You know that feeling when the air gets a little crisp, your favorite sweater comes out of storage, and suddenly, you need every snack to taste like cinnamon and apples? That’s me, basically from September through November. Last fall, I found myself standing over my air fryer, holding a stack of tortillas and wondering, “Could I turn apple pie into something you eat with your hands?” Spoiler: Yes. And these air fryer apple pie taquitos are the crispy, gooey, ridiculously easy result.
I’ve made them so many times now, my family thinks I’m running a taquito test kitchen. The first batch was a mess—apples everywhere, tortillas split wide open. But once I nailed the trick of rolling them tight and sealing with a swipe of butter, these went from “hmm” to “holy wow.” The best part? My kitchen smells like a fairground and a grandma’s house at the same time, and the whole thing takes maybe 25 minutes.
If you’re craving something that tastes like fall, but you don’t want to wrestle with pie dough or wait an hour for dessert, trust me: these air fryer apple pie taquitos are about to become your favorite easy crispy fall dessert. (And yes, I sneak bites straight out of the air fryer. Don’t judge.)
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos Recipe
Okay, I have to say it—these apple pie taquitos have ruined regular apple pie for me. There are a bunch of reasons I keep making them, but here are my top favorites:
- Crispy outside, gooey inside: The air fryer makes the tortillas golden and crunchy in minutes—way better than baking! And the apple filling? Warm, cinnamon-y, and just sweet enough.
- Done in under 30 minutes: No rolling pie dough, no chilling, no waiting. I can whip these up on a random Wednesday just because.
- All the classic flavors: Apples, cinnamon, brown sugar…but in a format you can eat one-handed while scrolling Pinterest (true story).
- Uses pantry staples: Tortillas, apples, sugar, butter. If you’ve got an air fryer, you’re halfway there.
- Kid and adult approved: My seven-year-old nephew asked for seconds, and my “foodie” friends keep requesting the recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to customize: You want caramel drizzle? Pecans? Chocolate chips? Go wild.
- Perfect for fall gatherings: Serve these at a bonfire, tailgate, or movie night, and watch them disappear.
Honestly, these are my comfort food when I need something quick, warm, and guaranteed to make the whole house smell amazing. If you love apple pie but want something simpler, these air fryer apple pie taquitos are the move.
What Ingredients You’ll Need For Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos
Here’s what I love about this ingredient list: You probably have most of it already. And if not, you can swap things around—trust me, I’ve tested every shortcut.
- Flour tortillas (8 small, about 6-inch / 15cm) — I use regular flour tortillas for best crispiness. Corn tortillas aren’t sturdy enough, but if you’re gluten-free, go for a GF flour tortilla (just keep them warm so they don’t crack when rolling).
- Apples (2 medium, peeled and diced, about 2 cups / 240g) — Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best. I’ve tried Gala and Fuji, too—so use whatever’s on hand. Pro tip: Dice them pretty small, or the filling will poke out of the sides.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup / 50g) — I like dark brown sugar for deeper flavor, but light works too.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp / 25g) — Balances the brown sugar and gives a nice caramelized taste.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp) — If you’re a spice lover, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
- Butter (2 tbsp / 30g, plus more for brushing) — Melted is easiest for coating the tortillas and sealing the edges.
- Lemon juice (1 tsp) — Keeps the apples from browning and adds a little brightness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp) — Optional, but I always add it for bakery vibes.
- Pinch of salt — Just a little to balance the sweetness.
- Optional: Caramel sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream — For serving. I won’t tell if you go overboard.
Ingredient Stories & Substitutions:
- I’ve swapped apples for pears once when my fruit bowl was empty—worked surprisingly well.
- If you’re short on brown sugar, use all white sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. The flavor is still cozy.
- Don’t have tortillas? Puff pastry sheets (cut into rectangles and rolled) work in a pinch, but you’ll need a little more air fryer time.
- I buy my apples from the farmers’ market when I can—way more flavor, and you can mix up varieties for depth.
- I tried margarine once. Results: Not worth it. Stick with real butter.
Quick note: If you want to make these vegan, swap the butter for melted coconut oil and double-check your tortillas.
Equipment Needed For Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos
You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make these air fryer apple pie taquitos—I’ve done this with the bare minimum and they still come out perfect.
- Air fryer — Mine’s a basic basket-style, nothing fancy. Any air fryer that fits 3-4 taquitos at a time will do.
- Mixing bowl — For tossing together the apple filling ingredients. I use a medium-sized bowl.
- Small saucepan — Optional, but great for softening apples quickly on the stove (see my technique below).
- Knife and cutting board — For peeling and dicing apples.
- Basting brush — For brushing melted butter on the tortillas. If you don’t have one, use the back of a spoon.
- Tongs — For flipping taquitos in the air fryer. Fingers also work, but you might regret it.
- Measuring cups and spoons — Because baking is science, and guessing just leads to sadness.
My only “fancy” tool here is a decent air fryer. And honestly, the dollar store mixing bowl gets as much use as my “nice” stuff.
Oh, one last thing: If you have parchment paper liners for your air fryer, they make cleanup a breeze. Otherwise, just a quick wipe while it’s warm.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s make these! I’m walking you through exactly how I do it, with all the little tricks I wish I’d known the first time.
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Prep the Apple Filling (5 minutes)
Peel and dice your apples into small cubes (about 1/4-inch or 0.5cm). Toss them in a mixing bowl with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until every piece is coated and glossy.
Tip: If your apples are super firm, microwave for 1 minute or sauté for 2-3 minutes in a small saucepan to soften—makes rolling easier and filling gooier. -
Warm the Tortillas (2 minutes)
Stack tortillas and wrap in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20 seconds or until just warm and pliable. This keeps them from splitting when you roll. -
Fill and Roll (5 minutes)
Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of apple filling along one edge of each tortilla. Roll up tightly, like a cigar, tucking the sides in as you go. Place seam-side down on a plate.
Quick note: Don’t overfill—if you do, they’ll bust open and ooze everywhere. (Learned this the messy way.) -
Brush and Seal (2 minutes)
Melt the remaining butter and brush over each taquito, focusing on the seam. This helps them crisp up and stay closed. -
Air Fry (8-10 minutes)
Place taquitos seam-side down in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each (don’t overcrowd). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. They should be golden brown and the filling will start to bubble at the edges.
Troubleshooting: If the tortillas start to unravel, give them another brush of butter at halftime. (I’ve had rogue taquitos before—still tasty, just less pretty.) -
Cinnamon Sugar Finish (1 minute)
Right after air frying, sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar (mix 1 tbsp sugar + 1/2 tsp cinnamon). The heat makes it melt into a sweet crust. -
Serve & Enjoy!
Let them cool for 2-3 minutes—they’ll be lava-hot inside. Serve with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream if you want to be extra.
Visual cues: The tortillas should be crisp and lightly blistered, the edges caramelized, and you’ll smell warm apples and cinnamon wafting from the air fryer. If you hear sizzling, that’s the sugar doing its job.
At this point, you’re maybe 20 minutes in. And yes, you’ll want to eat one immediately. Go ahead—I always do.
My Best Tips & Techniques for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos
Okay, here’s where I spill the secrets I’ve picked up after making these way too many times (and cleaning up a few apple explosions).
- Don’t overfill! The biggest mistake I made at first was stuffing too much apple mixture in. It seems like a good idea, but it just leaks out and burns in the air fryer. 2-3 tablespoons is the sweet spot.
- Seal with butter. Brushing the seam and ends with melted butter helps them crisp up and stick together. If you skip this, expect filling to escape.
- Warm tortillas matter. Cold tortillas crack when rolling. I’ve ruined more than a few by rushing this step. Microwave or steam them before you start.
- Rotate halfway. Flip the taquitos at the halfway mark for even browning. My air fryer has hot spots, so I move them around a bit too.
- Add a cinnamon sugar sprinkle after frying. It melts onto the taquitos and makes them taste like churros-meet-apple-pie.
- Let cool—just a bit. I know, but seriously. The filling will scorch your mouth if you go in too fast. Three minutes makes a world of difference.
- Clean up while they cool. The sugar gets sticky if it sits, so I wipe down the air fryer basket right away. Future me is always grateful.
Real talk: The first time I made these, I didn’t brush enough butter and ended up with dry, sad taquitos. Don’t be me—go heavy on the butter.
Last tip: If you want perfectly uniform taquitos, use a kitchen scale to portion out the filling. If you’re like me and just eyeball it, embrace the rustic look.
Ways to Mix Up Your Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos
Once you’ve nailed the basic version, get creative! I’ve tried all of these and can vouch—they’re all winners.
- Caramel Apple Taquitos: Add 2 tablespoons of jarred caramel sauce to the apple filling, or drizzle caramel on top before serving. My kids say it tastes like fair food.
- Pecan Crunch: Toss 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans into the apple mixture. Adds texture and that autumn nutty vibe.
- Berry Apple Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries with the apples. If using frozen, don’t thaw—they’ll bleed into the filling but still taste great.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free flour tortillas (mission brand is my go-to). Just warm them a little longer so they roll without cracking.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside with the apples. I do this for dessert parties and it always gets rave reviews.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for extra fall flavor. Sometimes I use pumpkin pie spice for a shortcut.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and double-check your tortillas. The texture is a little different, but still crispy and delicious.
- Extra Sweet: Brush taquitos with honey or maple syrup before air frying for a sticky, caramelized finish.
- Nutty Mix: Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or slivered almonds for crunch.
Honestly, these are a blank canvas. If you come up with a wild variation, let me know—I’m always game to try something new in the air fryer.
Serving Ideas & Storage for Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos
How to Serve
- Best warm, fresh out of the air fryer. I slice them in half and dip in caramel sauce—or just eat them plain, no shame.
- For brunch, serve with whipped cream and fresh berries. Looks fancy, takes zero effort.
- As a dessert, top with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. My Saturday night treat!
- For snacks: Pack cooled taquitos in lunchboxes or wrap individually for grab-and-go breakfast.
- Pair with hot cider, coffee, or a pumpkin spice latte. You get the idea—fall in a bite.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’ll lose a little crispiness, but still taste amazing.
- Fridge: Store for up to 5 days, tightly wrapped or in a sealed container. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C)—restores the crunch.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked taquitos in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Lasts 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
- Reheating tips: Air fryer is best, but a toaster oven works too. Microwave makes them softer, but still tasty.
Pro tip: If they get a little stale, cube and use in bread pudding or French toast casserole. Waste not, want not.
Nutritional Info & Health Benefits
I’m not a nutritionist, but here’s why I feel good making these air fryer apple pie taquitos instead of reaching for store-bought pastries.
| Per taquito | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~155 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 26g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
- Real apples — You get fiber, vitamin C, and that natural sweetness, not just empty sugar.
- Lower sugar than most desserts — Especially if you halve the granulated sugar or use maple syrup.
- Baked, not deep-fried — The air fryer saves a ton of oil calories and still gives you crispy results.
- Whole ingredients — No weird preservatives or mystery flavors.
Personal note: These fill me up way better than a cookie or donut, probably because of the apples and the fiber. If you’re watching your sugar, try using less or swap in coconut sugar. And remember, dessert is meant to be enjoyed—balance is everything.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos In Your Life
So that’s my air fryer apple pie taquitos recipe! I know I’m a little obsessed, but when a recipe is this easy, tasty, and makes your whole house smell like fall, how can you not share?
This is my go-to when I want something cozy but don’t have hours to spare. Whether it’s movie night, brunch, or a last-minute dessert for friends, these never let me down. I hope you love them as much as my family does (and if you come up with a wild variation, please tell me—I’m always looking for an excuse to try a new twist).
Make it your own! Add caramel, nuts, berries, or roll them in extra cinnamon sugar. Recipes are meant to evolve, and the best ones start with a little experimentation.
If you whip up a batch, I’d love to hear how it goes! Drop a comment below, tell me your favorite variation, or tag me on Instagram @cozyapron—nothing makes my day like seeing your creations. Got questions? Hit me up in the comments—I check them every day and love troubleshooting.
Happy baking! May your kitchen smell like cinnamon and apples, and your taquitos be as crispy as you like.
FAQs About Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos
Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A: I’ve tried it, and honestly, they crack and don’t hold up as well. If you’re gluten-free, grab gluten-free flour tortillas and warm them extra before rolling.
Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
A: I always do for smoother filling, but if you’re in a rush, leave the peels on—just dice extra small. Some people love the texture, some don’t. Your call!
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely! Roll and fill the taquitos, keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then air fry right before serving. They reheat well, too—air fryer for a few minutes and they’re crisp again.
Q: What apples work best?
A: Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness and crunch. Honestly, I use whatever’s in my crisper drawer. Mixing varieties is fun, too!
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: The tortillas should be golden, the edges caramelized, and you’ll get a whiff of warm apple pie when you open the air fryer. If the filling is bubbling at the ends, you’re good to go.
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Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 taquitos 1x
Description
These air fryer apple pie taquitos are a quick, crispy, and gooey fall dessert that combines classic apple pie flavors with the convenience of handheld taquitos. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for gatherings, snacks, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 8 small flour tortillas (about 6-inch each)
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Caramel sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream for serving
- For cinnamon sugar finish: 1 tablespoon sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel and dice apples into small cubes (about 1/4-inch). Toss in a mixing bowl with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until coated.
- If apples are very firm, microwave for 1 minute or sauté for 2-3 minutes in a small saucepan to soften.
- Stack tortillas and wrap in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20 seconds until warm and pliable.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of apple filling along one edge of each tortilla. Roll up tightly, tucking in the sides, and place seam-side down.
- Melt remaining butter and brush over each taquito, focusing on the seam to seal.
- Place taquitos seam-side down in air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
- Immediately after air frying, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet crust.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream if desired.
Notes
Don’t overfill taquitos to prevent leaking. Warm tortillas before rolling to avoid cracking. Seal edges with butter for crispiness. Flip halfway for even browning. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after air frying for a churro-like finish. For vegan, use coconut oil and vegan tortillas. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 170
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: air fryer, apple pie, taquitos, fall dessert, easy dessert, cinnamon, apples, handheld dessert, quick dessert, crispy taquitos
