If you are craving a crispy, flavorful snack that’s both simple and satisfying, this Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender shredded chicken blended with creamy cheese, zesty pico de gallo, and just the right zing of taco seasoning, all wrapped up in golden, crunchy tortillas baked to perfection in your air fryer. These taquitos are not only a crowd-pleaser but also whipped up in under 20 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight treat or party appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your taquitos. From the creamy richness of cream cheese to the spicy kick of taco sauce, every element shines through.
- 2 Cups Cooked Shredded Chicken: This is the hearty base that carries all the flavors.
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (Softened): Adds a luscious creaminess that binds the filling together.
- 1 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese (Shredded): Brings a spicy, melty goodness for texture and heat.
- ¼ Cup Pico De Gallo: Fresh, juicy, and vibrant, it brightens up the filling.
- 3 Tbsp Taco Seasoning: The spice mix that layers on that classic taco flavor.
- 3 Tbsp Taco Sauce: Provides tangy zest and moistens the mixture perfectly.
- 10 6″ Flour Tortillas: These soft wraps hold everything together crisply after air frying.
- Olive Oil (For Brushing): Used to achieve that golden, crispy exterior in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Start by placing your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, taco seasoning, and taco sauce into a mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula to mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined into a creamy, flavorful filling. This step is key to ensuring each bite bursts with wonderful, blended flavors.
Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay your flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture roughly one inch from the bottom edge of each tortilla. Then, brush olive oil on the exposed parts of the tortilla to help it crisp nicely. Roll each tortilla tightly, making sure the seam is tucked underneath so your taquitos don’t unravel during air frying. Repeat this for all 10 tortillas—it’s a bit like a mini rolling party!
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place as many taquitos as you can in the basket without them touching—this allows hot air to circulate and crisp up every side evenly. Brush each taquito with a little more olive oil for that irresistible golden crunch. Cook for about 7 minutes until crisp and lightly browned, then repeat with any remaining taquitos.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your taquitos are crispy and hot, it’s time to serve! Add extra pico de gallo, a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa verde, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even a handful of shredded cheese to up the flavor and presentation. These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe treasures are best enjoyed immediately, when they’re warm and crunchy on the outside but tender inside.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Try topping your taquitos with a fresh spoonful of pico de gallo for brightness, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for herbal zest, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to add cool creaminess. A squeeze of lime really wakes up the flavors, making every bite pop.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, pair your taquitos with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. Crunchy tortilla chips with salsa or creamy queso dip also make fantastic companions. If you want to keep things light, a fresh corn and black bean salad complements the spicy, cheesy taquitos perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Wondering how to impress guests with your Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe? Stack them vertically in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for a casual party vibe, or plate them neatly with a swirl of salsa verde and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a more refined presentation. For a fun family meal, set up a taco station with various toppings and let everyone customize their own taquitos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which rarely happens!), store the taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of their crispy charm if reheated properly.
Freezing
To freeze, let the taquitos cool completely after air frying, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months, ready to be air fried straight from the freezer for a quick snack any time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your leftover or frozen taquitos is to pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas, but be aware they tend to be less flexible and can crack when rolling. To minimize this, warm them slightly to make them more pliable before assembling your taquitos.
What kind of chicken works best for these taquitos?
Cooked shredded chicken works perfectly, whether from rotisserie, leftover roasted chicken, or freshly cooked breasts or thighs. Using warm, moist chicken helps the filling bind and taste more cohesive.
Is it necessary to brush the taquitos with olive oil?
Brushing the tortillas with olive oil before air frying helps create that crisp, golden exterior that makes taquitos so addictive. You can substitute with another light oil if you prefer, but skipping this step may result in less crispiness.
Can I make these taquitos spicy?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling. Using spicy pepper jack cheese also contributes some heat. Adjust the seasoning to your spice tolerance for a fiery kick.
How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling while cooking?
The key is to roll the tortillas tightly and brush olive oil underneath the seam side down to help them stick together. Additionally, placing them seam side down in the air fryer basket helps keep them rolled while cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe enough for anyone who loves a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful bite that comes together quickly. Whether you’re making a quick snack or entertaining friends, these taquitos deliver big on taste with minimal fuss. So grab your ingredients, warm up that air fryer, and get ready for a delicious, crunchy fiesta that will brighten any mealtime. You’re going to love every crispy, cheesy bite!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a quick and delicious appetizer or snack, featuring shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, pepper jack, and flavorful seasonings, all rolled up in crispy flour tortillas cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 Cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
- ¼ Cup Pico de Gallo
- 3 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp Taco Sauce
Assembly
- 10 6-inch Flour Tortillas
- Olive Oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, taco seasoning, and taco sauce. Mix thoroughly using a rubber spatula until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a smooth filling.
- Assemble the taquitos: Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture about one inch from the bottom edge of each tortilla. Brush the exposed tortilla area with olive oil for extra crispiness. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling, placing the seam side down to secure them. Repeat this process with all tortillas.
- Air fry the taquitos: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange as many taquitos as will fit comfortably without touching. Brush the tops of each taquito with more olive oil to promote browning. Cook for 7 minutes until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Depending on your basket size, cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the taquitos hot. Optionally, garnish with additional pico de gallo, hot sauce, salsa verde, fresh cilantro, and extra shredded cheese for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful air-fried chicken taquitos!
Notes
- Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas if preferred, but flour works best for a crispy texture in air fryer.
- If you want spicier taquitos, add extra hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Taquitos can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before air frying; just add a couple of extra minutes to cooking time if chilled.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and pepper jack with vegan cheese alternatives.
