy them as is or get creative with toppings and dips such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese, or even a drizzle of spicy cayenne pepper.

Serve with toppings/dips such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese, etc

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served as a quick snack, a fun dinner, or a party appetiser. They can be made even more delicious and indulgent with a variety of toppings and dips. Here are some ideas to elevate your taquito-eating experience:

Sour Cream

A classic choice, sour cream adds a cool, tangy flavour to the crispy taquitos. You can drizzle it on top of the taquitos or use it as a dip. It pairs well with other toppings like green onions and cilantro.

Salsa

Salsa is a must-have for taquito lovers. It adds a fresh, spicy kick to your dish. You can choose from a variety of salsas, such as salsa verde, or make your own by blending tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and spices.

Guacamole

Creamy guacamole is the perfect complement to the crispy taquitos. Avocado crema, made by blending avocado with sour cream or Greek yoghurt, is another delicious option. It adds a creamy, tangy twist to your taquitos.

Cheese

For an extra cheesy treat, sprinkle your taquitos with shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend. You can also get creative with cheese flavours, like pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Other Toppings and Dips

The possibilities are endless! You can add chopped fresh tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, jalapenos, or sliced chillies. For a spicy twist, sprinkle cayenne pepper on top. If you're serving taquitos for a party, offer a variety of dips like avocado crema, mango habanero salsa, or a creamy corn dip.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings and dips to create your own unique combinations. Get creative and enjoy your taquitos!

Frequently asked questions