Ella Walter
Beef taquitos are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. They are crunchy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The outside is crisp and golden brown, while the inside is tender and juicy. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or snack and can be made with ground beef, ground turkey, or ground pork. The beef mixture is seasoned with various spices such as garlic, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, then rolled up in a tortilla with cheese and cooked in the air fryer until golden brown and crispy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Ground beef, corn or flour tortillas, cheese, oil, taco seasoning, water, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chilli powder, paprika, cumin, jalapeño, tomato paste, minced garlic, chopped onion |
| Cooking time | 6-11 minutes in the air fryer |
| Cooking temperature | 380-400°F/205°C |
| Toppings | Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, hot sauce, queso fresco, Mexican rice, beans, pico de gallo, cilantro, onion |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Reheat in the air fryer for 1-4 minutes at 350°F/175°C or in a toaster oven for 5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right beef filling
When it comes to choosing the right beef filling for your taquitos, you have a few options. You can use ground beef, which is a versatile and budget-friendly option. It cooks quickly and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. If you opt for ground beef, be sure to use a lean variety to avoid adding excessive grease to your filling.
Another option is to use shredded beef. This is a great way to use up any leftover beef you may have, and it can be easily heated up with a little water and some taco seasoning. You could also use rotisserie beef, which is convenient and flavourful.
When preparing your beef filling, you'll want to make sure it is cooked thoroughly and seasoned to your liking. Common seasonings used in beef taquitos include garlic, onion, paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, and parsley flakes. You can also add in some chopped vegetables, such as onion, jalapeno, or tomato paste, for extra flavour and texture.
It's important to note that the amount of beef filling you use per tortilla will depend on the size of your tortillas and your personal preference for filling-to-tortilla ratio. As a general guideline, use around 2-3 tablespoons of beef filling for each tortilla, spreading it evenly and leaving enough space to roll them up tightly.
Lastly, don't forget that taquitos are all about customization, so feel free to experiment with different types of beef and seasonings to find your perfect combination.
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Preparing the tortillas
Choosing the Right Tortillas
It is recommended to use a blend of corn and flour tortillas for beef taquitos. Corn tortillas can be too dry and prone to breaking, while flour tortillas offer better flexibility and are easier to roll. If you prefer corn tortillas, warming them up before rolling can make them more pliable and less likely to crack.
Warming the Tortillas
To warm the tortillas, you can use a dry skillet or a small amount of cooking oil. Warm each tortilla for 20-30 seconds on each side over medium to medium-high heat. You can also wrap a few tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 15-30 seconds until they are warm and pliable. This step will make the tortillas easier to roll and reduce the chances of cracking.
Filling and Rolling the Tortillas
Once the tortillas are warm, it's time to add the filling. Place 2-3 tablespoons of beef filling near the edge of each tortilla, spreading it evenly to the edges. Add about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese, then gently roll the tortilla tightly into a tube shape. Be careful not to overstuff the tortillas, as this can cause them to break or leak during cooking.
Securing the Taquitos
To prevent the taquitos from unrolling, you can secure them with toothpicks. Place a toothpick in the middle or at the ends of each taquito to hold them together. This step is especially important if you are making a large batch and need to transport or store them before cooking.
Preparing for Air Frying
Before placing the taquitos in the air fryer, it is recommended to spray them lightly with cooking spray or brush them with oil. This will help create a crispy texture. Additionally, preheat your air fryer for about 4 minutes at 400°F (205°C) to ensure consistent cooking.
By following these steps, you will have perfectly prepared tortillas ready for air frying. The next step is to cook the taquitos in the air fryer, following the recommended temperature and timing guidelines for the desired level of crispiness.
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Rolling the taquitos
Once your tortillas are warmed and pliable, it's time to add the filling. Place your filling—in this case, beef—towards the edge of the tortilla, spreading it out to reach each end. You can also add cheese to the filling, or sprinkle it on top of the beef. Be careful not to overstuff the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and secure.
To roll the taquitos, gently roll the tortilla into a tube shape, ensuring it is as tight as possible. You can secure the taquitos with a toothpick to prevent them from unrolling. Place the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one to ensure even cooking.
If you're cooking in batches, you can keep the first batch warm in the oven while you prepare and cook the rest. This will ensure your taquitos stay crispy and warm until you're ready to serve them.
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Air frying the taquitos
When you are ready to air fry, place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. This is to allow for even cooking and crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. For example, a 5-quart air fryer can cook around 8 taquitos at a time.
Brush or spray the taquitos with oil, or use an aerosol cooking spray, to help achieve a crispy texture. You can also add oil or cooking spray to the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Air fry the taquitos for around 7 to 10 minutes at 380 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Check on them midway through cooking, and add more oil or cooking spray if desired. The taquitos are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
Once they are finished, remove the toothpicks and place the taquitos on a serving platter. You can serve them with a variety of toppings, dips, and sides, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, and rice.
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Serving the taquitos
Once your beef taquitos are cooked, it's time to serve them. You can serve them as a snack or a quick meal, and they go well with a variety of toppings and sides.
First, remove the toothpicks that are holding the taquitos together. Then, place the taquitos on a serving platter or dish. You can serve them as they are, or with a variety of toppings and sides.
For toppings, you can choose from crumble queso fresco, lettuce, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, cotija or cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and wedges of lime. You can also serve them with sides like Mexican rice and beans, or keep it simple with no sides and just the toppings.
If you want to make your taquitos ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes, or in a toaster oven for 5 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
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Frequently asked questions
Air fry your taquitos for 7-11 minutes at 380°F-400°F. Check on them halfway through and add more cooking spray if necessary.
Set your air fryer to 380°F-400°F.
First, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the beef if it isn't very lean. Then, add your desired seasonings and a liquid such as water or tomato paste.
Warm your tortillas before rolling them to prevent them from breaking. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of beef filling and 1 tablespoon of cheese onto each tortilla, being careful not to overstuff. Roll the tortillas tightly and secure them with toothpicks if necessary.
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the taquitos in a preheated air fryer and cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, adding 1-2 minutes if reheating from frozen.
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