It was a random Wednesday evening when I first tried making taquitos in the air fryer. My kids were “starving” (their words, not mine), and I needed something quick, easy, and preferably mess-free. That’s when this recipe for crispy air fryer chicken taquitos came to life, and let me tell you—it’s been on repeat ever since.
Picture this: golden, crunchy taquitos stuffed with juicy shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a hint of seasoning perfection. All done in under 30 minutes, with zero oil splatters and minimal cleanup. Sounds like a win, right? Trust me, this recipe will have your family asking for seconds—and thirds.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even a fun snack for your picky little eaters, these air fryer chicken taquitos check all the boxes. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about taking a simple tortilla and transforming it into crispy, cheesy perfection. Here’s why these air fryer chicken taquitos are going to be your new favorite:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish, including the air fryer time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Kid-Friendly: My kids devour these like they’re candy. The chicken and cheese filling is mild enough for picky eaters but still flavorful for adults.
- Healthier Option: Made with minimal oil thanks to the air fryer, these are lighter than their deep-fried cousins but still satisfyingly crunchy.
- Versatile: You can customize the filling to match your taste or whatever you have in the fridge. Leftover rotisserie chicken? Perfect! Want to add black beans or corn? Go for it!
Honestly, these taquitos have become my go-to for those nights when I want something delicious but don’t have time for complicated recipes. They’re such a lifesaver!
What Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry—this recipe doesn’t require anything fancy. You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. Here’s the breakdown:
- Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, but you can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs.
- Cheese (1 cup): I use shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, but pepper jack adds a nice kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Tortillas (8 medium-sized): Flour tortillas crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, but corn tortillas are great if you prefer gluten-free options.
- Cream Cheese (2 ounces): This helps bind the filling and makes it extra creamy. Don’t skip it!
- Taco Seasoning (1 tablespoon): Store-bought works fine, but if you’ve got a homemade blend, even better.
- Olive Oil Spray: For lightly coating the taquitos so they crisp up perfectly.
Optional additions: diced green chilies, black beans, or corn kernels. These are great if you want to add extra flavor and texture to the filling.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need much to whip up these taquitos, which is another reason I love this recipe. Here’s the minimalist lineup:
- Air Fryer: Any size will do, but go for a larger basket if you’re cooking for a crowd.
- Mixing Bowls: One for the filling and one for any toppings you want to serve on the side.
- Spatula or Spoon: To mix the filling evenly.
- Kitchen Tongs: Helpful for placing and flipping the taquitos in the air fryer.
That’s it! No fancy gadgets, no complicated cleanup. Just good food made simple.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Let’s get down to business. Here’s how to make these crispy air fryer chicken taquitos, step by step:
- Mix the Filling (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, cream cheese, and taco seasoning. Use a spatula to blend until it’s evenly mixed and creamy.
- Assemble the Taquitos (10 minutes): Lay out the tortillas and place 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each. Roll tightly and place seam-side down. Don’t overfill, or they’ll burst open while cooking!
- Prep the Air Fryer (2 minutes): Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Taquitos (8 minutes): Place the rolled taquitos in the air fryer basket, seam-side down, without overcrowding. Spray the tops with a light coat of olive oil and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the taquitos, let them cool slightly, and serve with your favorite dips—guacamole, sour cream, salsa—whatever you love!
Pro tip: If you’re making a big batch, keep cooked taquitos warm in a low oven (200°F) while you finish the rest.
My Best Tips & Techniques
After making these taquitos more times than I can count, here are my top tricks for getting them just right:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Leave space between the taquitos so the hot air can circulate and crisp them up evenly.
- Warm your tortillas: If your tortillas are a little stiff, microwave them for 10-15 seconds before rolling. It makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
- Stick with olive oil spray: A light spritz is all you need for crispy perfection—no need to use heavy amounts of oil.
- Freeze leftovers: These taquitos freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer in a resealable bag and reheat them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F.
Follow these tips, and you’ll nail this recipe every single time!
Ways to Mix It Up
Feeling creative? There are so many ways to customize these taquitos. Here are some of my favorite twists:
- Spicy Salsa Taquitos: Mix a few tablespoons of your favorite salsa into the chicken filling for an extra kick.
- Buffalo Chicken Version: Swap taco seasoning for buffalo sauce and add crumbled blue cheese to the mix. Perfect for game day!
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with black beans and corn. Add a touch of cumin for flavor.
- Breakfast Taquitos: Use scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, and cheese for a fun morning twist.
Get creative with the filling and make these your own!
Serving Ideas & Storage
These crispy taquitos are perfect for any occasion. Here’s how I love to serve them:
Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: Guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, or salsa verde are all great choices.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans to make it a full meal.
- Party Platter: Serve them with a variety of dips and toppings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Freezer: Freeze assembled taquitos before cooking. When ready to eat, pop them straight into the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Info & Health Benefits
If you’re curious about the nutrition stats, here’s a quick breakdown per taquito:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Fat | 8g |
Health Highlights: These taquitos are lighter than traditional fried versions, thanks to the air fryer, and packed with protein from the chicken and cheese. A great option for keeping kids full and energized!
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—crispy air fryer chicken taquitos that are easy, delicious, and perfect for busy families. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, snacks, or a party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Make this recipe your own by experimenting with different fillings and flavors, and don’t forget to share your creations with me! I love seeing all the ways you put your own spin on my recipes.
Happy cooking, and may your air fryer bring you many crispy, cheesy delights!
FAQs
Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A: Absolutely! Corn tortillas work great, but warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
Q: My taquitos didn’t crisp up—what went wrong?
A: Make sure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket and that you spray the taquitos lightly with olive oil. Both are key for crispy results.
Q: Can I use leftover shredded pork instead of chicken?
A: Yes! Shredded pork or even beef works beautifully. Just season it with your favorite spices, and you’re good to go.
Q: How do I freeze these for meal prep?
A: Assemble the taquitos but don’t cook them. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer.
Q: Can I make these in the oven instead?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but still delicious.
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe – Easy & Perfect for Kids
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 taquitos 1x
Description
Golden, crunchy taquitos stuffed with juicy shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a hint of seasoning perfection. All done in under 30 minutes, with zero oil splatters and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 medium-sized flour tortillas
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Mix the Filling (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, cream cheese, and taco seasoning. Use a spatula to blend until it’s evenly mixed and creamy.
- Assemble the Taquitos (10 minutes): Lay out the tortillas and place 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each. Roll tightly and place seam-side down.
- Prep the Air Fryer (2 minutes): Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Taquitos (8 minutes): Place the rolled taquitos in the air fryer basket, seam-side down, without overcrowding. Spray the tops with a light coat of olive oil and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the taquitos, let them cool slightly, and serve with your favorite dips—guacamole, sour cream, salsa.
Notes
[‘Don’t overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even crisping.’, ‘Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.’, ‘Freeze leftovers for easy meal prep and reheat in the air fryer.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 12
Keywords: air fryer, chicken taquitos, crispy taquitos, kid-friendly, easy dinner, Mexican recipe
