Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful snack or meal that’s quick to prepare. Filled with a cheesy, tangy chicken mixture, they’re perfect for easy entertaining or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup salsa
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 15-20 corn tortillas
- Olive oil, for brushing on the taquitos
- Queso dip, for serving
- Guacamole, for serving
- Salsa, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
- Step 2: In a separate small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, salsa, sour cream, taco seasoning, and lime juice until smooth and well blended.
- Step 3: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and cheese, then stir everything together to create the filling.
- Step 4: To soften the tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds so they become pliable for rolling.
- Step 5: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the filling onto the bottom third of each tortilla, then roll it up tightly to seal the filling inside.
- Step 6: Lightly brush the outsides of each rolled tortilla with olive oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
- Step 7: Arrange the taquitos in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for air circulation. You may need to cook in batches.
- Step 8: Air fry at 400°F for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping the taquitos halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 9: Serve the taquitos warm with your favorite dips such as queso, guacamole, and salsa.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, spray the taquitos with a little cooking spray instead of brushing with olive oil.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Try adding chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- If corn tortillas break easily, warm them slightly longer to increase flexibility.
- Use flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as the tortillas may become soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these chicken taquitos?
Yes, you can freeze the rolled taquitos before air frying. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, air fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the taquitos in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos filled with a creamy blend of shredded chicken, cheeses, and zesty seasonings. These taquitos are quick to prepare, using tender corn tortillas and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Serve them with queso dip, guacamole, or salsa for a delicious appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 15–20 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup salsa
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Assembly
- 15–20 corn tortillas
- Olive oil, for brushing
To Serve
- Queso dip
- Guacamole
- Salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Mix the creamy sauce: In a separate small bowl, thoroughly stir together the softened cream cheese, salsa, sour cream, taco seasoning, and fresh lime juice until smooth and combined.
- Combine the filling components: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and cheese mixture, stirring until evenly blended to create the taquito filling.
- Soften the tortillas: Stack the corn tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20 seconds to make them soft and pliable for rolling.
- Fill and roll the tortillas: Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the filling onto the bottom third of each softened tortilla, then roll it tightly to enclose the filling, forming the taquitos.
- Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the outside of each rolled tortilla with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place the taquitos in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the taquitos: Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 7-8 minutes, flipping the taquitos halfway through, until they are browned and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of queso dip, guacamole, and salsa for dipping.
Notes
- Microwaving the tortillas wrapped in a damp towel keeps them pliable and prevents cracking when rolling.
- Be sure not to overfill the tortillas to avoid breaking or leaking filling during cooking.
- Use olive oil sparingly for brushing to keep the taquitos crispy but not greasy.
- If cooking in batches, keep finished taquitos warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
- For extra crispiness, you can spray the taquitos lightly with cooking spray instead of brushing with olive oil.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos, Chicken Taquitos, Mexican Appetizer, Crispy Taquitos, Air Fryer Recipes
