Deep-Frying Taquitos: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Taquitos, or little tacos, are a popular dish that can be prepared using a variety of cooking methods, including baking, pan-frying, and deep frying. Deep-fried taquitos are cooked until they are golden brown and have an irresistible crisp exterior with hot, melted insides. To make taquitos in a deep fryer, heat oil in a deep pan or deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the taquitos to the oil, cooking two to five at a time to ensure even cooking, and fry for two to five minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Choosing your oil

When making taquitos in a deep fryer, the oil you choose is important. You should opt for an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or corn oil. Avoid oils with distinctive flavours, like olive oil.

You'll want to add enough oil to your deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan so that it comes 2-3 inches up the sides. This will be enough to completely submerge your taquitos, which is necessary to achieve that irresistible crispness on the outside.

If you're making a large batch, you may need to top up the oil between batches to maintain this level. It's important to let the oil heat up again before frying more taquitos.

If you're looking for a healthier option, you can bake your taquitos instead. Simply spray a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or brush the pan with a slick of cooking oil. Place the taquitos in a single layer, leaving some space between them, and lightly spray or brush them with oil. Bake in an oven at 400°F for 15 minutes.

Preparing the filling

Taquitos are highly customizable, and you can fill them with a variety of ingredients. Common fillings include beef, chicken, and cheese. You can experiment with different cheeses, salsas, and hot sauces to create distinctive flavors.

Choosing the Filling Ingredients

• For a savory option, choose a meat filling such as shredded chicken, beef, or pork. You can use leftover shredded rotisserie chicken or cook and shred your desired meat.
• For a vegetarian option, you can use meatless crumbles or mashed beans.
• Decide on the type and amount of cheese you want to use. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all great options.
• Select your preferred salsa or hot sauce to add a spicy kick to your taquitos.
• Choose additional seasonings like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cilantro, or onion powder to enhance the flavor.
• In a medium or large bowl, combine your chosen filling ingredients.
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated.
• Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
• If you are using pre-seasoned meat, you may not need to add additional seasonings.

Filling the Taquitos

• Warm your corn tortillas by wrapping them in a towel and microwaving for 30-45 seconds. This will make them more pliable and less likely to crack when rolled.
• Spoon about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture onto each tortilla.
• Place the filling in a line or spread it on the tortilla, leaving about 1 inch from the edge.
• Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling.
• Secure the taquitos with toothpicks to prevent them from unrolling.
• Place the prepared taquitos on a baking sheet, seam-side down, until you are ready to fry them.

Remember, it is important not to overfill the taquitos, as this can cause the filling to leak out during frying. Now that your filling is ready, you can proceed to the deep-frying process!

Rolling the taquitos

Taquitos are "little tacos", made by wrapping corn tortillas around a chosen filling and cooking until crispy. The challenge when making taquitos is keeping them from unrolling during the deep-frying process, so the filling doesn't leak out and cause excess oil to get inside the taquito.

To prevent this, you can use toothpicks to hold the taquitos together. It is important to use wooden toothpicks, as plastic will melt in the hot oil. Use two toothpicks, piercing them all the way through the taquito near the seam. Remove the toothpicks immediately after cooking.

To roll the taquitos, start by softening your corn tortillas. Dry tortillas will crack when rolled, so they should be steamed, toasted on a griddle, or dredged in hot oil to make them pliable.

Next, prepare your filling. The filling should be sticky and moist, so it doesn't fall out during frying. Common fillings include shredded meat, such as chicken, beef, or pork, mixed with cheese, salsa, and spices. You can also add vegetables to your filling, but as taquitos only fry for a few minutes, these will need to be cooked beforehand. Once your filling is ready, spoon about 1 1/2-2 tablespoons of the mixture into a line on the tortilla and roll it up tightly.

Finally, secure your taquitos with toothpicks and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour before frying. This will help them hold their shape and stop them from unravelling during frying.

Cooking the taquitos

Taquitos are a delicious snack, and deep frying is a great way to get that crispy, golden exterior. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking taquitos in a deep fryer:

Firstly, you'll want to prepare your filling. Common fillings include shredded chicken, beef, or pork, with added spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. You can also add cheese, salsa, or onion to the mix. For the best flavour, use leftover shredded rotisserie chicken.

Next, you need to prepare your tortillas. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice, but you can also use flour tortillas. To prevent cracking, wrap the tortillas in a towel and place them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to warm them up. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.

Now it's time to assemble your taquitos. Spoon about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla and roll them up tightly. Place the taquitos fold-side down on a baking sheet, or use toothpicks to secure them and prevent unrolling. Toothpicks are essential if you want to freeze your taquitos before frying.

Before you start frying, make sure your filling is sticky and moist. Dry fillings can cause the taquitos to unroll during frying, and moisture escaping into the oil can be dangerous. If your filling seems dry, try adding a little extra salsa or cheese to the mix.

Now, heat your oil. Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or corn oil, and avoid oils with strong flavours, like olive oil. Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit in your deep fryer or deep pan.

When your oil is hot, it's time to fry! Carefully add 2-4 taquitos to the oil at a time, giving them enough room to cook evenly. Fry for 2-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as overcooked taquitos can become soggy.

Once they're cooked to perfection, remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess oil. Let the oil heat up again before adding more taquitos.

Finally, enjoy your delicious, crispy taquitos! Serve them with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping.

Serving the taquitos

Taquitos are best served fresh, but they can be reheated. They are delicious on their own but are even better when dunked in a sauce or salsa. Try cilantro lime ranch, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or enchilada sauce.

If you want to reheat your taquitos, they should keep for up to four days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. You can also freeze your taquitos. Make sure they are cooled completely and are not touching. Freeze them on a baking sheet and then, once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat them in the microwave or in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

Taquitos are highly customizable, so experiment with different fillings, cheeses, salsas, and hot sauces to create distinctive flavors. Common fillings include beef, chicken, and cheese.

Frequently asked questions