ingredients needed for air fryer taquitos
To make delicious air fryer taquitos, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a crispy, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 small corn tortillas – Corn tortillas are traditional for taquitos, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, but you can also use leftover chicken or cook your own.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent choices.
- 1/2 cup salsa – Choose your favorite salsa for added flavor. You can go mild, medium, or spicy depending on your preference.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory taste of the chicken mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder – For a bit of heat and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning the filling.
- Olive oil spray – This helps the taquitos crisp up in the air fryer without adding too much oil.
step-by-step cooking instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these crispy, golden air fryer taquitos. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure your taquitos turn out perfectly every time.
- Step 1: Prepare the filling – In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the chicken is well-coated with the spices and salsa.
- Step 2: Warm the tortillas – To make the tortillas more pliable and easier to roll, warm them up. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 20-30 seconds. This step is crucial to prevent the tortillas from cracking when you roll them.
- Step 3: Fill and roll the taquitos – Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, starting from the bottom and rolling upwards. Make sure the seam side is down to keep the taquito from unrolling.
- Step 4: Preheat the air fryer – Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the taquitos cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
- Step 5: Arrange the taquitos in the air fryer – Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Step 6: Spray the taquitos with olive oil – Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil spray. This will help them crisp up and turn golden brown during cooking.
- Step 7: Air fry the taquitos – Cook the taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on all sides when done. If they need more time, add an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Step 8: Remove and serve – Once the taquitos are crispy and golden, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving, as the filling will be hot.
tips for serving and storing
Once your air fryer taquitos are perfectly crispy and golden, it’s time to think about how to serve and store them to maintain their deliciousness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Dips: Serve your taquitos with a variety of dipping sauces like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. These add a creamy or tangy contrast to the crispy taquitos.
- Fresh Toppings: For added freshness, top your taquitos with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice. You can also sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Side Dishes: Pair your taquitos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal. A side of elote (Mexican street corn) would also complement the flavors beautifully.
- Make it a Taco Night: Serve the taquitos alongside other Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or nachos for a fun and festive meal.
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerating: If you have leftover taquitos, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Freezing: Taquitos freeze well, making them a great make-ahead option. After cooking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your air fryer taquitos fresh or save them for later without sacrificing flavor or texture!