Air Fryer Taquitos: The Perfect Timing For Crunchy Bites

Taquitos are a great snack option for any occasion, be it Taco Tuesday, Super Bowl Sunday, or a family get-together. They are corn tortillas rolled up with a filling of chicken, beef, or cheese and deep-fried to a golden brown. An air fryer is a great way to make taquitos, as it makes them crispier than an oven and reduces the cooking time. The time taken to heat taquitos in an air fryer depends on various factors, such as the type of air fryer, the number of taquitos, and whether they are frozen or homemade. On average, it takes about 4 to 10 minutes to heat taquitos in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making taquitos. It ensures that your taquitos will be crispy and golden brown on the outside, while also being fully heated through. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Different air fryers have different preheat settings. Some air fryers will preheat automatically before starting the countdown timer. For example, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp has a built-in preheat functionality. Other air fryers, like the Cosori, have a preheat button that you can press to manually heat up the air fryer before adding your food. If your air fryer doesn't have a built-in preheat function, simply turn it on and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your taquitos.

Preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature will ensure that your taquitos come out perfectly crispy and delicious every time!

Place frozen taquitos in the basket

Placing frozen taquitos in the basket is the first step to achieving that perfect crispy texture and making sure they're heated all the way through. It's important to note that you should always place the taquitos in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap, so that hot air can circulate effectively. This will give you the best results and avoid any soggy spots!

The number of taquitos you can fit into the basket will depend on the size and shape of your air fryer, as well as the size of the taquitos themselves. For example, the Cosori air fryer can fit about a dozen taquitos, while other models may vary. It's important not to overcrowd the basket as this will impact the cooking time and crispiness of the taquitos. If you need to cook a larger batch, it's best to do multiple batches to ensure even cooking and that delicious crunchy texture.

When placing the frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket, it's also a good idea to keep them frozen until you're ready to cook. This helps ensure that the filling is heated through properly and that the exterior gets nice and crispy.

Additionally, there is no need to use cooking spray or oil when placing the frozen taquitos in the basket. Most frozen taquitos already contain oil, so adding more is unnecessary and won't improve the crispiness. Simply place the frozen taquitos in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one, and you're ready to start cooking!

Once you've placed the frozen taquitos in the basket, you can move on to the next step of air-frying them to perfection!

Temperature and time settings

The ideal temperature and time settings for heating taquitos in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of air fryer, the number of taquitos, and whether they are frozen or homemade.

For frozen taquitos, preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the brand of taquitos. For example, José Olé taquitos may only need 4 minutes, while Delimex taquitos can handle up to 6 minutes without spilling their filling. Check the taquitos regularly to avoid overcooking, as they will burst at the seam if left too long.

For homemade taquitos, preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Again, place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook for 3 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Regardless of whether your taquitos are frozen or homemade, it is important to note that different air fryers may produce varying results. For example, taquitos cooked in an air fryer with a rack may be ready faster than those cooked in a bucket air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor your taquitos closely the first time you cook them and adjust the timing as needed in the future.

Turn/shake taquitos halfway through

Turning or shaking the taquitos halfway through the cooking process is an important step to ensure they cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. Here's a detailed guide on when and how to turn or shake your taquitos:

First, it's crucial to arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked or touching. This allows hot air to circulate around each taquito, promoting even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the taquitos in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Now, for the turning or shaking part:

• For frozen taquitos, most sources recommend cooking them for 4-6 minutes at 370-400°F before turning or shaking them. This initial cooking time ensures the taquitos are heated through and beginning to crisp up.
• Use tongs or gloves to protect your hands from the hot air and surfaces when turning the taquitos. Carefully turn each taquito over, aiming for an even browning on both sides. Alternatively, if your air fryer basket has a shaking function, you can simply shake the basket to rotate the taquitos.
• After turning or shaking, continue cooking the taquitos for an additional 3-5 minutes at the same temperature. This final cooking stage is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness and golden-brown colour.
• Keep a close eye on the taquitos during the final minutes of cooking, as they can go from golden to burnt very quickly. The total cooking time, including the initial cooking before turning, should be around 8-11 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
• For homemade taquitos, the cooking time is slightly shorter. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F, and then cook the taquitos for 3-6 minutes.

By turning or shaking the taquitos halfway through, you'll ensure even cooking and a delightful crispy texture. Remember to adjust the timing based on your air fryer's performance and your preferred level of crispiness. Enjoy your delicious air-fried taquitos!

Serve with toppings/dips

There are many toppings and dips that can be served with taquitos. Here are some ideas:

Toppings

• Shredded lettuce
• Green chillies
• Salsa verde
• Sour cream
• Shredded Mexican blend cheddar cheese
• Sliced jalapenos
• Diced tomatoes
• Freshly chopped cilantro
• Guacamole
• Green onions
• Extra cheese

Dips

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Mexican tomato sauce
• Avocado crema
• Creamy corn dip
• Mango habanero salsa
• Chuy's Jalapeno Ranch Copycat
• Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Frequently asked questions