Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos

Introduction

Let me tell you – there’s nothing quite like the joy of a warm, fruity dessert wrapped up in a crispy shell. And when you have cherry pie in a taquito form, cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, well, dessert doesn’t get much better than this! These Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos are a perfect blend of the sweet, tangy cherry filling and the crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating that’ll make every bite a delightful treat.

These taquitos have become a fast favorite in my household. They’re quick, easy, and packed with that nostalgic cherry pie flavor but with a fun twist. Imagine the classic cherry pie filling wrapped in a tortilla, then air-fried to crispy perfection and dusted with cinnamon sugar – every bite is a little piece of heaven. Plus, it’s so much faster (and less messy) than making a whole pie. You can whip these up for a family dessert, a fun party treat, or a last-minute indulgence. Best part? They’re ready in under 15 minutes.

Let’s dive into this easy-peasy recipe for Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos and bring a little sweet magic to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these cherry pie taquitos are as easy as it gets. No pie crust to roll out, no oven to preheat – just assemble, air-fry, and enjoy!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love these taquitos. They’re easy to hold, fun to eat, and the perfect handheld dessert for parties or family movie nights.
• Rich, Fruity Flavor: The cherry pie filling has that tart-sweet balance, which, combined with the cinnamon-sugar coating, gives these taquitos a flavor that’s reminiscent of a cozy pie.
• Versatile: You can switch up the filling, add toppings, or even drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Imagine a warm, crispy shell giving way to gooey cherry filling with every bite. It’s the perfect dessert for a quick fix that feels like a real treat!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 15 minutes (5 minutes prep, 8-10 minutes air frying)
• Servings: 8 taquitos
• Calories per serving: 180 calories, 4g protein, 32g carbs, 5g fat

Ingredients

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (or use cooking spray)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Why these ingredients work:

• Flour tortillas: Light and crispy when air-fried, flour tortillas give a flaky outer layer that complements the sweet filling.
• Cherry pie filling: For that tangy-sweet, classic cherry pie flavor that we all know and love. You could even mix in a little almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor.
• Butter or cooking spray: This helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a beautiful golden-brown color to the taquitos.
• Cinnamon sugar: The perfect dusting on these taquitos, adding a little extra sweetness and a warm spice note that balances the cherries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tortillas and Filling

• Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface and get ready to assemble. Place a generous spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of cherry pie filling along the center of each tortilla.
• Tip: Don’t overfill, or it will be challenging to roll them up tightly, and the filling may ooze out while air-frying.

Roll Up the Taquitos

• Starting from one side, tightly roll each tortilla around the cherry filling, like you would a taquito. Place them seam-side down on a plate or tray.
• Pro Tip: To keep the taquitos closed and prevent unrolling, you can seal the edge with a dab of water or a bit of cherry filling.

Brush or Spray with Butter

• Use a pastry brush to coat each taquito lightly with melted butter, or spritz them with cooking spray if you prefer. This step ensures a crispy outer layer and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
• Don’t skip this part! The butter or spray gives that golden color and that irresistible crunch.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

• In a shallow dish, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Roll each butter-coated taquito in the cinnamon sugar until well-coated. If you love cinnamon, feel free to add a bit more!
• This sweet coating adds the final pie-like touch. It’s like the sugar crust on a cinnamon roll but with an extra crispy edge!

Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t need preheating, you can skip this step.

Air-Fry the Taquitos

• Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, seam-side down. Make sure not to overcrowd them – they need a little space to crisp up evenly.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. Check for a golden-brown color and crispy texture. If you want extra crispiness, add an additional 1-2 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy!

• Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve warm, with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dipping.
• Optional: Drizzle with a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

How to Serve

• Serve your cherry pie taquitos warm with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dipping.
• For a party spread, drizzle them with chocolate or caramel sauce and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive look.
• Want to make it even more dessert-like? Serve with a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar right before serving for a little extra sparkle!

Additional Tips

1. Choose the Right Tortillas: Use small, soft flour tortillas as they crisp up nicely in the air fryer without breaking.
2. Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can lead to messy, leaky taquitos. Aim for a modest scoop of filling that’s easy to wrap.
3. Seal Your Edges: Dab a bit of water on the edge of each tortilla to keep it closed while air frying.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting with a hot air fryer ensures even cooking and crisping.
5. Watch for Doneness: Air fryer cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on the taquitos. They should be golden brown with a slight crackle to the cinnamon sugar coating.

Recipe Variations

• Apple Pie Taquitos: Swap the cherry filling for apple pie filling. Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar for a warm fall twist.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Taquitos: Mix blueberry pie filling with a spoonful of cream cheese for a rich, creamy filling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a chocolate drizzle for a “chocolate cherry” flavor. Just melt chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle over the top before serving.
• Peach Pie Filling: Use canned peach pie filling instead of cherry for a summery, fruity flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar for a sweet-heat combo.

Serving Suggestions

• For a party platter: Arrange the taquitos on a large plate and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar. Add bowls of whipped cream, caramel sauce, and chocolate sauce on the side for dipping.
• Paired with hot drinks: Serve alongside hot cocoa, spiced cider, or coffee for a cozy dessert pairing.
• A la mode: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to the taquitos and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F to crisp them up again.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the taquitos before air-frying. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Special Equipment

• Air Fryer: An air fryer is essential for achieving the crispy, golden texture on these taquitos.
• Pastry Brush: Use this to coat each taquito with butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
• Tongs: To flip the taquitos halfway through cooking.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use corn tortillas?

A: Flour tortillas work best for this recipe, as they crisp up evenly. However, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer, but they may require some adjustments in cooking time and may not be as pliable.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the taquitos, wrap them, and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. If you want to make them even earlier, freeze them uncooked and air fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?

A: While these are tailored for an air fryer, you could bake them in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the taquitos on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Q: Can I use fresh cherries?

A: Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries, you can cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create your own cherry pie filling. Just make sure to let it cool before using.

Q: How can I make these healthier?

A: You can reduce the sugar in the filling or use a sugar substitute. Additionally, opt for whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.

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Conclusion

There you have it – the ultimate Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos that are not only delicious but also a fun way to enjoy a classic dessert. With their crispy exterior and sweet, tangy filling, these taquitos are bound to become a family favorite.

Whether you whip them up for a cozy movie night, a family gathering, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, they’re sure to impress. Don’t forget to play around with the filling and toppings to make them your own! These delightful taquitos are perfect for any occasion, from a casual dessert to an exciting party snack.

So gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and let’s make some sweet memories with these delightful taquitos. Happy cooking!