Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos (Print)

Crispy taquitos filled with a chicken and cheese blend, cooked air fryer style for a golden finish.

# Components:

→ Filling

01 - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
04 - ½ cup salsa (mild or medium)
05 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
06 - ½ teaspoon chili powder
07 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
08 - ¼ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Assembly

10 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas (6-inch)
11 - Olive oil spray

→ Serving (optional)

12 - Sour cream
13 - Guacamole
14 - Chopped cilantro
15 - Lime wedges
16 - Salsa

# Method:

01 - Combine shredded chicken, cheddar, Monterey Jack cheeses, salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl; mix until evenly incorporated.
02 - Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20–30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to increase pliability.
03 - Place approximately 2 tablespoons of filling down the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and position seam-side down.
04 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
05 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange taquitos in a single layer, seam-side down, ensuring space between each.
06 - Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil for enhanced crisping.
07 - Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.
08 - Serve immediately with optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're genuinely crispy outside and melty inside without any guilt about oil splatters everywhere.
  • Fifteen minutes of prep means you can have dinner on the table faster than takeout arrives.
  • The filling comes together so quickly you'll wonder why you ever ordered these instead of making them at home.
02 -
  • The seam-side down placement isn't just for looks—it prevents the filling from leaking out during cooking and ensures even crisping on the bottom.
  • Spraying oil on both the basket and the tops of the taquitos is the actual secret to that crispy exterior; skipping either step leads to disappointment.
  • If your tortillas are too dry or old, no amount of warming will save them; fresh tortillas from the bakery section make a noticeable difference.
03 -
  • If you want extra crispy taquitos, brush the tortillas lightly with oil before rolling them—this creates an even more satisfying crunch.
  • Room-temperature filling works better than cold filling because it allows the cheese to melt slightly during the cooking process, creating better cohesion.
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