Air Fryer Taquitos: The Perfect Crunchy Bite

Taquitos are a Mexican dish consisting of small rolled-up tortillas with a variety of fillings, such as chicken, beef, cheese, or beans. They are usually deep-fried or crisp-fried, but air fryers offer a healthier alternative. Air-fried taquitos are extra crispy, easy to make, and quick to cook. They can be made with corn or flour tortillas, and filled with shredded chicken, beef, or cheese, and seasoned with taco seasoning, green chiles, and fresh cilantro. The tortillas are heated and softened before being filled and rolled up, then cooked in the air fryer for 4-10 minutes at 400°F. They can be served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or Mexican rice, and can also be frozen and reheated.

Choosing your filling: chicken, beef, or beans

The great thing about taquitos is that you can fill them with just about anything. For a traditional Mexican flavour, chicken, beef, or beans are great options.

Chicken

If you opt for chicken, you can use either cooked and shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken. You can also add extra spices like chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin to give the chicken extra flavour.

Beef

For beef taquitos, you can use cooked and shredded beef or ground beef. Season the beef with taco seasoning, which typically includes a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion, and salt.

Beans

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, beans are a great choice. You can use either cooked or canned beans, such as black beans or pinto beans. You can also add spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to give the beans extra flavour.

No matter which filling you choose, be sure to load up on the cheese! Shredded cheese, cream cheese, or a combination of both will add a creamy, gooey texture to your taquitos.

Softening the tortillas

Tortillas, especially corn tortillas, need to be softened before they can be rolled up as taquitos. Here are some ways to do this:

Microwave

Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds. For corn tortillas, you can also use a dry paper towel. Flip the tortillas halfway through. This helps prevent tearing when you roll the taquitos.

Skillet

Heat the tortillas in a small non-stick skillet until soft and pliable. You can also heat them directly on the grates of a gas stove.

Oven

Place the tortillas on a plate, top with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 40 seconds or until warm.

Stovetop

Heat the tortillas in a skillet on the stovetop until soft and pliable.

Rolling the taquitos

Firstly, you need to soften your tortillas. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice and add a nice crunch, but they are more fragile than flour tortillas. To prevent cracking when rolling, heat them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for around a minute, or until pliable. You can also use a skillet to heat them up, but be careful not to tear them. Keep them warm while you assemble the taquitos.

For the filling, you can use a variety of ingredients, but a common choice is a mixture of shredded chicken, cheese, and spices. Place a heaping spoonful of your filling onto the softened tortilla, leaving enough space around the edges to roll. Add your favourite fillings, such as cheese, chicken, beef, beans, or vegetables.

Now it's time to roll! Tightly roll up the tortilla, ensuring the filling is secure and doesn't spill out. You can use a toothpick to secure the seam, or try an egg white and water wash to act as a glue. Place the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket.

Finally, spray the taquitos with a light coating of oil. This will help them turn a golden brown and add a nice crispness to the tortilla. Now they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Cooking in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook taquitos, giving them a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious taquitos in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

For the filling, you can use shredded chicken, beef, or your choice of meat. Combine the meat with spices like chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. You can also add some cream cheese, shredded cheese, and diced jalapenos for extra flavour and creaminess. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Soften the Tortillas

The next step is to soften your tortillas so they can be easily rolled without cracking. Corn tortillas are traditional and recommended for their flavour and crunch, but flour tortillas are also an option. Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about a minute, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, you can heat them in a skillet until soft and pliable.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

Place a heaping spoonful of your filling onto each tortilla. If you're using cheese, you can add some shredded cheese on top. Roll the tortillas tightly, securing them with a toothpick on the seam if needed. You can also brush the tortillas with oil before rolling to make them extra crispy.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure your taquitos get nice and crispy.

Step 5: Place Taquitos in the Air Fryer

Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook them in multiple batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Spray the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with oil to help them crisp up.

Step 6: Cook the Taquitos

Cook the taquitos for about 5-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are done when they turn golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your taquitos are cooked, it's time to serve them! You can serve them as-is or with a variety of toppings and dips. Some popular options include sour cream, hot sauce, guacamole, salsa, and chopped onions. Enjoy your crispy, delicious air-fried taquitos!

Serving suggestions

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air fryer taquitos:

Sauces and Dips

Taquitos pair well with various sauces and dips. You can offer a selection of options to cater to different taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Sour cream
• Mexican tomato sauce
• Guacamole
• Hot sauce
• Chipotle crema
• Cilantro lime sauce
• Salsa
• Queso

Side Dishes

Taquitos can be served with a variety of side dishes to make a complete meal. Here are some options to consider:

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans
• Black beans
• Corn salad
• Mexican street corn salad
• Enchilada cups
• Jicama mango slaw
• Pico de gallo
• Fajita vegetables
• Green chile cheese cornbread
• Pepper salad
• Mexican sweet potatoes
• Guacamole
• Salsa verde
• Cheesy enchilada cups
• Mexican-style corn ribs
• Layered chicken taco dip
• Crispy shredded chicken tacos
• Taco pasta salad

Drinks

When serving taquitos, you might want to offer a drink that complements the flavours. Margaritas are a classic choice, and there are many variations to explore, such as:

• Grapefruit Habanero Margarita
• Hibiscus Margarita
• Elderflower Margaritas
• Italian Margarita
• Grilled Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita

Presentation

For a fun and interactive presentation, you can serve taquitos with various toppings and sauces and let your guests build their own. Set up a taquito bar with different fillings, sauces, and toppings, allowing everyone to customise their own.

Frequently asked questions