Air Fryer Delimex Taquitos: How Long To Cook?

Taquitos are a great snack option, especially when you're craving Mexican food. They are corn or flour tortillas rolled up with a filling of chicken, beef, or cheese and deep-fried to a golden brown. Delimex taquitos are a popular choice and can be easily cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time for Delimex 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.

For frozen Delimex taquitos, it is recommended to cook them at 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes. If you want a super crispy wrap, you can cook them for up to 10 minutes, but keep an eye on them to prevent the filling from spilling out. For homemade taquitos, cooking them at a higher temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit for a shorter duration of 3-6 minutes works best.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not all air fryers have a built-in preheat functionality, so it's a good idea to check your model. If your air fryer doesn't have this feature, you can manually preheat it by turning it on and letting it heat up before adding your food. For example, you can preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes before cooking Delimex taquitos.

The preheating time can vary depending on the model of your air fryer. Some air fryers may take longer to reach the desired temperature. It's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines. Additionally, different foods may require different preheating temperatures and durations.

When preheating your air fryer, it's important to ensure that the air fryer basket or rack is in place. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even heating. If you're cooking frozen foods, like taquitos, it's best to keep them frozen until you're ready to cook them. This helps ensure that they cook evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.

By preheating your air fryer, you create a consistent temperature environment for your food to cook in. This helps ensure even cooking and can lead to better results. It's especially important when cooking foods that require a crispy texture, such as taquitos. The preheating process also helps reduce the overall cooking time, as your food starts cooking as soon as it comes into contact with the heated air.

In summary, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step that can impact the quality and consistency of your cooked dishes. By allowing your air fryer to reach the desired temperature before adding food, you create an optimal cooking environment. This results in more efficient cooking and can lead to tastier, crispier outcomes, especially when preparing frozen snacks like taquitos.

Cook time and temperature

When cooking Delimex taquitos in an air fryer, the temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have and your desired level of crispiness. For example, if you want your taquitos to be extra crispy, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). However, one source suggests preheating to 380°F, which may be a better option if you are using a different brand or style of air fryer other than a COSORI air fryer.

Once preheated, place the frozen taquitos in a single layer into the bottom of the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect how crispy your taquitos turn out. If you need to cook a larger quantity, it's best to do it in multiple batches.

Cooking time for Delimex taquitos in an air fryer generally ranges from 6 to 8 minutes at 400°F (204°C). However, one source suggests cooking them for 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you are using a different brand of frozen taquitos, such as José Olé, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, José Olé taquitos may only need 4 minutes in the air fryer to prevent the filling from spilling out.

It's important to keep an eye on your taquitos while they're cooking, as overcooking can cause the seams to burst. Additionally, some air fryers may cook faster than others, so it's a good idea to monitor your taquitos and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Flip halfway through

Flipping your Delimex taquitos halfway through the air-frying process is an important step to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides. Here's a detailed guide on when and how to flip your taquitos:

Timing of the Flip:

When cooking Delimex taquitos in an air fryer, it's recommended to flip them halfway through the cooking process. The total cooking time can vary depending on the brand and your desired level of crispness, but on average, it takes about 6 to 8 minutes to cook taquitos in an air fryer at a temperature of around 400°F (204°C).

So, if you're cooking your taquitos for 6 minutes, you'll want to flip them at the 3-minute mark. For an 8-minute cook time, flip them after 4 minutes. This ensures that both sides of the taquitos get equal exposure to the hot air, promoting even cooking and browning.

How to Flip:

To flip your Delimex taquitos in the air fryer, use a pair of tongs or a spatula. Carefully turn each taquito over so that the side that was facing down is now facing up. Make sure to handle them gently to avoid breaking or tearing the taquitos. If you're using an air fryer with a shaking or rotating function, you can simply shake the basket or rotate the taquitos at the halfway point instead of manually flipping each one.

Benefits of Flipping:

Flipping your Delimex taquitos halfway through cooking helps ensure even browning and crispness on both sides. It also prevents the filling from spilling out or leaking excessively. By exposing both sides to the hot air, you get a more uniform cooking result, and your taquitos will have a more appealing appearance and texture.

Additionally, flipping can help you monitor the cooking progress. When you flip the taquitos, you can visually inspect them to ensure they are browning evenly and not overcooking. This is especially important for frozen taquitos, as they can burst at the seams if cooked for too long.

In summary, flipping your Delimex taquitos halfway through the air-frying process is a crucial step to achieve the best results. It ensures even cooking, browning, and crispness, and it helps prevent overcooking or filling spillage. By following the timing and flipping instructions provided, you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious, perfectly cooked taquitos.

Serve with toppings

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or even a full meal. While they are delicious on their own, you can elevate your taquitos with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The Classics:

Sour cream and salsa are classic toppings for a reason. They add a creamy, tangy dimension to your taquitos and can be easily picked up at any grocery store. For an extra kick, try salsa verde or chopped green chilies. If you're serving a crowd, set out multiple salsa options with varying spice levels to cater to different tastes.

Cheese, Please:

Shredded cheese, particularly a Mexican blend, is a popular choice for taquitos. For the best melt, sprinkle the cheese on while the taquitos are still hot. If you're feeling adventurous, try a cheese sauce or dip, like nacho cheese, for an extra indulgent treat.

Fresh and Healthy:

If you want to add some freshness and crunch to your taquitos, go for shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, or sliced jalapenos. These toppings provide a nice contrast to the crispy, fried exterior of the taquitos. You can also add some sliced green onions or fresh cilantro for an extra pop of colour and flavour.

Dips and Sauces:

Taquitos are often served with a variety of dips and sauces. Guacamole is a popular choice, adding a creamy, avocado-rich flavour. You can also offer Mexican crema, a sour cream-like sauce with a tangier flavour. For those who like it spicy, serve a side of hot sauce or chilli oil.

Hearty Sides:

If you're serving taquitos as a main course, consider adding some heartier sides. Refried beans, black beans, and Spanish rice are excellent choices that will leave your guests feeling satisfied.

Custom Creations:

Don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings. If you're a fan of ranch dressing, try dipping your taquitos or drizzling a small amount on top. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, sauces, and vegetables to find your perfect combination.

Remember, the beauty of taquitos is their versatility, so feel free to mix and match toppings to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like them plain, loaded with toppings, or somewhere in between, taquitos are a fun and delicious dish to enjoy.

Reheat at 350°F

Reheating Delimex taquitos at 350°F in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, hot snack. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This is a crucial step to ensure your taquitos heat evenly and get that delicious crispy texture. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your frozen taquitos.

Take the desired amount of taquitos out of the freezer, and place them on a plate or a clean surface. It is important to note that you should not thaw or defrost the taquitos before putting them in the air fryer. Keep them frozen until you are ready to reheat and serve them.

Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, carefully place the frozen taquitos into the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer, with a little space between each taquito. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

Close the air fryer and let the taquitos reheat for 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook or burn. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the number of taquitos you are reheating.

Once they are heated through and have reached your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve them immediately while they are still hot and crispy. You can enjoy them as they are or with a variety of dips and toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cheese.

Reheating Delimex taquitos in an air fryer at 350°F is a convenient and quick way to enjoy this tasty snack. By following these simple steps, you can have hot and crispy taquitos ready to enjoy in just a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions