Air Fryer Cooking Time For Perfect Crispitos

Taquitos are a fun, quick, and easy meal to make in the air fryer, perfect for a game-night snack or a family dinner. They can be made in under 10 minutes and are a great dish to dress up with your favourite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, cheese, and guacamole. If you're making frozen taquitos, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F/190°C and cook them for 4-11 minutes, or until golden brown. For homemade taquitos, you can cook them at 400°F for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cooking process, and it's important to get it right to ensure your crispitos turn out perfectly. Here's a comprehensive guide to preheating your air fryer for cooking crispitos.

Firstly, it's crucial to determine whether your specific air fryer model requires preheating. Some modern air fryers may not need preheating, so checking your model's instructions or user manual can save you time and energy. If your air fryer does require preheating, the next step is to set the right temperature. The ideal preheating temperature for cooking crispitos is around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This temperature range ensures that your crispitos will cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

When preheating, it's important to ensure that your air fryer is set up correctly. Place the air fryer basket or tray inside the unit and ensure it is securely positioned. Some air fryers may have specific instructions for placing the basket, so refer to your model's manual if necessary. Once the air fryer is properly set up, you can turn it on and set the temperature to the desired preheating level.

The preheating time will vary depending on your air fryer's model and specifications. Most air fryers will have an indicator light or a beep to notify you when the desired temperature is reached. It's important to wait until your air fryer reaches the set temperature before placing your crispitos inside. This ensures that your crispitos cook evenly and efficiently.

While preheating, you can also prepare your crispitos. Place them in a single layer on a plate or tray, ensuring they are not overlapping. This preparation step allows you to quickly transfer them to the air fryer once it's preheated, maintaining the efficiency of the cooking process. Remember, the key to successful crispito cooking is ensuring even heating and allowing hot air to circulate, which starts with proper preheating and preparation.

Place crispitos in the air fryer basket

When placing crispitos in the air fryer basket, it is important to ensure that they are arranged in a single layer with a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively and ensures that the crispitos will become crispy on all sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the crispitos in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Before placing the crispitos in the air fryer basket, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking crispitos varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispness. Some sources suggest preheating the air fryer to 375°F/190°C, while others recommend higher temperatures of 380°F or even 400°F. It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the temperature used, so it is important to monitor the crispitos to ensure they do not overcook.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can carefully place the crispitos into the basket. If desired, you can spray the crispitos with cooking oil at this stage to promote even browning and crispness. However, this step is optional, as some people prefer to omit the oil for a healthier option.

When placing the crispitos in the air fryer basket, it is important to use tongs or another suitable utensil to handle the food safely. This will help to avoid any burns or accidents during the cooking process. It is also crucial to ensure that the air fryer basket is clean and dry before use to prevent any contamination or sticking.

By following these steps and paying attention to the specific cooking instructions for your chosen recipe, you will be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy crispitos straight from your air fryer!

Air fry for 7-11 minutes

Air frying crispitos for 7-11 minutes is the final step in making this quick and easy dish. Before air frying, it is important to place the frozen crispitos in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer wire rack, ensuring there is space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp them up on all sides.

Spraying the crispitos with oil is optional but will help achieve the desired golden brown colour and crispy texture. If you want to ensure even crispiness, you can flip the crispitos halfway through cooking and respray with oil.

The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on your crispitos to ensure they don't overcook. The internal temperature should reach 165℉.

Once the crispitos are done, use tongs to remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them as they are or with your favourite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce.

Flip halfway through and respray with oil

When cooking crispitos in an air fryer, it is important to flip them halfway through and respray with oil to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown, crispy exterior. This technique helps to circulate hot air and achieve the desired texture and colour on all sides of the crispitos.

To achieve the perfect crispiness, place the frozen crispitos in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each one. Spray them generously with oil. Then, air fry for 7 to 11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

At the halfway point, carefully flip each crispito and respray them with oil. This additional step ensures that the crispitos will have an even coating of oil, promoting a consistent golden-brown colour and a crunchy texture.

After completing the full cooking time, use tongs to remove the crispitos from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. This cooling period helps to solidify the crispy exterior and prevents burning.

The option to flip halfway through and respray with oil is particularly useful if you prefer your crispitos with an extra crispy texture and a more uniform colour. It is an easy way to enhance the visual appeal and taste of your crispitos, making them a perfect snack or appetiser.

Serve with toppings

There are many toppings you can serve with crispitos cooked in an air fryer. If you are making chicken crispitos, you can serve them with sour cream, Mexican tomato sauce, and guacamole. You can also make chicken crispitos with a filling of shredded chicken, Mexican cheese blend, and Neufchâtel cheese. Serve these with salsa on the side.

If you are making beef crispitos, you can brown lean ground beef and add taco seasoning. You can also add cream cheese and green chilies to the mixture. Serve these crispitos with refried beans, black beans, and Spanish rice.

You can also serve crispitos with shredded lettuce, shredded Mexican blend cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, diced tomatoes and freshly chopped cilantro, and hot sauce.

If you are serving crispitos as a main dish, you can serve them with Spanish rice and seasoned Mexican black beans. If serving as an appetizer or side dish, serve them with slow cooker birria stew, chilaquiles rojos, Instant Pot shredded Mexican beef, or Instant Pot taco pasta.

Frequently asked questions