Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos make for a delicious and easy snack or meal that everyone will enjoy. The combination of crispy tortillas filled with your favorite ingredients creates a satisfying crunch that pairs wonderfully with dips and toppings. Easy to prepare, these taquitos can become a regular feature on your weekly menu, perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family dinner.
Why We Love This Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos have quickly gained popularity for several reasons. First, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to achieve that crispy texture without a lot of oil, making them lower in calories and fat. Second, you can customize the filling according to your preferences or dietary restrictions. Whether you like loaded cheese, seasoned chicken, or spicy beans, there’s an option for everyone. Lastly, air-fried taquitos are incredibly quick to make and require minimal cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
- 10 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite blend)
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or beans
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole (for dipping)
Directions
- Warm the tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet for about 30 seconds until pliable. This makes rolling easier without breaking them.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded cheese and your choice of protein. Add taco seasoning if desired.
- Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling on one side of each tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, folding in the sides as you go to prevent the filling from escaping.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the rolled taquitos seam side down in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite dips.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
Serving Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos can elevate your dining experience. You can present them at a gathering or as a casual family meal. Start by arranging the taquitos on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro for a pop of color. Offer a variety of dips, such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, allowing guests to customize their flavors. For a more complete meal, serve these taquitos alongside a simple salad or some Mexican street corn. You can also provide toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, and sliced jalapeños to add freshness and crunch. These options make the taquitos versatile, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy.
Expert Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
To make the most of your Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos, here are some expert tips to consider. First, make sure your tortillas are warm and flexible to prevent them from cracking while rolling. If using corn tortillas, consider lightly frying them in a small amount of oil first, then transferring them to the air fryer for an extra crisp. Also, don’t overload the taquitos with filling; too much can make them difficult to roll and may lead to bursting during cooking. Another tip is to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking the taquitos. This helps achieve optimal crispiness from the start. Finally, experiment with various fillings and seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination, whether it’s adding beans, different cheeses, or spices.
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
Storing your Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos properly can help you enjoy them for days. Allow the taquitos to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to maintain their crispiness, consider stacking them between layers of paper towels before sealing them in the container. To reheat, use the air fryer again for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through and the outer layer is crispy once more. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the unbaked taquitos. Just wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, cook directly from the freezer without thawing, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations of Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos are incredibly versatile, allowing you to try various flavors and ingredients. For a vegetarian option, you can fill them with black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and your choice of cheese. If you’re looking to spice things up, add jalapeños or a mix of spicy salsa to your meat or bean filling. Another fun variation involves using different types of cheese; mix cream cheese with shredded cheese for an extra gooey filling. For a breakfast twist, consider filling them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and diced peppers. Sweet potato or other roasted vegetables work well for a hearty and nutritious addition too. Each variation allows you to explore new textures and flavors, keeping your mealtime exciting.
FAQ about Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
You may have a few questions about preparing Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos. One common question is, “Can I use different tortilla types?” Yes, you can use corn or flour tortillas based on your preference. Both cook well in an air fryer and provide tasty results. Another question is, “How do I avoid soggy taquitos?” Ensure your tortillas are warmed adequately and do not overfill them. Lightly spray the exterior with cooking spray for added crispiness. Additionally, “Can I make these ahead of time?” is often asked. Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking to save time. Finally, “What can I serve with taquitos?” is a popular query. They pair beautifully with guacamole, fresh salsa, or a simple green salad to complete your meal.
Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos
Ingredients
For the Taquitos
- 10 pieces small corn or flour tortillas Warm before filling.
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite blend) Can use a blend of cheeses.
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or beans Choose your preferred protein.
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning Optional.
- as needed spray cooking spray or olive oil For spraying the air fryer basket.
- to taste fresh cilantro For garnish.
- to taste sour cream, salsa, or guacamole For dipping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Warm the tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet for about 30 seconds until pliable.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded cheese and your choice of protein. Add taco seasoning if desired.
- Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling on one side of each tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, folding in the sides as you go to prevent the filling from escaping.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
- Place the rolled taquitos seam side down in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
Cooking
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite dips.
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