Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe: 5 Reasons You'll Love It
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup shredded cheese; 1/2 cup salsa; 10 small corn tortillas; Cooking spray

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 9, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Let me tell you, there’s something absolutely magical about biting into a crispy air fryer chicken taquito! These little bundles of joy are packed with a flavorful filling that makes my taste buds dance. Seriously, when I first made these, I couldn’t believe how easy they were to whip up! The air fryer gives them that golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside deliciously moist and cheesy. And the best part? You can customize the filling to your heart’s content! Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner or as a fun appetizer for friends, these taquitos are always a hit. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making them again and again!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

To get started on these delightful air fryer chicken taquitos, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand for a quick prep.
1 cup shredded cheese: I love using a blend of Mexican cheese, but feel free to pick your favorite!
1/2 cup salsa: Choose your preferred salsa for that extra kick of flavor—mild, medium, or spicy!
10 small corn tortillas: These are perfect for rolling and crisping up in the air fryer.
Cooking spray: A light spray ensures your taquitos come out crispy without sticking.

With these ingredients, you’ll be on your way to making the best taquitos ever!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Ready to dive into making these crispy air fryer chicken taquitos? Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy every delicious bite!

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your taquitos start cooking immediately, leading to that perfect golden crunch. It only takes about 5 minutes, so it’s a quick way to get things rolling!

Prepare the Filling

While the air fryer is warming up, grab a bowl and mix together the shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa. Stir until everything is evenly combined and that cheesy goodness is spread throughout. You’ll want to taste the filling too—feel free to add more salsa if you love that extra kick!

Assemble the Taquitos

Now, let’s get those tortillas ready! Warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable. This way, they won’t crack when you roll them. Once warmed, spoon a generous amount of the filling onto each tortilla, then roll them tightly from one end to the other. Make sure to tuck in the sides as you roll to keep everything secure. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on a plate while you prepare the rest.

Air Fry the Taquitos

Now it’s time for the magic! Arrange your taquitos in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Give them a light spray with cooking spray to ensure they crisp up beautifully. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy. Wow, your kitchen’s going to smell amazing!

Tips for Success

Use warm tortillas: Always warm your tortillas before rolling; it prevents cracking and makes them easier to handle.
Don’t overfill: Be generous, but don’t overstuff your taquitos. This helps them roll neatly and keeps the filling inside during cooking.
Experiment with fillings: Feel free to mix in black beans, corn, or even different types of cheese for a twist on flavor!
Check for crispiness: Keep an eye on your taquitos in the last few minutes of cooking for that perfect golden brown.
Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed right away while they’re hot and crispy, so dig in with your favorite dips!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying delicious air fryer chicken taquitos, knowing the nutritional content can help you feel good about your choices! Each taquito is estimated to have:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes. Enjoy them as part of a balanced meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These taquitos are a breeze to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
Crispy Goodness: The air fryer gives them that amazing crunch without all the extra oil, making them a guilt-free treat.
Flavor Packed: With a delicious filling of chicken, cheese, and salsa, every bite is bursting with flavor.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients to match your taste—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!

FAQ Section

If you’ve got questions about making these scrumptious air fryer chicken taquitos, you’re in the right place! Here are some common queries that might help you out:

Can I use frozen chicken for the filling?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients. This recipe is perfect for using up leftovers, but frozen chicken works too.

What type of cheese works best?

I love using Mexican cheese blends, but feel free to experiment! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add a delicious twist.

How do I keep taquitos crispy after cooking?

These taquitos are best enjoyed right away for that crispy texture. If you need to hold them, place them in a warm oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos ahead of time! Just refrigerate them and air fry when you’re ready to eat.

What dipping sauces pair well with these taquitos?

Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream are all fantastic choices! They add extra flavor and creaminess that perfectly complements the crispy taquitos.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with leftover air fryer chicken taquitos (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), here’s how to store them properly. Let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re crispy again. You’ll be amazed at how good they taste, just like fresh!