Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy

February 28, 2024

10 minutes read

Air fryer chicken taquitos are a delicious and convenient snack or meal that’s taking the culinary world by storm. These crispy, flavorful bites are incredibly easy to make, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Forget greasy deep-frying – the air fryer delivers perfectly golden-brown taquitos with minimal oil, making them a healthier and more satisfying option.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, air fryer chicken taquitos are a versatile and delicious choice. From classic fillings to creative twists, the possibilities are endless!

Table of Contents

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Taquitos scratch dip salsa beans refried veggies

Air fryer chicken taquitos have become a popular snack and appetizer, offering a crispy, flavorful, and convenient alternative to traditional deep-fried taquitos. The air fryer’s ability to cook food quickly and evenly with little to no oil makes it an ideal appliance for preparing these delectable bites.

Benefits of Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air fryers offer several advantages when making chicken taquitos. They provide a healthier alternative to deep-frying, reducing the amount of fat and calories in the finished product. The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking, resulting in crispy taquitos with a golden-brown exterior and a tender, juicy filling.

Air fryer chicken taquitos are a quick and easy weeknight dinner, and they’re perfect for a casual get-together with friends. The crispy exterior and juicy chicken filling are a delicious combination, and they’re always a hit. For a refreshing contrast, try serving them alongside a cool and tangy tomato cold soup with parmesan cheese ice cream.

The creamy, savory ice cream cuts through the richness of the taquitos, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It’s a surprising and delicious pairing that’s sure to impress.

Additionally, air fryers are generally faster than traditional ovens, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Key Ingredients and Variations

Air fryer chicken taquitos typically consist of a few essential ingredients: corn tortillas, cooked chicken, shredded cheese, and your favorite seasonings. The chicken can be prepared in various ways, including:

Shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option
Cooked chicken breasts seasoned with your preferred spices
Pulled chicken for a flavorful and tender filling

The cheese can be any variety you enjoy, from cheddar and Monterey Jack to pepper jack and Colby. To enhance the flavor profile, you can add a variety of seasonings, such as taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the chicken with black beans, seasoned tofu, or a mixture of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn.

Air fryer chicken taquitos are a quick and easy weeknight meal, and they’re always a hit with the family. But sometimes, I crave something a little sweeter. That’s when I turn to a fresh rhubarb bread pudding , which is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for spring.

But don’t worry, I always have a batch of those air fryer chicken taquitos ready to go for my next savory craving!

You can also experiment with different fillings, such as shredded beef, chorizo, or shrimp.To create a more visually appealing and flavorful taquito, you can add toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cilantro.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Taquitos scratch dip salsa beans refried veggies

Air fryer chicken taquitos are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack that can be made in minutes. The air fryer cooks the taquitos to crispy perfection, and you can customize them with your favorite fillings and toppings.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquito Recipes

Here are three distinct air fryer chicken taquito recipes that you can try:

Recipe Name	Ingredients	Instructions	Notes
Classic Chicken Taquitos	1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 tablespoon taco seasoning 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup salsa 12 small flour tortillas 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for brushing	Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, and salsa. Place 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Brush the taquitos with vegetable oil. Cook the taquitos in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo.	You can use any type of taco seasoning you like. For a spicier taquito, add some jalapeno peppers to the filling. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the taquitos in a 400-degree Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Spicy Chicken Taquitos with Avocado Crema	1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/4 cup salsa 12 small corn tortillas 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for brushing 1 ripe avocado 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon lime juice Salt and pepper to taste	Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). In a large bowl, combine the chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, and salsa. Place 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Brush the taquitos with vegetable oil. Cook the taquitos in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. While the taquitos are cooking, prepare the avocado crema. Mash the avocado in a bowl with the sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Serve the taquitos immediately with the avocado crema.	If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the cayenne pepper. You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack. For a more flavorful avocado crema, add a pinch of cumin or garlic powder.
Black Bean and Corn Taquitos with Cilantro Lime Sauce	1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn, thawed 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon taco seasoning 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup salsa 12 small flour tortillas 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for brushing 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon lime juice Salt and pepper to taste	Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, onion, cilantro, taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, and salsa. Place 1/4 cup of the black bean mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Brush the taquitos with vegetable oil. Cook the taquitos in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. While the taquitos are cooking, prepare the cilantro lime sauce. Combine the sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Serve the taquitos immediately with the cilantro lime sauce.	You can use any type of beans you like, such as pinto beans or kidney beans. If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use 1/4 cup of dried cilantro. For a sweeter taquito, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the filling.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air fryer chicken taquitos

Creating delicious air fryer chicken taquitos involves several key steps that ensure optimal flavor and texture. By carefully selecting the right ingredients, preparing the filling, and mastering the air frying process, you can achieve crispy, flavorful taquitos that will impress your family and friends.

Choosing the Right Chicken, Air fryer chicken taquitos

Selecting the appropriate type of chicken is crucial for achieving the perfect taquitos. Opt for lean chicken breasts or thighs, as they offer a tender and juicy texture.

Air fryer chicken taquitos are a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s always a hit with the family. I love how crispy they get in the air fryer, and the filling options are endless! If you’re looking for a more substantial main course, though, try out this recipe for easy baked pork chops marinated in italian dressing.

It’s so simple and flavorful, and the pork chops come out juicy and tender every time. Then, you can always finish off your meal with a batch of those air fryer chicken taquitos for a satisfying and delicious dinner!

Seasoning the Chicken

Seasoning the chicken is essential for adding depth of flavor to your taquitos.

A simple blend of salt, pepper, and paprika can enhance the chicken’s natural taste.
For a more complex flavor profile, consider using a Mexican seasoning blend that includes cumin, chili powder, and oregano.

Filling and Rolling Taquitos

The filling and rolling techniques play a significant role in creating well-structured and flavorful taquitos.

Use a combination of shredded chicken, cheese, and your favorite fillings, such as beans, onions, or peppers.
Place a spoonful of filling onto the center of a tortilla, leaving some space at the edges for sealing.
Roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring that the filling is evenly distributed.
Secure the taquitos by using toothpicks or folding the edges inward.

Air Fryer Settings

Achieving crispy taquitos in the air fryer requires careful attention to the settings.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes before adding the taquitos.
Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overcrowded.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Serving and Enjoying Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air fryer chicken taquitos

Air fryer chicken taquitos are a delicious and convenient snack or meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a quick weeknight dinner, there are many ways to elevate your taquito experience.

Delicious Dipping Sauces

To enhance the flavor of your air fryer chicken taquitos, consider serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. These sauces can add a burst of flavor and complement the savory and crispy taquitos perfectly.

Guacamole:This classic Mexican dip is a perfect complement to the savory flavors of the taquitos. Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and pepper for a simple and delicious dip.
Salsa:A vibrant and flavorful salsa adds a touch of spice and freshness to the taquitos. You can use store-bought salsa or make your own with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos.
Sour Cream:A dollop of sour cream provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the crispy taquitos. You can also add a pinch of chili powder or cumin for extra flavor.
Queso:A warm and cheesy queso dip is a decadent and indulgent option for serving with taquitos. You can use a store-bought queso or make your own with melted cheese, jalapenos, and spices.
Pico de Gallo:This fresh and flavorful salsa is made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos. It adds a bright and zesty touch to the taquitos.

Creative Toppings and Garnishes

To take your air fryer chicken taquitos to the next level, consider adding some creative toppings and garnishes. These additions can add visual appeal and enhance the flavor profile of the taquitos.

Topping/Garnish	Description
Shredded Cheese	Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the taquitos for a melty and cheesy finish. You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Chopped Cilantro	Add a fresh and vibrant touch with chopped cilantro. It complements the savory flavors of the taquitos and adds a touch of brightness.
Sour Cream Drizzle	A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the crispy taquitos. You can also add a pinch of chili powder or cumin for extra flavor.
Salsa Drizzle	Add a vibrant and flavorful salsa to the taquitos. You can use store-bought salsa or make your own with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos.
Avocado Slices	Add creamy and healthy avocado slices for a touch of richness and a vibrant green color.
Lime Wedges	Squeeze a lime wedge over the taquitos for a burst of citrusy flavor.

Variations and Alternatives

The beauty of air fryer taquitos lies in their versatility. You can easily adapt them to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Let’s explore some exciting variations and alternatives to elevate your air fryer taquito experience.

Alternative Fillings

Beyond the classic chicken filling, you can experiment with a variety of ingredients to create unique flavor profiles. Here are some popular options:

Beef:Seasoned ground beef, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning, offers a hearty and flavorful alternative. You can also use shredded beef for a more traditional taquito experience.
Shrimp:For a lighter and more delicate option, try sautéed shrimp with your favorite seasonings. This combination is especially delicious with a citrusy marinade or a spicy kick.
Vegetables:A mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms provides a healthy and flavorful filling. You can also use a combination of black beans, corn, and salsa for a vegetarian option.

Tortilla Options

While corn tortillas are the traditional choice, you can use different types of tortillas for your air fryer taquitos.

Flour tortillas:These offer a softer and more pliable texture, making them easier to roll and less likely to crack in the air fryer. They also hold fillings well, making them ideal for wetter fillings like shredded chicken or beans.
Whole wheat tortillas:For a healthier option, whole wheat tortillas provide a nutty flavor and added fiber. They might require a slightly longer cooking time in the air fryer.
Low-carb tortillas:If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, there are various low-carb tortillas available in the market. These are typically made from almond flour, coconut flour, or other low-carb ingredients.

Complete Meal Ideas

Air fryer chicken taquitos can be easily transformed into a complete meal by adding a few sides and a flavorful sauce.

Salsa and guacamole:These classic Mexican toppings provide a refreshing and flavorful contrast to the crispy taquitos.
Sour cream or crema fresca:A dollop of sour cream or crema fresca adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
Rice and beans:Serve your taquitos with a side of rice and beans for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Salad:A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the taquitos.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy