Air Fryer Taquitos: The Quick Freeze Solution

Frozen taquitos are a quick and easy snack that can be made in an air fryer in as little as 5 minutes. They can be made with corn or flour tortillas and filled with beef, chicken, or cheese. The air fryer makes the taquitos crispy, and they can be served with toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or cheese.

Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your frozen taquitos will cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a crispy texture that is highly desirable. By preheating your air fryer to 380-400°F, you create the ideal environment for cooking frozen taquitos. This temperature range is hot enough to cook the taquitos through without burning them, and it helps to achieve that signature crispy exterior while keeping the filling hot and tasty.

Different air fryer models may have slightly different preheating mechanisms, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions. However, the general process involves turning on the air fryer and setting it to the desired temperature, which in this case is 380-400°F. Allow your air fryer to heat up for a few minutes until it reaches the set temperature. Most modern air fryers will have an indicator light or a beep to let you know when it's ready.

Preheating your air fryer is especially important when cooking frozen foods like taquitos. Since you're starting with a frozen product, you want to ensure that your cooking appliance is at the optimal temperature to promote even cooking and browning. This step helps to achieve that signature crispy texture on the outside while ensuring the filling is cooked through.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed with the next steps of your taquito recipe. Remember to 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 crispiness. Depending on your specific air fryer model and the size of the basket, you might need to cook the taquitos in batches to avoid overcrowding.

By following these instructions and preheating your air fryer to 380-400°F, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy frozen taquitos that are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even a quick and easy meal.

Place frozen taquitos in a single layer in the basket

Placing frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness and even cooking. By arranging them in a single layer, you ensure that hot air circulates evenly around each taquito, resulting in a uniform cooking process. This technique prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots.

When placing the frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket, it is important to leave a little space between each one. This spacing allows the hot air to circulate effectively, crisping up all sides of the taquitos. The air fryer's super-hot, rapid air circulation is what gives taquitos that desirable crunchy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

The number of taquitos you can place in a single layer will depend on the size of your air fryer basket. If you have a smaller basket, you may need to cook the taquitos in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding. It is better to cook them in smaller batches and ensure even cooking and crispiness rather than trying to fit too many in at once.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before placing the frozen taquitos in the basket. This step ensures that the taquitos cook evenly and helps achieve the desired crispiness. Most air fryers have preheat settings or buttons, making it convenient to get the appliance ready for cooking.

When placing frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket, be sure to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer model. Each air fryer is unique, and adjusting the cooking time and temperature according to the manufacturer's guidelines will ensure optimal results.

Air fry for 5-10 minutes

Air frying frozen taquitos is a quick and easy way to make a delicious snack. It's important to note that air fryers may vary, so it's always good to keep an eye on your food while it's cooking.

First, preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the taquitos. Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren't overlapping, as this will prevent them from getting crispy.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket inside and set the timer for 5-10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your taquitos. If you want them extra crispy, consider adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

During the cooking process, you may want to shake the basket or flip the taquitos to ensure even cooking. This is especially important if you are cooking a large batch of taquitos.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the taquitos from the air fryer. They will be hot, so use tongs or oven mitts to protect your hands. Serve the taquitos immediately while they are still crispy and enjoy!

Remove and serve

Once your taquitos are cooked, it's time to remove them from the air fryer and serve them. This final step is important, as it ensures your snack or meal is enjoyed while hot and crispy.

Before removing the taquitos from the air fryer, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. As the air fryer has been preheated to a high temperature, it is essential to use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from burns. Carefully take the basket out of the air fryer and place it on a heat-resistant surface.

Using tongs, gently remove the taquitos from the basket and transfer them to a serving platter or plate. Be cautious, as the taquitos will be hot and crispy, and you don't want to break them or burn yourself. If you have cooked a large batch, you may need to use a spatula to help slide them out gently.

Now, it's time to enjoy your delicious, crispy taquitos! You can serve them as they are, or with a variety of toppings and dips. Some popular options include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, cilantro, shredded cheese, and jalapenos. Get creative and add your favourite flavours!

If you have any leftover taquitos, don't worry; they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for that signature crispy texture. Simply preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook them for 3-4 minutes until they're heated through.

So, there you have it! A quick, easy, and delicious snack or meal that your friends and family will love. Enjoy the convenience of the air fryer and the crispy, golden goodness of taquitos.

Reheat any leftovers

If you have any leftover taquitos, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and then cook the leftover taquitos for 2-4 minutes, or until they are heated through. If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can also reheat them in the microwave by wrapping them in paper towels to prevent the tortillas from becoming tough.

The exact reheating time will depend on the brand of taquitos and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn. It's best to reheat them in a single layer with some space between each taquito to ensure even heating.

If you want to add some extra crunch to your leftover taquitos, you can lightly spray them with cooking spray before reheating. However, this is optional, as they will still crisp up nicely without any additional oil.

Reheating leftover taquitos in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy them again without sacrificing taste or texture. They will come out crispy and hot, just like freshly cooked taquitos.

Frequently asked questions