Air Fryer Taquitos: The Perfect Quick Bite

Frozen taquitos are a quick and easy snack that can be made in an air fryer in as little as 5 minutes. You can buy them pre-made from the freezer section of your grocery store, or make them yourself at home. The best way to cook frozen taquitos is in an air fryer, as it makes them crispier than cooking them in an oven. You can cook them from frozen, and they will be ready to eat in less than 10 minutes.

Preheat settings and timings

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C. If your air fryer does not require preheating, you can skip this step. Preheating ensures that your taquitos will be as crispy as possible. It is best to put food into a hot basket.

Once preheated, place the frozen taquitos into the air fryer basket. Make sure to place them in a single layer with a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate better and crisp them up on all sides. You can spray the taquitos generously with oil to make them extra golden and crispy, but this is not necessary.

Air fry the taquitos for 7-11 minutes at 380°F/190°C, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can flip the taquitos halfway through cooking and respray with oil if desired, but this is also not essential.

Once the taquitos are golden brown and fully heated, carefully remove them from the air fryer and enjoy!

How to place the taquitos in the air fryer

To place the taquitos in the air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 380–400°Fahrenheit. You can then prepare the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, if needed. Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer at the bottom of the basket, ensuring there is a little space between each one. This will allow the hot air to circulate better and crisp them up on all sides. Depending on the size and configuration of your air fryer, you may need to cook the taquitos in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Oil usage

Air fryers are a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of foods with less oil than traditional deep frying. While you can cook in an air fryer without oil, adding a small amount of oil can help keep your food moist and give it a golden brown colour.

When using oil in an air fryer, put the oil on the food, not directly in the basket. You can use a variety of oil misters or a basting brush to apply the oil. For frozen foods like taquitos, a light spray of oil is usually enough, while fresh vegetables can be tossed in a bowl with oil before placing them in the air fryer.

It's important to note that you should never use cooking sprays like PAM in an air fryer, as they can damage the non-stick coating. If you need to use a cooking spray, spray it directly on the food, not the basket.

When cooking José Olé taquitos in an air fryer, there is no need to add extra oil since the frozen taquitos already contain oil. Simply preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the taquitos for 4-10 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.

By following these guidelines for oil usage, you can ensure that your José Olé taquitos come out crispy and delicious every time!

Dips and toppings

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dips and toppings to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas for dips and toppings to accompany your air-fried Jose Ole taquitos:

Dips

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Cheese sauce
• Avocado crema
• Creamy jalapeño dip
• Ranch dressing
• Hot sauce
• Mexican white sauce

Toppings

• Shredded lettuce
• Green chillies
• Salsa verde
• Shredded Mexican blend cheddar cheese
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes
• Freshly chopped cilantro
• Hot sauce
• Cayenne pepper

Feel free to mix and match to find your favourite combinations!

Reheating

If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can also reheat taquitos in the microwave. Wrap them in a paper towel and heat them until they are warmed through. This method will prevent the tortillas from becoming tough.

It is important to note that taquitos should be stored properly to ensure they stay fresh. Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them within 3 to 5 days.

Frequently asked questions