Introduction

There’s something magical about taquitos. They’re crispy, savory, and packed with all the delicious flavors we crave in a bite-sized snack. And when you make them in the air fryer? They become even better—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with minimal oil. These Air-Fryer Taquitos are not just a quick snack; they’re a celebration of everything that’s good about Tex-Mex food. I love how versatile they are, and the best part is they’re super easy to make! Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or a family gathering, these little rolls are bound to disappear in minutes.

I first discovered the joy of air-fried taquitos when I was looking for a healthier alternative to the deep-fried versions we all know and love. They’ve quickly become a regular in our kitchen, and I’m sure they’ll be a hit in your household too! These taquitos are stuffed with a combination of tender chicken, cheese, and a bit of spice, all rolled up in a soft tortilla and air-fried until golden and crispy. The beauty of air frying is that you can get that crispy exterior without using a ton of oil, making this a lighter option that still delivers on flavor.

This recipe is one of those meals that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer. And don’t worry—whether you’re an experienced cook or just getting started in the kitchen, I’m here to walk you through every step. Trust me, you’ve got this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons you’re going to fall in love with these Air-Fryer Taquitos! Here are a few:

Easy to make: These taquitos are incredibly simple to put together, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll have crispy taquitos ready to enjoy.
Family-friendly: Everyone in the family—kids and adults alike—will love these crispy, cheesy taquitos. You can even let your little ones help with the rolling part!
Healthier alternative: Thanks to the air fryer, these taquitos come out perfectly crisp without the extra oil, so you can indulge without feeling guilty.
Full of flavor: The chicken filling is perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice, and the cheese melts beautifully inside the taquito, making every bite an absolute treat.

From the first bite, you’ll notice the crispy exterior paired with the tender, flavorful chicken and melted cheese inside. The contrast in texture is what makes these taquitos so addictive, and they pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Makes 12-14 taquitos
Calories per serving: 180 calories per taquito

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients. For these Air-Fryer Taquitos, you’ll need just a handful of everyday items you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded) – Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breast or thighs. The key is to have tender, well-seasoned chicken that will stay juicy inside the taquito.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) – The cheese is what makes these taquitos ooze with gooey goodness. Choose your favorite cheese for the best melt.
1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium, depending on your spice preference) – This adds flavor and moisture to the filling. It also gives the taquitos that classic Tex-Mex taste.
1 teaspoon ground cumin – A little cumin goes a long way in adding a warm, earthy flavor that’s perfect for this dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic is a must in any savory dish, and this adds a nice background flavor to the chicken mixture.
1/2 teaspoon chili powder – If you like a little kick, chili powder is a great addition. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
1 tablespoon lime juice – Adds a bit of tang to balance out the richness of the cheese and chicken.
10-12 small flour tortillas – These will be the base of your taquitos. I recommend using soft flour tortillas to ensure they roll easily without cracking.
Cooking spray – For a light coat on the taquitos to help them crisp up in the air fryer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions! Don’t worry—I’ll guide you through each part, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying crispy, golden taquitos.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken filling Start by shredding your cooked chicken into small pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, just pull it apart with a fork—super easy! Add the chicken to a bowl, then toss in the salsa, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and lime juice. Mix everything together so that the chicken is evenly coated in the flavorful spices and salsa. Now, stir in your shredded cheese until it’s fully incorporated.

Step 2: Warm the tortillas Take your tortillas and warm them up for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave (just enough to make them pliable). This will prevent them from cracking when you roll them up. Lay them out on a flat surface, ready for the filling.

Step 3: Assemble the taquitos Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Make sure you don’t overstuff them, or they won’t roll up tightly. Roll up each tortilla tightly, starting from the edge with the filling and rolling towards the other side. Secure the taquitos with a toothpick if needed to hold them in place.

Step 4: Air fry the taquitos Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the taquitos in the basket, seam-side down, in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray to help them crisp up nicely.

Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the taquitos halfway through the cooking time to get both sides crispy. The taquitos should be golden brown and crispy when done. If they’re not as crispy as you’d like, pop them back in for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy Once the taquitos are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. I love to serve them with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a zesty salsa for dipping. Enjoy the crispy crunch and the gooey cheese and chicken inside—trust me, these won’t last long!

How to Serve

These Air-Fryer Taquitos are so versatile when it comes to serving! Here are a few ideas to make your meal even better:

Serve with a side of guacamole and sour cream for a creamy, tangy contrast to the crispy taquitos.
Pair with a fresh side salad of greens and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
For a heartier option, enjoy the taquitos with some Mexican rice or a scoop of refried beans on the side.
Serve them alongside a zesty salsa verde or a tangy lime crema for dipping!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to ensure your Air-Fryer Taquitos turn out perfectly every time:

Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes be a bit dry. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better and gives you that perfect gooey center in the taquitos.
Don’t overstuff: It’s tempting to load up the tortillas with tons of filling, but be careful not to overstuff. Too much filling can make it harder to roll and cause them to fall apart in the air fryer.
Brush with oil: A light spray of cooking oil helps the taquitos get extra crispy. You can even use a pastry brush to lightly coat them with olive oil if you don’t have cooking spray.
Keep them from drying out: If you’re making a larger batch, keep the taquitos warm in the oven (set to 200°F or 93°C) while the rest cook to prevent them from drying out.
Feel free to mix it up: You can use ground beef, turkey, or even vegetarian fillings like beans and roasted vegetables in place of the chicken. Customize them however you like!

Recipe Variations

There are so many ways to mix up this recipe and make it your own. Here are a few fun variations to try:

Vegetarian option: Swap out the chicken for a combo of black beans, corn, and roasted peppers for a veggie-packed version. You can even add a little extra cheese for richness.
Spicy kick: If you like things spicy, add some jalapeño slices to the chicken mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the taquitos before cooking.
Cheesy chicken: For extra cheese in every bite, sprinkle some cheddar or Monterey Jack directly into the tortillas before adding the filling for an even cheesier experience.
Shredded beef: Use shredded beef instead of chicken for a heartier, more robust flavor. The beef pairs perfectly with the other savory ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these crispy Air-Fryer Taquitos with a variety of sides and drinks to round out your meal:

Side Dishes: A fresh cilantro-lime rice or a refreshing cucumber salad would complement the richness of the taquitos perfectly.
Drinks: For a drink that balances the spice, serve with a fresh lemonade or a crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo.
For kids: Serve with buttered noodles or a side of crispy tater tots for a fun twist on taquitos.

Freezing and Storage

If you happen to have any leftover taquitos (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store and freeze them:

Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until they’re crispy again.
Freezing: To freeze, arrange the cooked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen taquitos in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

Special Equipment

To get the best results with this recipe, you’ll need a few key tools:

Air fryer: This is the star of the show! Any air fryer will do, but I recommend one with a large enough basket to hold all your taquitos in a single layer.
Pastry brush or cooking spray: This will help you evenly coat the taquitos with oil for a crispy exterior.
Tongs: Use tongs to flip the taquitos halfway through the cooking process to ensure an even crisp.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut for this recipe. Just make sure to shred it and remove any skin or bones before using.
Can I make the taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the taquitos a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and cook them the next day.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the taquitos in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I freeze uncooked taquitos?
Yes! Freeze the assembled but uncooked taquitos in a single layer, and once solid, store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can cook them straight from frozen, adding an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.