Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these air fryer chicken taquitos! They’re the ultimate quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends. I mean, who can resist crispy, golden taquitos filled with flavorful shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty salsa? Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be hooked! They come together in just about 22 minutes, and the air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without all the oil. Seriously, this air fryer chicken taquitos delicious recipe is about to become your new go-to for satisfying snacks or appetizers!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to whip up your delicious air fryer chicken taquitos:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: You can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using a blend, like Monterey Jack and cheddar, for extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Choose your favorite brand or spice level to kick up the flavor. I prefer a medium salsa for a nice balance!
- 8 small corn tortillas: These are perfect for holding all that delicious filling. Make sure they’re pliable for rolling.
- Cooking spray: Just a light spray helps achieve that golden, crispy finish—don’t skip this step!
That’s it! With these ingredients, you’re halfway to a fantastic snack or appetizer that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Let’s dive into the fun part—making these air fryer chicken taquitos! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a plate full of crispy goodness in no time!
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step is crucial because it ensures your taquitos cook evenly and become that perfect golden color. Preheating usually takes just a few minutes, but it makes a world of difference in the final crunch!
Mix the Filling
Now, grab a mixing bowl and combine your shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa. I like to use a fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined and the flavors meld. Make sure each bite is packed with that delicious filling—yum!
Prepare the Tortillas
Next, it’s time to warm the tortillas. Pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This makes them more pliable, which is key for rolling them up without cracking. Trust me, warm tortillas are so much easier to work with!
Assemble the Taquitos
Now, take a tortilla and place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center. Roll it up tightly, and if you’re worried about it unrolling, secure it with a toothpick. Repeat this for all your tortillas—it’s like a little assembly line of deliciousness!
Air Fry the Taquitos
Once your taquitos are assembled, give them a light spray with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully crispy and golden brown—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer chicken taquitos are not just delicious; they’re packed with benefits that make them a must-try! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps and under 30 minutes, you can have a tasty appetizer or snack ready to go.
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives these taquitos that perfect crunch without the excess oil, making them a healthier option!
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa creates a mouthwatering filling that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
- Easy Cleanup: Minimal mess means you can enjoy your tasty creation without spending ages on dishes—just a mixing bowl and the air fryer basket!
Seriously, what’s not to love? These little bites of joy are perfect for game day, movie night, or any occasion when you need something scrumptious and satisfying!
Tips for Success
To make sure your air fryer chicken taquitos turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some fantastic tips to share! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your taquito game. Here we go!
- Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary in how they cook, so keep an eye on your taquitos! If you find that they’re not browning as quickly as expected, don’t hesitate to add a couple more minutes. Just check them often to avoid overcooking.
- Use Fresh Tortillas: If your tortillas are too stiff or cracking, they may be a bit old. Fresh tortillas are more pliable and easier to roll. You can also try warming them a little longer in the microwave if they’re still giving you trouble.
- Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but too much can make rolling difficult and lead to leakage while cooking. Stick to a spoonful of the mixture for the perfect balance of flavors without the mess!
- Spray Generously: Don’t skimp on the cooking spray! A good coat on the outside of the taquitos helps them achieve that golden crispiness we all love. Flip them halfway through for an even crunch!
- Serve Immediately: These taquitos are at their best right out of the air fryer. The longer they sit, the less crispy they become. So, gather your loved ones and dig in while they’re hot and fresh!
With these tips in your back pocket, I know you’ll create the most delicious air fryer chicken taquitos that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the crispy goodness!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for these air fryer chicken taquitos. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I provide typical values, they aren’t set in stone. Generally, each serving (about 2 taquitos) contains around 300 calories, 15g of fat, 18g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Always check your specific ingredients for a more accurate count, and enjoy your delicious taquitos with confidence!
FAQ About Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
I know you might have a few questions about making these scrumptious air fryer chicken taquitos, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones I hear!
Can I use frozen chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! If you have frozen chicken, just make sure to cook it thoroughly first. You can shred it once it’s cooked and then mix it with the cheese and salsa. It’s a great way to save time!
What type of cheese works best?
I love using a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a flavorful kick, but feel free to experiment! Pepper Jack adds a spicy twist, or even cream cheese for a creamier texture works well.
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
You bet! You can prepare the taquitos, roll them up, and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just give them a quick spray with cooking oil right before air frying!
What should I serve with my taquitos?
These taquitos are fantastic on their own, but I love serving them with guacamole, sour cream, or even a fresh pico de gallo. They really take the flavor to the next level!
Can I make these vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for black beans or refried beans, and add some extra veggies like bell peppers or corn. You’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as tasty!
I hope these answers help you whip up the best air fryer chicken taquitos ever! If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so enjoy the process!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of these delicious air fryer chicken taquitos, and now you have some leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat them while keeping that crispy goodness intact!
First off, to store your taquitos, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from building up and making them soggy. I usually layer some parchment paper between them to keep them from sticking together. You can keep them in the fridge for about 3-4 days—if they last that long!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using your air fryer again to bring back that lovely crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the basket. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This way, you’ll get that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer crunch without the mess of frying them again!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, but keep in mind that they won’t be as crispy. If crispy is what you’re after, the air fryer is the way to go!
Enjoy your taquitos, whether fresh or reheated—either way, they’ll still be a tasty treat!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Delicious Recipe for Every Mood
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy recipe for air fryer chicken taquitos that are crispy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Roll the tortillas tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Spray the taquitos with cooking spray.
- Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the salsa based on your spice preference.
- Serve with guacamole or sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken taquitos delicious recipe
