Air-Fryer Frozen Taquitos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

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 served as an appetizer or a main course, and are perfect for game day or Taco Tuesday. To make them, simply preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, place the frozen taquitos in the basket in a single layer, and cook for 7 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown. For extra crispy taquitos, spray them with cooking oil before cooking.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your taquitos will cook evenly and efficiently. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for frozen taquitos:

Firstly, it is important to note that not all air fryers require preheating. Some models have a built-in preheat functionality, so it is recommended to check your air fryer's instructions manual to determine if preheating is necessary. If your air fryer does require preheating, set the temperature to between 375°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the desired crispiness of your taquitos. For example, a temperature of 380°F is recommended for the Cosori Air Fryer, while 375°F is suggested for the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer.

If your air fryer has a preheat button, simply press it to initiate the preheating process. However, if your air fryer does not have a dedicated preheat button, you can manually preheat it by setting the desired temperature and allowing it to heat up for a few minutes before adding the taquitos. This usually takes around 5 minutes, but the time may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of preparing the air fryer basket or rack. It is recommended to use a non-stick cooking spray on the basket or rack to prevent the taquitos from sticking. Additionally, ensure that you place the frozen taquitos in a single layer, leaving some space between each one. This allows for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

In conclusion, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step that ensures your frozen taquitos will cook evenly and efficiently. By following the recommended temperature settings and preparing your air fryer basket or rack, you can achieve the best results for this quick and delicious snack.

Oil the air fryer basket

To oil the air fryer basket, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should always check your manufacturer's instructions before cleaning your air fryer, and spot test if you are unsure. Most air fryer baskets get caked with grease that is difficult to remove if they are not properly cleaned after each use. To prevent this, it is best to clean the basket while it is still warm, but not hot, using a clean microfiber towel, warm water, and a mild dish soap. This will help to keep your basket grease-free and prevent the buildup of bacteria.

If your air fryer basket does have baked-on grease, you can use a standard dish soap with high degreasing properties, such as Dawn, to coat the basket. Spread a thin layer of soap on the surface of the basket, making sure to cover it evenly. Then, dust the soap-covered basket with baking soda, which has natural effervescent properties that help lift grease. Use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the basket, paying special attention to any crevices and caked-on grease.

After scrubbing, lock the fryer basket back into the air fryer pan and add more baking soda directly into the pan. Next, pour about 3/4 cup of vinegar into the pan. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating bubbles, which is a good sign as it indicates that the process is working.

Finally, fill a tea kettle with water and add a halved lemon, allowing it to boil. Pour this boiling lemon water into the pan with the vinegar and baking soda mixture. Let the air fryer pan and basket sit overnight. The next day, remove the basket and use hot water and the soft side of a dish sponge to clean off any remaining grease. If needed, repeat the process.

Additionally, to keep your air fryer basket clean and smelling fresh, you can use a vinegar and lemon steam bath once a month. Place a microwave-safe dish with a tablespoon each of distilled vinegar and lime juice into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and run the air fryer for 3 minutes. Let it cool for 15 minutes with the dish still inside. The lime and vinegar will help to break down grease and absorb any plastic fumes.

By following these steps, you can effectively oil and maintain your air fryer basket, ensuring it remains in good condition and ready for your next cooking adventure.

Air fry for 7-11 minutes

Air frying frozen taquitos is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack. The cooking time will depend on the brand and style of your air fryer, but generally, you'll be air frying for somewhere between 7 and 11 minutes. If you're using a PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer, for example, your taquitos will likely be ready in 9 minutes.

When air frying, it's important to ensure that your taquitos are cooked thoroughly and have a nice golden-brown colour. You can achieve this by preheating your air fryer to around 375-400°F and placing the frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.

While it's not necessary, you can also spray the taquitos with oil to achieve a crispier texture. Additionally, flipping them halfway through the cooking process and respraying with oil can make them even crispier.

Once the taquitos are done, remove them from the air fryer using tongs and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them as they are or with your favourite toppings and dips, such as salsa, sour cream, cheese, or guacamole.

Air frying is a convenient way to prepare frozen taquitos, and with a cooking time of 7-11 minutes, it's a quick option for a delicious snack or appetiser.

Add toppings

There are many toppings you can add to Jose Ole frozen taquitos cooked in an air fryer. You can add toppings such as shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese. You can also add guacamole, green onions, and cilantro. If you want to add a spicy kick to your taquitos, sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top. For a fresh contrast to the crunchy tortilla, you can add diced tomatoes and freshly chopped cilantro. If you're serving these taquitos to kids, they might enjoy extra cheese on top. You can also drizzle sour cream on top to dress up the presentation.

Reheat any leftovers

If you have any leftover taquitos, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. This will ensure they retain their crispiness.

To reheat your taquitos, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Reheat for 3-4 minutes, or 1-2 minutes at 350°F if you are just looking to warm them through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be aware that this may make the tortillas tough.

Taquitos are best served hot and crispy, so it is not recommended to leave them sitting out for too long before serving.

Frequently asked questions