Healthy and Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos in 20 Minutes!

Air frying has become a game-changer in the kitchen, allowing us to enjoy the crispy textures we love without all the extra oil.

One of the best dishes to make in an air fryer is chicken taquitos.

These little rolled-up tortillas filled with a savory chicken mixture are a delicious, crowd-pleasing option for any meal or snack.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or an appetizer to serve at a gathering, air fryer chicken taquitos are perfect.

They turn out crispy and golden, just like deep-fried taquitos, but with far less oil, making them a healthier choice.

Best of all, they are super easy to make and cook quickly, making them a go-to recipe for busy days.

Ingredients

To make your air fryer chicken taquitos, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients.

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Taquitos

The first thing you’ll need is shredded chicken.

You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook it yourself and shred it.

For a creamy texture, add cream cheese or Mexican crema to the chicken.

This ingredient will help the filling come together and give it that smooth, rich flavor.

Next, you’ll want shredded cheese.

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both works well, as the cheese melts beautifully in the taquitos.

The seasoning is essential for flavor.

You’ll need garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to give your chicken filling a well-rounded taste.

If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding optional ingredients like salsa, diced onions, or fresh cilantro.

These add a fresh touch and extra layers of flavor to the filling.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started on your taquitos, you’ll need a few key tools to make the process easier.

These tools will help streamline everything from prepping the filling to cooking the taquitos in the air fryer.

Air Fryer

The air fryer is the main tool for this recipe.

It’s what will give the taquitos that crispy exterior without deep frying.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) before you start assembling the taquitos for the best results.

Mixing Bowls

You’ll need a mixing bowl to prepare the chicken filling.

A medium-sized bowl should work well for combining all your ingredients.

Spoon or Spatula

A spoon or spatula is useful for scooping and spreading the chicken mixture onto the tortillas.

This helps ensure the filling is evenly distributed without making a mess.

Cooking Spray or Oil Mister

To achieve that crispy texture, lightly coat the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with a little oil.

This helps the taquitos crisp up without being greasy.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Making air fryer chicken taquitos is a simple and straightforward process.

Follow these steps to make perfectly crispy, golden taquitos every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by shredding your cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.

Place the shredded chicken in a mixing bowl.

Next, add cream cheese or Mexican crema.

Mix everything together until the chicken is coated with the creamy ingredient.

Once combined, stir in the shredded cheese.

The cheese will melt and bind the filling together.

Season the mixture with garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed.

If you’d like extra flavor, consider adding salsa, diced onions, or cilantro.

These ingredients will add more depth and freshness to the filling.

Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos

Before assembling, warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a skillet.

This will make them easier to roll and less likely to crack.

Spoon the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla.

Be careful not to overstuff them, as it will be harder to roll them up.

Once filled, carefully roll each tortilla tightly around the chicken mixture.

If necessary, secure the ends with a toothpick.

This is optional, but it can help keep the taquitos in place during cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry the Taquitos

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

While the air fryer heats up, lightly spray or brush the taquitos with cooking spray or oil.

Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Make sure they aren’t touching to ensure they cook evenly.

Air fry the taquitos for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

This will ensure they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Once they’re done, you should have perfectly crispy taquitos with a melted, cheesy filling inside.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

For the best results when making air fryer chicken taquitos, there are a few important tips to keep in mind.

Use the Right Tortillas

For the perfect texture, choose soft flour tortillas or small corn tortillas. Flour tortillas tend to be more pliable and easier to roll without cracking. If using corn tortillas, make sure to warm them up slightly before filling to prevent them from breaking.

Don’t Overstuff the Taquitos

While it’s tempting to add a lot of filling, avoid overstuffing your taquitos. Overfilled taquitos may not cook evenly and can be difficult to roll. Keep the filling modest, allowing the tortilla to wrap snugly around it.

Lightly Coat with Oil

For that golden, crispy exterior, lightly spray or brush your taquitos with oil or cooking spray before air frying. This will help the taquitos crisp up nicely without excess grease.

Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket

Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure the best crispiness.

Flip Halfway Through Cooking

For even crisping, flip your taquitos halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides become golden and crunchy.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover taquitos, don’t worry—they store well and can be easily reheated.

Storing Leftover Taquitos

To store your leftover taquitos, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.

You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Freezing Taquitos

To freeze the taquitos, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours until they are frozen solid.

Then, transfer the frozen taquitos to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Frozen taquitos can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Taquitos

The best way to reheat your taquitos is by using the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the taquitos for 4-6 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again.

If reheating from frozen, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

You can also reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, but the air fryer works best for keeping the crispiness intact.

Conclusion

Air fryer chicken taquitos are a fantastic dish that combines crispy textures with a creamy, cheesy chicken filling.

They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun snack.

The beauty of making them in the air fryer is that you get all the crunch of deep frying with far less oil and mess.

This recipe is easy to customize, so feel free to experiment with different fillings or add your favorite seasonings.

Whether you serve them with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with everyone.

So, grab your air fryer and start making these delicious, crispy taquitos today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas. However, make sure to warm them up before filling to prevent cracking. Flour tortillas tend to work better for rolling, but corn tortillas are also a great option for a gluten-free alternative.

2. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. You can also freeze them before cooking, and air fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready.

3. How can I make these taquitos spicier?

To make the taquitos spicier, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the chicken filling. You can also use a spicier salsa for an added kick.

4. Can I bake these taquitos in the oven instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these taquitos in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as in the air fryer but will still turn out delicious.

5. What can I serve with air fryer chicken taquitos?

These taquitos are great with a variety of sides and dips. Serve them with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or a fresh salad. You can also pair them with a side of rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.