Air-Fried Beef Taquitos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make beef taquitos, a healthier alternative to the classic Mexican dish. They're also a quick and delicious meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. To make beef taquitos in an air fryer, you'll need ingredients like ground beef, tortillas, cheese, and spices. The process involves preparing the filling, rolling the taquitos, and then air frying them until they're golden brown and crispy.

Choosing the right beef

Type of Beef

The type of beef you choose can significantly impact the flavour and texture of your taquitos. Ground beef is a popular choice for beef taquitos, and you can opt for different fat-to-lean ratios like 80/20, 88/12, or leaner options. Leaner ground beef will result in a drier texture, while higher fat content adds flavour and moisture. You can also get creative and use other types of ground meat, such as chicken, turkey, or pork, if you want to experiment with different flavours.

Quality and Freshness

Always opt for high-quality, fresh beef from a reputable source. Look for meat with a bright red colour and avoid any with excessive liquid or discolouration. Fresh beef will not only taste better but will also be safer to consume, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Pre-cooked or Raw Beef

You can choose to use pre-cooked beef or cook the beef yourself. If you're short on time, using fully cooked roast beef or brisket can be a convenient option. Just shred it and mix it with the desired seasonings. Alternatively, you can cook the ground beef yourself, allowing you to customise the flavour with your choice of spices and seasonings.

Seasoning and Flavourings

The right seasoning can elevate the taste of your beef taquitos. A simple blend of oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper can add a Mexican-inspired flavour to your dish. You can also experiment with different combinations, such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika, or onion and jalapeno, to create a spicy kick. Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Preparation and Cooking

When preparing the beef, make sure to mix it well with the seasonings. If you're cooking the beef yourself, cook it thoroughly until it's no longer pink. You can use a skillet or follow the specific instructions for your air fryer. Ensure that you drain any excess fat after cooking, as this can prevent your taquitos from getting crispy.

In summary, choosing the right beef for your air fryer beef taquitos involves selecting the appropriate type of beef, opting for high-quality and fresh meat, deciding between pre-cooked or raw beef, seasoning it generously, and properly preparing and cooking it. By following these guidelines, you'll be on your way to creating mouth-watering beef taquitos that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Seasoning

Choosing the Right Spices

It is essential to select spices that complement the flavours of the beef and other ingredients. A typical blend of spices for beef taquitos includes oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. You can also add chilli powder, paprika, and hot sauce to increase the spiciness of the dish. These spices embody the smoky, earthy, and robust flavours often associated with Mexican cuisine.

When seasoning the ground beef, ensure that you add the spices evenly and mix them well with the meat. You can use a simple blend of oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Additionally, you can experiment with other spices like chilli powder, paprika, or taco seasoning mix, adjusting the quantities to your preference.

Preparing the Filling

In addition to seasoning the beef, you can also add other ingredients to the filling to enhance the flavour. This may include shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese. You can also add diced vegetables like onions, jalapenos, or bell peppers to provide a contrast in texture and taste.

Assembling the Taquitos

When assembling the taquitos, ensure that you spread the filling evenly across each tortilla. This helps ensure that each bite of the taquito delivers a consistent flavour. Additionally, rolling the taquitos tightly is crucial to prevent them from unravelling during cooking.

Cooking the Taquitos

When cooking the taquitos in the air fryer, preheating the appliance to the recommended temperature is essential. Cooking the taquitos at the right temperature ensures that the spices release their flavours optimally, creating a well-seasoned dish.

In summary, seasoning is a crucial step in making beef taquitos in an air fryer. By choosing the right spices, seasoning the beef, preparing a flavourful filling, assembling the taquitos properly, and cooking them at the right temperature, you can create a delicious and well-seasoned dish.

Preparing the tortillas

Firstly, select the type of tortillas you want to use. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for taquitos, but you can also use flour tortillas or a blend of corn and flour. Corn tortillas are preferred by some as they are gluten-free and have a more authentic texture. However, they can be more fragile and prone to cracking. Flour tortillas, on the other hand, are easier to roll and less likely to break. If you decide to use corn tortillas, it is recommended to warm them up before rolling to make them more pliable. This can be done by placing them in a dry skillet or directly over an open flame for about 30-60 seconds on each side, or warming them in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

Once your tortillas are ready, it's time to assemble the taquitos. Place your filling of choice (such as seasoned ground beef or shredded beef) and any additional ingredients like cheese, beans, or vegetables, on the tortilla. Be careful not to overfill the tortilla, as this can make it difficult to roll. Leave some space at the edges so that you can get a tight roll.

After adding your filling, it's time to roll the tortillas. Tightly roll up the tortillas, ensuring that the filling is secure and doesn't fall out. Some recipes suggest using toothpicks to secure the tortillas, especially if you want to ensure they don't unravel during cooking. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other to allow for even cooking.

Finally, brush or spray the tortillas with a light coating of oil. This step is important as it helps to achieve the signature crispy texture and golden colour of taquitos. You can use cooking spray, olive oil, or avocado oil for this step, depending on your preference.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to making delicious beef taquitos in your air fryer!

Rolling the taquitos

Once warmed, it's time to fill and roll. Place your filling—whether it's beef, cheese, or beans—in the centre of the tortilla, making sure to spread it out to the edges, as the filling will shrink when cooked. Add any additional ingredients, such as cheese, and then roll the tortilla tightly, securing it with 1-2 toothpicks through the sides so they can lay flat.

For a more authentic taquito, roll them as tightly as possible. Place the filling about 1/3 of the way from the edge of the tortilla, then fold the shortest end over the filling and continue rolling until you have a flute-like shape. Secure with toothpicks to prevent unravelling.

Brush or spray the taquitos with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help them develop a wonderful golden-brown crunch. Place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't crowded, and cook in batches if necessary.

Cooking the taquitos

Now it's time to cook your beef taquitos in the air fryer!

First, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F. This will usually take around 10 minutes.

Next, you'll want to assemble your taquitos. Warm your tortillas, either in the microwave or on a gas stove, for around 20 to 60 seconds on each side until they're warm and pliable. Then, add your filling to the tortilla, making sure to spread it to the edges (the meat will shrink when cooked). Add cheese, then roll the tortilla up tightly and secure it with a toothpick.

Brush or spray the taquitos with oil. This will help them turn golden brown and crispy.

Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded, and cook for around 8 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Once they're cooked, remove the toothpicks and serve immediately with your choice of dips and sides. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions