Introduction
Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie wrapped in a crispy, golden taquito shell—perfectly snackable and ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake a pie. That’s what I adore about these Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos! They’ve got all the classic apple-pie flavors without the fuss of rolling out dough, and the air fryer makes them perfectly crispy in minutes. It’s the ultimate combination of crispy, warm, and sweet that’s sure to become a family favorite.
I remember making these for a quick dessert one autumn night, and they were a hit! The house smelled amazing, and everyone loved the twist on a traditional apple pie. Plus, they’re super easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with a warm cup of cider or a fun dessert to share at a gathering, these apple pie taquitos are a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
you’re going to love this Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos for so many reason! Here are just a few that make them a must try:
- Quick and Easy: Minimal ingredients, minimal prep time, and no need for pie crust.
- Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer gives these taquitos a fantastic golden crunch without any oil.
- Warm Apple Pie Flavors: Think cinnamon, apples, and brown sugar—just like classic apple pie.
- Snack-Sized and Fun: Perfect for sharing or snacking on the go, especially during the fall season.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the hand-held size, and adults can’t resist the nostalgia of warm apple pie flavors.
When you take a bite, you get that delicious apple-cinnamon filling wrapped in a crispy tortilla—it’s almost like dessert meets street food. The soft, gooey filling and crunchy shell make every bite a little moment of bliss.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 20 minutes prep + 10 minutes in the air fryer = 30 minutes
- Servings: Makes 8 taquitos, perfect for 4 people as a dessert.
- Calories per Serving: 180 calories per taquito, with each packed with apple goodness and a touch of cinnamon sweetness.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
- 1 tablespoon butter, for a touch of richness
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for dusting
- Spray oil (or melted butter for brushing)
Ingredient Highlights
- Apples: Fresh, crisp apples work best here. Fuji or Honeycrisp varieties add natural sweetness.
- Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: These two bring out that classic apple pie flavor.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft enough to roll but crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Butter: Adds just a touch of richness to the filling, making it extra cozy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir until the apples soften slightly and the sugar dissolves, creating a caramel-like sauce, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
Assemble the Taquitos
- Lay out the tortillas and spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple filling down the center of each one.
- Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, leaving the ends open. Make sure to press the seam to secure it.
Dust and Spray the Taquitos
- Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with oil or brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Air Fry the Taquitos
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do two batches).
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
How to Serve
- With Dipping Sauces: Try serving with caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or whipped cream.
- Topped with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs perfectly.
- Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar: For a bakery-style presentation, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
For a bit of a twist, you could even drizzle some melted white chocolate on top. These taquitos make a fantastic snack for movie night or a cozy autumn gathering with friends.
Additional Tips
- Choose Crisp Apples: Softer apples like McIntosh can become too mushy, so go for crisp varieties.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make it hard to roll the taquitos properly.
- Secure the Roll: Make sure the seam side is down when placing them in the air fryer to prevent unrolling.
- Adjust the Sugar: If your apples are very sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar.
- Brush for Extra Crispness: If you don’t mind a few more calories, brush with melted butter for an extra-crispy finish.
Recipe Variations
- Add Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce inside before rolling for an even richer filling.
- Go Vegan: Use a vegan butter substitute and tortillas without dairy.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas, and you’re all set!
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of allspice or ground ginger for extra warmth.
- Switch the Fruit: Pears or a mix of apples and berries work beautifully here for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Beverages: Try a warm mug of spiced cider, hot chocolate, or a chai latte.
- Side Treats: Serve with roasted nuts or a side of fresh apple slices for a balanced dessert spread.
- For a Cozy Gathering: Present the taquitos on a tray with a variety of dipping sauces and invite everyone to build their own dessert.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Place leftover taquitos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooked taquitos on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, until crispy.
- Reheating Tips: To keep the taquitos crispy, avoid microwaving them. The air fryer or oven works best!
Special Equipment
- Air Fryer: Essential for achieving the crispy texture without extra oil.
- Silicone Brush: Handy for brushing butter or oil onto the tortillas.
- Apple Peeler: Speeds up the prep if you’re working with a lot of apples!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes! Canned apple pie filling is a great shortcut. Just chop the apples into smaller pieces so they fit easily in the tortillas. It may be a bit sweeter than fresh filling, so you can adjust by sprinkling a little less sugar on top before air frying.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the taquitos in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through so they get crispy and golden on both sides. It may take a couple of minutes longer than the air fryer, but they’ll turn out delicious.
What’s the best way to keep them crispy if I make them ahead of time?
If you need to make them ahead, store the baked taquitos in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F to revive the crispy texture just before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the taquitos soggy.
Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, these taquitos are adaptable! Pears, peaches, or even a mix of apples and berries would be fantastic. Just adjust the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of the fruit you’re using, and enjoy experimenting with new flavors.
How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
To make vegan apple pie taquitos, simply swap the butter with a plant-based alternative. You can also use coconut oil for a light coconut flavor that pairs well with apple. Be sure to double-check that your tortillas are dairy-free too!
PrintAir Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
- 1 tablespoon butter, for a touch of richness
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for dusting
- Spray oil (or melted butter for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir until the apples soften slightly and the sugar dissolves, creating a caramel-like sauce, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Assemble the Taquitos
- Lay out the tortillas and spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple filling down the center of each one.
- Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, leaving the ends open. Make sure to press the seam to secure it.
- Dust and Spray the Taquitos
- Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with oil or brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Air Fry the Taquitos
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do two batches).
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 180
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos have quickly become one of my go-to fall treats because they pack all the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie into a hand-held, crunchy taquito shell. There’s just something so satisfying about that warm apple-cinnamon filling wrapped in a golden tortilla. It’s the kind of treat that brings everyone into the kitchen as soon as they smell the sweet, cinnamon-sugar goodness in the air.
Whether you’re making these for a festive gathering, a cozy movie night snack, or a quick dessert, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. And with a short prep time and simple ingredients, they’re perfect for those times when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. If you try these out, let me know how they turn out and what unique twists you added. Enjoy every crispy, warm, and delicious bite!