Name: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 Tortillas; 3 cups Shredded Chicken; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning; 1 Avocado Oil Spray; 1 Lettuce; 1 Tomato; 1 Guacamole; 1 Salsa; 1 Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt; 1 Cilantro; 1 Scallions

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Every time I think about having friends over, I can’t help but start craving Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. There’s just something magical about that combination of crispy tortillas filled with flavorful shredded chicken and cheese. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I just couldn’t wait to dig in. Whether it’s game night or a casual get-together, these little delights come together so quickly and are always a hit! They’re perfect for those evenings when you want something fun and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
12 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Air Fryer

Why This Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Works

Flavorful Experience

One of the reasons I adore Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos is the explosion of flavors in every bite. The combination of seasoned chicken and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla creates a delightful taste sensation. You can customize the filling to suit your taste, adding ingredients like jalapeños or black beans to spice things up!

Healthy Twist

What’s great about using an air fryer is that you get that satisfying crunch without the excessive oil. This means you can indulge in a delicious treat like Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos while keeping things a bit healthier. You can still enjoy the crispy texture without the guilt of deep-frying.

Versatile and Easy

These taquitos are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. They’re easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Plus, they reheat well, so you can enjoy leftovers the next day!

Perfect for Sharing

Food brings people together, and Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are made for sharing. Set them out on a platter with a variety of dips like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, and watch your friends gather around. There’s something so joyful about watching everyone dig in!

Fun for All Ages

Kids and adults alike love these taquitos. They’re fun to eat and can be customized to please picky eaters. You can even get the kids involved in the assembly process, making it a fun family activity. Who wouldn’t love to make their own taquitos?

Ingredients Overview for Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

The ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are simple yet provide a fantastic blend of flavors. The key players here are the shredded chicken, cheese, and taco seasoning, which come together to create a savory filling. Coupled with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and guacamole, these ingredients make for a delightful meal.

12 Tortillas – Soft and pliable, the perfect vessel for your taquito filling.
3 cups Shredded Chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own for a fresher taste.
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds creaminess and flavor; a Mexican cheese blend works well too.
2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning – Store-bought or homemade, it gives the chicken a flavorful kick.
Avocado Oil Spray – Lightly coat the tortillas for that crispy finish without excess oil.
Lettuce – Fresh and crunchy, ideal for topping or serving alongside.
Tomato – Adds a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Guacamole – Creamy and rich, it pairs perfectly with the crispy taquitos.
Salsa – A zesty accompaniment that adds a nice tang.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Smooth and tangy, perfect for dipping.
Cilantro – Fresh herbs to brighten up the dish.
Scallions – A touch of green onion adds flavor and freshness.

Cooking Method for Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Cooking Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos is a breeze, and you’ll love how quickly they come together! Let’s walk through the steps to create these delicious snacks. You’ll find that each step is simple and straightforward, ensuring a delightful cooking experience.

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness!
While the air fryer heats up, in a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly coated in seasoning, creating a flavorful filling.
Next, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a hot cast-iron skillet or microwave them briefly until they’re pliable. This step is essential to prevent tearing when rolling them.
Lay one tortilla flat on your surface. Spoon about a quarter cup of the chicken mixture onto one side of the tortilla. Make sure to leave enough space at the edges to roll it up.
Carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Place it seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Repeat this until you have filled all your tortillas.
Lightly spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with avocado oil. This will give them a golden and crispy texture.
Cook the taquitos in batches. Air fry them for about six minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them to be lightly crisp and the filling to be melty.
Once cooked, remove the taquitos and let them cool slightly. They are best served warm, so you can enjoy them right away!
Serve your Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos with your choice of toppings like lettuce, guacamole, salsa, and cilantro. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Check your air fryer manual: Different air fryers may have different temperature settings. Always refer to your manufacturer guidelines.
Use fresh tortillas: Fresh tortillas are more pliable and easier to roll. Look for ones that are softer.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate around each taquito. This ensures even cooking.
Experiment with fillings: You can add beans, corn, or different vegetables to your chicken mixture for variety.

Tips for Success

Making the perfect Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos is all about the little details! Here are some tips that will elevate your taquito game.

Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked taquitos for a quick meal later. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag.
Pairing: These taquitos pair beautifully with sides like Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to mix up the seasoning in your filling. Chipotle powder or cumin can add a great touch!
Garnishes matter: Fresh toppings like chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime can enhance the flavors significantly.

What Goes Well With This Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Serving Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos is all about creating a fun and festive atmosphere. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Mexican Rice: This classic side adds a delicious complement to the flavors in the taquitos.
Fresh Guacamole: The creaminess of guacamole balances the crunchiness of the taquitos perfectly.
Salsa Bar: Set up a salsa bar with a variety of options like pico de gallo, corn salsa, or salsa verde for guests to choose from.
Chips and Dip: Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite dips like queso or bean dip for a hearty snack.
Perfect for Game Day: These taquitos are a hit at parties! Serve them as an appetizer during game day or movie night.
Lunch Box Ideas: Pack these for a fun lunch! They can be easily eaten cold or warmed up.

FAQ

Yes, you can definitely use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for your Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Flour tortillas tend to be softer and can hold the filling well. Just ensure that they are warmed up before rolling to avoid tearing. However, corn tortillas will give you a more authentic taste and texture!

To make Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos vegetarian, simply replace the shredded chicken with a filling of black beans, cheese, and your choice of vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also add some cooked quinoa for added protein. Season it similarly with taco seasoning to keep that delicious flavor!

Absolutely! You can assemble Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a day or two before cooking. Just ensure they are covered to prevent them from drying out. You can also freeze them before cooking. Just remember to adjust cooking time as needed if they are frozen.

There are plenty of delicious sauces to serve with Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Traditional options include guacamole and salsa. You can also try sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy dip. For something a bit different, a chipotle mayo or a spicy ranch dressing can add an extra kick. Enjoy experimenting!

Conclusion

The Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a joy to make and share. With their crispiness and savory filling, they make for a perfect party appetizer or a fun family dinner. I encourage you to try this recipe and bring a bit of fiesta into your kitchen. Your friends and family will thank you!