Air Fryer Taquitos

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Introduction

Air Fryer Taquitos are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack for your Super Bowl game day! Crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, and easy to make, these handheld treats are perfect for cheering on your favorite team. Packed with flavorful fillings and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, these taquitos are healthier than their deep-fried counterparts, yet just as satisfying. With customizable options for fillings, they’re a guaranteed hit with everyone at the party.

I remember the first time I made these for a game day gathering. The kitchen was buzzing with excitement, and as soon as the first batch came out of the air fryer, they disappeared in seconds! What makes these taquitos so special is their versatility—you can fill them with shredded chicken, beef, cheese, beans, or even a combination of all four. For added flavor, I love incorporating spices like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika into the filling.

The air fryer makes the process so easy and mess-free, giving the taquitos that irresistible crunch without the need for excessive oil. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces—salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso—for a spread that’s sure to please every palate. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a fun snack, Air Fryer Taquitos are always a touchdown!

Perfect for:

  • Super Bowl parties
  • Game day gatherings
  • Family-friendly snacks
  • Kid-approved dinners
  • Meal prepping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Air Fryer Taquitos are bound to become your go-to snack:

  • Healthier Alternative: Air frying gives you all the crunch without the extra oil from deep frying.
  • Customizable Fillings: Choose chicken, beef, beans, or veggies to suit your tastes.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute prep.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Handheld and bite-sized, these taquitos are ideal for parties and gatherings.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Prep in advance and freeze for a quick snack anytime.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 12 taquitos (serves 4-6)
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150 calories per taquito
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

For the Taquitos:

  • 12 small corn tortillas (6-inch size)
  • 2 cups shredded chicken, cooked (or beef or black beans for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
  • ½ cup salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray

For Dipping:

  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Pico de gallo

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shredded Chicken: A lean protein option that works perfectly in taquitos.
  • Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey and delicious filling.
  • Salsa: Adds moisture and flavor to the filling.
  • Corn Tortillas: Ideal for taquitos because they crisp up wonderfully in the air fryer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Air Fryer Taquitos:

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Assemble the Taquitos:

  1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a microwave or skillet for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking.
  2. Fill and Roll: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.

Cook in the Air Fryer:

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange the Taquitos: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray lightly with olive oil.
  3. Air Fry: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the taquitos are golden and crispy.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Plate the Taquitos: Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
  2. Add Garnishes: Serve with your favorite dips and garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeño slices.

How to Serve

  • Game Day Platter: Arrange the taquitos on a large platter with dipping bowls of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
  • Individual Portions: Serve 2-3 taquitos per person with a small side of dipping sauce.
  • Add a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh side salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
  • Kid-Friendly Option: Skip the spices and serve with ketchup or mild cheese for kids.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the tortillas to keep the filling from spilling out.
  • Keep the Tortillas Warm: Work quickly with warm tortillas to prevent cracking.
  • Use a Toothpick: Secure the rolls with toothpicks for easier handling in the air fryer.
  • Reheat Leftovers: Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to regain crispiness.

Recipe Variations

  1. Vegetarian Black Bean Taquitos – Swap chicken for black beans or refried beans.
  2. Cheesy Spinach Taquitos – Add sautéed spinach and extra cheese for a vegetarian twist.
  3. Beef Taquitos – Use seasoned ground beef as the filling.
  4. Breakfast Taquitos – Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage or veggies.
  5. Buffalo Chicken Taquitos – Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.
  6. Sweet Potato Taquitos – Fill with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Assemble the taquitos, then freeze them uncooked. When ready to eat, cook directly from frozen in the air fryer for an extra 2-3 minutes.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Toothpicks (optional)

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use flour tortillas? Yes, but corn tortillas crisp better in the air fryer.
  2. Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble them ahead and cook when ready.
  3. Can I make them dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese entirely.
  4. Are these gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free corn tortillas.
  5. Can I bake them in the oven? Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Taquitos are the ultimate game day snack—crispy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable! With their golden, crunchy shells and delicious fillings, these taquitos are sure to be a hit at your Super Bowl party or any casual gathering. Whether you fill them with seasoned meat, cheese, or veggies, there’s a flavor combination for everyone to enjoy.

This recipe is quick, easy, and made healthier with the magic of the air fryer, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without the hassle of deep frying. Serve them with your favorite dips like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for a winning appetizer that’s impossible to resist.

I’d love to see how your Air Fryer Taquitos turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy snacking!

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