Air Fryer Taquitos: How Long Until They're Done?

Taquitos are a great snack option for any occasion, and an air fryer is the perfect way to cook them. You can make this delicious dish in just ten minutes and dress it up with your favourite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, cheese, and more. The air fryer is also a great way to make frozen taquitos crispy and golden brown. The cooking time for taquitos in an air fryer varies depending on the quantity and brand of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 4 to 10 minutes to cook them at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The ideal temperature and duration for cooking taquitos in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of filling, the number of taquitos, and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried taquitos.

Preheating the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the taquitos. This step ensures that your taquitos cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. The ideal temperature for preheating is 400°F (200°C).

Cooking Frozen Taquitos

Frozen taquitos are a convenient option for a quick snack or meal. When cooking frozen taquitos, it is important to ensure they are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively and crisps them up on all sides.

The cooking time for frozen taquitos varies depending on the desired level of crispiness. For a quick snack, cook the taquitos at 400°F for 4 to 5 minutes. If you prefer them crispier, increase the cooking time to 8 to 10 minutes at the same temperature.

Cooking Homemade Taquitos

If you're making taquitos from scratch, the cooking temperature and duration will differ slightly. Homemade taquitos are typically cooked at a higher temperature of 400°F for about 4 to 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown. This higher temperature ensures that the filling is cooked through and the exterior is crispy.

Reheating Taquitos

To reheat leftover taquitos, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. This will ensure that your taquitos are warmed through without becoming overly crispy or dry.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in multiple batches if necessary.
• For even cooking and browning, shake the basket or flip the taquitos halfway through the cooking process.
• Some air fryers may require adjustments to the temperature and timing, so it's advisable to monitor the taquitos during the initial cooking attempts.
• For homemade taquitos, ensure that they are wrapped tightly before placing them in the air fryer to prevent them from unravelling during cooking.
• Spraying the taquitos with cooking spray before cooking can enhance browning and crispiness.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy delicious, crispy taquitos prepared in your air fryer with minimal effort and optimal results.

Taquito fillings

Taquitos are a versatile dish, and you can fill them with a variety of ingredients. Here are some ideas for taquito fillings to get you started:

Meat Fillings:

• Shredded chicken: You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, and even add some cream cheese and green chillies to the mixture for extra flavour.
• Ground beef: Season the beef with taco seasoning or add your own blend of spices like cumin and chili powder.
• Shredded beef: You can cook the beef in a slow cooker or instant pot with seasonings like chili powder, garlic, cumin, and minced onion.
• Pork: Shredded pork can be used as a filling, and you can season it with taco sauce or other spices.

Cheese Fillings:

• Cheddar cheese: You can use shredded cheddar cheese as a filling or as a topping to sprinkle on top of your taquitos.
• Cream cheese: Adding cream cheese to your filling can make it creamier and help hold the filling together.
• Mexican blend cheese: This is a great option if you want a mix of cheeses in your taquitos.
• Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese has a mild flavour and melts well, making it a good choice for taquitos.

Other Fillings:

• Spinach: You can add chopped baby spinach leaves to your filling for some extra nutrients and colour.
• Green chillies: Canned green chillies can add a spicy kick to your taquitos.
• Salsa: Adding salsa to your filling can make it more flavourful and juicy. You can also serve it as a dip on the side.
• Sour cream: This can be used as a topping or mixed into the filling for a creamier texture.
• Guacamole: Avocado crema or guacamole can be served as a dip or topping to add creaminess and a fresh flavour to your taquitos.

Taquito toppings

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main course. They can be dressed up or down, depending on your preference. Here are some topping ideas to elevate your taquitos:

Fresh Produce

• Lettuce – Shredded lettuce adds a crunchy texture and a fresh taste to your taquito.
• Tomatoes – Diced tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and a vibrant colour contrast.
• Onions – Green onions or chopped red/white onions can be used to add a sharp kick to your taquito.
• Cilantro – Freshly chopped cilantro brings a bright, herbal flavour to the dish.

Dairy

• Sour Cream – A common topping for taquitos, sour cream adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
• Crema – Avocado crema or Mexican crema are excellent choices for a creamy, tangy topping with a hint of spice.
• Cheese – Shredded cheese, queso fresco, or crumbled cheese can be sprinkled on top or melted over the taquitos for an extra indulgent touch.

Sauces and Dips

• Salsa – Whether it's salsa verde or regular salsa, this adds a zesty kick to your taquitos.
• Guacamole – Avocado-based guacamole contributes a creamy texture and a fresh, herbal flavour.
• Hot Sauce – A dash of hot sauce will spice up your taquitos and enhance the other flavours.
• Pico de Gallo – This fresh, spicy salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a vibrant touch to your taquitos.

Taquito sides

Taquitos are a versatile snack and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with taquitos:

Dips and Toppings

Taquitos are often served with dips and toppings such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and cheese. You can also add fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and green onions.

Salads

A fresh salad can complement the fried nature of taquitos. Try a Mexican street corn salad with corn, cilantro, feta cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and garlic salt. Or, for a simpler option, a classic potato salad with a creamy dressing.

Beans

Beans are a great side dish for taquitos, especially if you're looking for something hearty and filling. You can serve them with refried beans, black beans, or black beans with feta cheese.

Vegetables

If you're looking for a healthier option, sautéed spinach with garlic is a simple and nutritious side dish. Alternatively, grilled asparagus with Parmesan cheese is another tasty and healthy option.

Zucchini

For something a little more indulgent, try cheesy baked zucchini. This dish combines zucchini with shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Rice

Authentic Mexican rice is a great choice to serve with taquitos, especially if you're looking for a more substantial side dish.

Remember, when choosing sides for taquitos, consider whether they contain meat or not. If they do, choose a side that can be eaten alongside the meat or makes a good dipping sauce. If they don't, avoid sides with meat or dairy.

Reheating taquitos

Taquitos are a great snack for any occasion, and using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to reheat them. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your taquitos are heated through and retain their delicious crispiness.

Firstly, it is important to note that you should always reheat your taquitos in the air fryer. Using a microwave will make the tortillas tough and soggy. If you don't have an air fryer, you can use a conventional oven, but this will take longer.

Now, let's get started! If your taquitos are frozen, there is no need to thaw them first. Keep them frozen until you are ready to reheat and eat. This will help ensure they retain their texture and taste.

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need to adjust the temperature depending on your air fryer model. Some air fryers will automatically preheat, while others have a preheat function that needs to be activated. Check your air fryer instructions if you are unsure.

Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp the taquitos evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat in batches.

Cook the taquitos for 3-4 minutes in the air fryer. If you are reheating a larger batch, you may need to increase the time slightly, but keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Once the time is up, carefully remove the taquitos from the air fryer and serve immediately. Taquitos are best enjoyed hot and crispy!

You can also add some extra toppings to your reheated taquitos to give them an extra flavour boost. Try sprinkling some extra cheese on top, or adding a drizzle of sour cream. For a spicy kick, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper is a great option.

There you have it! A simple and quick way to reheat taquitos using an air fryer. Enjoy the crispy, tasty snack, perfect for game nights, Taco Tuesdays, or any time you crave some Mexican-inspired food.

Frequently asked questions