If you’ve been searching for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than these Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. With their crispy exteriors and flavorful fillings, these taquitos are not only easy to make but also packed with all the flavors you love. Whether you’re preparing a snack for game day or a weeknight dinner, these taquitos will surely impress everyone at your table.
Why It Deserves a Spot
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a delightful fusion of convenience and flavor. The air fryer gives them a perfectly crispy texture without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier option. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile; you can customize them with your favorite toppings and fillings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.
What to Buy
To make the most delicious Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos, here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook your own for a fresh option.
- 3/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: This adds a melty, cheesy goodness to your taquitos.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: For that authentic taco flavor, feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- 10 medium-sized corn tortillas: Ensure they are pliable; you can warm them slightly to make rolling easier.
- Topping options: Shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sliced avocado, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños are all great choices to elevate your taquitos.
Cook’s Kit
Before you get started, gather these essential tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable:
- Air fryer: The star of the show, perfect for achieving that crispy texture with less oil.
- Mixing bowl: To combine your chicken, cheese, and taco seasoning.
- Spatula: For easy handling of the taquitos.
- Cooking spray: A light mist will help achieve a golden finish on your taquitos.
- Serving platter: To present your delicious taquitos and toppings.
Make Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos: A Simple Method
Creating these tasty Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos is a simple and straightforward process. Follow these steps to enjoy a delightful dish in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, shredded Mexican blend cheese, and taco seasoning. Mix until everything is well incorporated. This mixture is the essence of your taquitos, so make sure the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
To make the corn tortillas pliable, warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until they are soft. This will prevent them from cracking when you roll them.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos
Take one tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling near one end. Roll it tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Air Fry the Taquitos
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray the tops with a little cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Once cooked, carefully remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve them with your choice of toppings such as shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sliced avocado, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños. Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos!
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If you’re looking to customize your Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos, consider these easy ingredient swaps:
- Chicken: Substitute with shredded beef or turkey for a different protein option.
- Cheese: Use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Taco seasoning: Make your own seasoning blend using cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas can be used instead of corn for a softer texture.
Chef’s Rationale
- Using an air fryer allows you to achieve a crispy texture without the excessive oil used in traditional frying, making these taquitos a healthier choice.
- The combination of shredded chicken and cheese creates a deliciously gooey filling that’s sure to satisfy.
- The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- These taquitos are perfect for meal prepping, making it easy to have a quick snack or meal ready to go.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
To ensure your leftovers stay fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for about 4-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy.
- If you want to freeze them, place the uncooked, rolled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Ask the Chef
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and roll the taquitos ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry them.
What dipping sauces work well with these taquitos?
Some popular dipping sauces include salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. You can also try a spicy ranch or a creamy cilantro dressing for a twist!
Are these taquitos suitable for kids?
Yes! These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are kid-friendly and can be customized to suit their tastes. You can even make a milder version by using less taco seasoning.
Can I use a different cooking method?
Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Keep Cooking
If you enjoyed making Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos, try these other delicious recipes:
Let’s Eat
Now that you’ve made your Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos, it’s time to dig in! Gather your favorite toppings, invite some friends over, and enjoy these delightful bites together. The combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors is sure to be a hit. So, grab a plate, load up on those toppings, and savor each delicious bite. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook your own
- 3/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning adjust based on spice preference
- 10 medium-sized corn tortillas warm them slightly for easy rolling
Topping options:
- shredded lettuce
- salsa
- guacamole
- sliced avocado
- sour cream
- sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Make Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos:
- Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, shredded Mexican blend cheese, and taco seasoning. Mix until well incorporated. - Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until soft to prevent cracking. - Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos
Take one tortilla, place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling near one end, and roll tightly, tucking in the sides. - Step 4: Air Fry the Taquitos
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket, place the taquitos seam-side down, spray the tops, and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. - Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Remove the taquitos from the air fryer, let cool for a minute, and serve with your choice of toppings.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Cooking spray
- Serving Platter
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for crispiness.
- Freeze uncooked taquitos in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for future cooking.
