Air Fryer El Monterey Taquitos: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

El Monterey taquitos are a popular frozen snack that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are made with corn tortillas and filled with chicken, beef, or cheese. The air fryer is a great way to cook taquitos because it makes them crispy in just a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to making El Monterey taquitos in an air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to between 380 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. You can add a light spray of oil to the taquitos, but it is not necessary. Air fry the taquitos for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them plain or with your favorite toppings and dips, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or cheese.

Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making El Monterey taquitos. By preheating, you ensure that your taquitos will be crispy and golden brown on the outside, while also being fully cooked on the inside. The ideal temperature range for preheating your air fryer is between 380-400°F (190-200°C).

Different air fryer models have varying preheat functions. Some air fryers, like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, have a built-in preheat functionality, while others, like the Cosori, have a preheat button. If your air fryer doesn't have a built-in preheat function, you can manually preheat it by turning it on and setting the temperature to 380-400°F for about 5 minutes before adding your taquitos.

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your taquitos will cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious, crispy snack or meal.

Prepare the basket

To prepare the basket for El Monterey taquitos, first preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for about 5 minutes. You can skip this step if your air fryer has a built-in preheat function.

Next, prepare the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, if needed. You can also use avocado oil or another oil of your choice.

Now, place the frozen taquitos into the basket. Make sure they are in a single layer with a little space between each one. Avoid stacking or overlapping them, as this might cause them to bend or break. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the taquitos in multiple batches.

Cook for 8-10 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer, sprayed it with oil, and laid out your frozen taquitos, it's time to cook them. Set your air fryer to 380–400°F and cook for 8–10 minutes. If you're using a Cosori air fryer, you may find that 8 minutes is enough. If you're using a Ninja Foodi, 6 minutes should be sufficient. If you want your taquitos to be extra crispy, you can add oil and cook for an additional minute.

While cooking, you may want to flip your taquitos. This is especially important if they are squeezed tightly into the basket. If you have a smaller batch, you may not need to flip them. You can also try shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Add toppings

Once your taquitos are cooked, it's time to add toppings! You can add a variety of toppings to your taquitos to elevate their taste and make them even more delicious. Here are some ideas for toppings:

• Sour cream: This is a popular choice to balance out the spice and add a creamy texture. You can drizzle it on top or serve it as a dip.
• Salsa: Adding salsa will give your taquitos a fresh kick of flavour. You can choose from different types of salsa like salsa verde or mix it up with salsa and sour cream.
• Guacamole: Who doesn't love some good guac? It adds a creamy texture and a burst of flavour. You can make your own or buy it from the store.
• Cheese: Extra cheese, please! Sprinkle some shredded Mexican blend cheddar cheese on top of your taquitos for an extra cheesy bite. You can also add other types of cheese like cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese.
• Vegetables: Add some shredded lettuce for a crunchy texture and a healthy boost. You can also add chopped fresh tomatoes and freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh contrast.
• Spices: If you like it spicy, add some sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. This will surely give your taquitos a kick!
• Dips: Try dipping your taquitos in avocado crema, Mexican tomato sauce, or hot sauce. These dips will enhance the flavour and moisture of your taquitos.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own unique combination! Get creative and experiment with different flavours to find your favourite. Enjoy your delicious El Monterey taquitos straight from the air fryer!

Reheat and store

If you have any leftover El Monterey taquitos, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within three to four days.

To reheat, place the taquitos back in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for three to four minutes. You can also wrap them in paper towels and microwave them, but this method may cause the tortillas to become tough.

Frequently asked questions