Air Fryer Taquitos Crispy Chicken (Print Version)

Crispy golden taquitos filled with savory chicken and cheese, cooked to a perfect crisp in the air fryer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Filling

01 - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
04 - 1/2 cup mild or medium salsa
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Assembly

10 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas (6-inch)
11 - Olive oil spray

→ Serving (optional)

12 - Sour cream
13 - Guacamole
14 - Chopped cilantro
15 - Lime wedges
16 - Salsa

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
02 - Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until pliable.
03 - Place approximately 2 tablespoons of filling along the center of each tortilla; roll tightly and position seam-side down.
04 - Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
05 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
06 - Place taquitos in a single layer inside the basket, seam-side down, leaving space between each.
07 - Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil to promote crispiness.
08 - Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
09 - Serve immediately with optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch without standing over a pot of hot oil or dealing with the cleanup afterward
  • You can easily prep a double batch of the filling and keep it in the fridge for taquitos all week long
  • The filling comes out so flavorful and creamy that even picky eaters who claim they don't like 'spicy' food go back for thirds
02 -
  • Cold tortillas will crack and split when you try to roll them, so don't skip the microwaving step, and work quickly while they're still warm
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket is the fastest way to soggy taquitos—cook in two batches if you need to, and don't be tempted to squeeze them in
  • The cooking time can vary by air fryer brand, so start checking at 8 minutes and remember they'll continue to crisp slightly as they cool
03 -
  • If your taquitos start unrolling in the air fryer, place a toothpick through each one to hold it closed, but remember to remove them before serving
  • The air fryer model makes a huge difference—basket style air fryers cook more evenly than drawer styles, so adjust your time accordingly
  • For extra crispy edges, brush the rolled taquitos lightly with oil instead of spraying them, but use a light hand or they'll get greasy
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