Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful snack or meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Filled with a spicy chicken mixture and melted cheeses, they deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tablespoon canned green chiles
• 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 15 corn tortillas
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese (shredded)
• Cooking spray
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Queso fresco (for serving)
• Salsa (for serving)
• Mexican crema (for serving)
• Pico de gallo (for serving)
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, canned green chiles, chipotle sauce, salt, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well until fully incorporated.
2. Step 2: Place the corn tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a towel. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them warm and pliable. If needed, heat for an additional 10-15 seconds.
3. Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Step 4: Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling along one edge of a tortilla, then sprinkle about a heaping tablespoon of both the Mexican blend and pepper jack cheeses over the filling. Roll the tortilla up tightly.
5. Step 5: Place the rolled taquito seam-side-down in the air fryer basket. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, arranging them in a single layer without touching. You may need to cook in batches.
6. Step 6: Spray the tops of the taquitos lightly with cooking spray.
7. Step 7: Air fry for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the taquitos over. Spray the other side with cooking spray and air fry for an additional 2 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove the cooked taquitos and repeat the process with any remaining ones.
9. Step 9: Arrange the taquitos on a serving plate, garnish with chopped cilantro and your favorite toppings such as guacamole, queso fresco, salsa, Mexican crema, and pico de gallo. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, brush the taquitos lightly with oil instead of using cooking spray.
• Substitute chicken with shredded beef or beans for a different filling.
• Adjust the amount of chipotle sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
• If you prefer softer taquitos, reduce the air frying time slightly.

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 375°F for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may result in soggy taquitos.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taquitos and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. This helps save time when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the taquitos?

Absolutely. Freeze the uncooked rolled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 95 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos loaded with a creamy, spicy chicken filling and melted cheeses, ready in under 30 minutes. These handheld Mexican-style taquitos are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer, served with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, and Mexican crema.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 15 taquitos 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Filling

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon canned green chiles
• 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce (adjust based on preferred spice level)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Taquitos

• 15 corn tortillas
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• Cooking spray

Toppings (optional)

• Guacamole
• Queso fresco
• Salsa
• Mexican crema
• Pico de gallo
• Chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, chipotle sauce, canned green chiles, salt, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is fully incorporated and creamy.
2. Warm the tortillas: Place the corn tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a towel. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until they become warm and pliable. If needed, heat for additional 10-15 seconds to ensure they are easy to roll.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat while you assemble the taquitos.
4. Assemble the taquitos: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling along one edge of a tortilla. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of both Mexican blend cheese and pepper jack cheese over the filling. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a taquito.
5. Prepare for air frying: Place the rolled taquito seam-side down in the air fryer basket to prevent it from unrolling during cooking. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, arranging them in a single layer without touching. If necessary, cook in batches.
6. Oil the taquitos: Lightly spray the tops of the assembled taquitos with cooking spray to help them crisp up during air frying.
7. Air fry the taquitos: Cook the taquitos at 400°F for 5 minutes. Then carefully flip each taquito over, spray again with cooking spray, and continue air frying for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Finish and serve: Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and repeat the cooking process with any remaining taquitos. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, queso fresco, salsa, Mexican crema, pico de gallo, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

• Warm tortillas carefully to make them pliable and avoid cracking when rolling.
• Adjust chipotle sauce quantity to control the spice level.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model; watch closely to prevent burning.
• Cooking spray is key to achieving a crispy exterior without deep frying.
• Taquitos can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before air frying.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos, Chicken Taquitos, Mexican Snacks, Appetizer, Crispy Taquitos, Easy Air Fryer Recipes