Air Fryer Taquitos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Taquitos are a delicious snack, side, or main and can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. They are a great option for a quick, fun dinner or game-night snack. You can make them with beef, chicken, or cheese and corn tortillas. They can be served with toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, and cilantro. The air fryer makes the taquitos crispy and golden brown, and they can be made in multiple batches if you're cooking for a crowd.

Preheat settings for air fryer taquitos

To make taquitos in an air fryer, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 380–400 °Fahrenheit. If your air fryer does not have a built-in preheat functionality, you should preheat it for around 5 minutes before adding your taquitos.

Once preheated, you can add your taquitos to the fryer. It is important to place them in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching, to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp them up on all sides. You can cook them in multiple batches if needed.

The cooking time will vary depending on the brand and style of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly. For example, if using a 5.8qt Cosori Air Fryer, you would air fry the taquitos at 380 °Fahrenheit for 8–10 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.

If you are making homemade taquitos from scratch, the cooking time and temperature will differ slightly. For example, for beef or chicken taquitos, you would air fry at 400 °Fahrenheit for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown.

How to cook frozen taquitos in an air fryer

Taquitos are a great snack for any occasion, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen taquitos in an air fryer:

Preparation

Before you begin, ensure that your taquitos are frozen. Taquitos can be made with corn or flour tortillas and filled with chicken, beef, or cheese. You can use store-bought frozen taquitos or make them from scratch and freeze them for later.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer does not have a built-in preheat function, you may need to preheat it manually for about 5 minutes. Some air fryers will start the countdown once they reach the desired temperature.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. You can also use a nonstick cooking spray if needed. It is not recommended to use oil as it can cause the taquitos to dry out too quickly.

Place the Taquitos in the Air Fryer

Arrange the frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked or crowded. Leave some space between them to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Air Fry the Taquitos

Once the air fryer has preheated, place the basket inside and set the timer. For frozen taquitos, air fry at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip or shake the taquitos halfway through the cooking process, especially if they are tightly arranged in the basket.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the taquitos are cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve. Taquitos can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings and dips such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese, or jalapenos. If you are making a larger batch, you can keep the cooked taquitos warm by reheating them for 1-2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Customization and Tips

When preparing taquitos from scratch, you can fill them with your choice of meat, such as ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning or shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese and green chiles. You can also get creative with different types of tortillas, such as corn or flour.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with different toppings and dips to suit your taste preferences. Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course, depending on the portion size and accompanying sides.

How to make taquitos from scratch

Taquitos are a great snack and can be made from scratch at home. Here is a detailed guide on how to make taquitos from scratch.

Ingredients

You can use corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. Corn tortillas are more traditional and are usually used for taquitos, while flour tortillas are often used for a similar dish called "flautas." You will also need oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, corn, or canola oil, for frying the taquitos. For the filling, you can use beef, chicken, or pork, as long as it can be easily shredded. You can also use canned or pre-cooked meat, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time. Other ingredients include salsa, seasoned salt, lemon pepper, garlic salt, and cheese.

Preparation

Start by warming the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat until they are soft and pliable. You can also wrap a stack of tortillas in a kitchen towel or a slightly damp paper towel and microwave them to make them pliable.

For the filling, cook the meat in a slow cooker until it is tender and can be easily shredded. You can also use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred the meat and mix it with salsa and your chosen seasonings. You can also add in some shredded cheese, such as Cotija or Monterey Jack, but be aware that meltier cheeses may melt out of the taquitos during baking.

Rolling the Taquitos

Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture on one side of a tortilla and roll it tightly into a tube-like shape. You can secure the taquito with a toothpick to hold it together. Continue this process until you have used up all your meat or tortillas.

Cooking the Taquitos

There are several ways to cook your taquitos: frying, baking, or air frying.

Frying

Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the taquitos 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.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet, spraying the tops with cooking spray, such as avocado oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden and crispy.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serving

Taquitos can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. For a main meal, they can be served with authentic Mexican rice, refried beans, and a variety of toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and olives.

Enjoy your homemade taquitos!

Best toppings for air fryer taquitos

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or a fun dinner. They can be made with a variety of fillings, such as chicken, beef, or cheese, and are typically served with a range of toppings and dips. Here are some ideas for the best toppings and dips for air fryer taquitos:

Toppings

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

Dips

• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Mexican tomato sauce
• Avocado crema
• Creamy corn dip
• Ranch dressing

Feel free to mix and match toppings and dips to suit your taste preferences and create a delicious and customised taquito experience!

How to reheat taquitos in an air fryer

Taquitos are a delicious snack, but what happens when you have leftovers? Well, you can always reheat them in an air fryer, of course! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First things first, make sure your taquitos are frozen. Taquitos are typically made with corn tortillas, chicken, beef, or cheese and are deep-fried. Since they are already pre-cooked, you only need to heat them through. Keeping them frozen until you're ready to reheat ensures they stay fresh and don't become soggy.

Next, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 350-400°F (177-200°C). Different air fryers have different preheat functions, so adjust accordingly. It's essential to preheat the air fryer to ensure your taquitos get crispy and golden brown.

Now, place your frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket. It's important to note that you should not stack the taquitos. Instead, lay them out in a single layer with a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate better, crisping them up on all sides. If you need to make a larger quantity, consider cooking in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook! Place the basket of taquitos inside and cook for about 3-5 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the number of taquitos you're reheating. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

Finally, remove the taquitos from the air fryer and enjoy! They should be hot, crispy, and delicious. You can serve them as-is or with your favorite toppings and dips, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cheese.

Reheating taquitos in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy leftovers. They'll come out crispy and tasty, just like the first time you cooked them! So, the next time you have leftover taquitos, don't hesitate to pop them into your air fryer and enjoy a tasty snack.

Frequently asked questions