Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Air Fryer: 5 Crispy Delights

Name: Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Air Fryer: 5 Crispy Delights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup shredded cheese; 10 small flour tortillas; Cooking spray

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 15, 2025

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

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Oh wow, let me tell you about my absolute favorite snack: buffalo chicken taquitos made in the air fryer! Seriously, these little bites of heaven are a game changer, and they’ve become a staple in my home. I remember the first time I made them; I had some leftover shredded chicken and thought, why not? As soon as they came out of the air fryer, the smell of that spicy buffalo sauce wafted through the kitchen, making me feel like a culinary rockstar!

The beauty of these taquitos is they’re crispy on the outside while bursting with flavorful, cheesy goodness on the inside. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, which means they’re perfect for a quick lunch, a fun game day snack, or even a fantastic appetizer for a gathering. My kids go wild for these, and I love that I can customize the spice level to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you’re a die-hard buffalo sauce fan or just looking for something new to try, trust me, you’re going to love these buffalo chicken taquitos as much as I do!

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Air Fryer

To make these mouthwatering buffalo chicken taquitos, you’ll need 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. The chicken is the star of the show, so make sure it’s tender and flavorful. Next, grab 1/2 cup of your favorite buffalo sauce; this will give the taquitos their signature kick, so choose a heat level that suits your taste buds. You’ll also need 1 cup of shredded cheese—my go-to is a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that perfect melty texture. Don’t forget about the tortillas! You’ll want 10 small flour tortillas; they’re just the right size for rolling up those delicious fillings. Lastly, keep some cooking spray handy to give the taquitos that golden, crispy finish in the air fryer. All these ingredients come together to create a snack that’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Happy cooking!

How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Air Fryer

Now, let’s dive into how to whip up these buffalo chicken taquitos in your air fryer! I promise, it’s super simple, and you’ll be munching on these crispy delights in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to snack heaven!

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Preheating is really important because it helps achieve that lovely crispy texture we all crave. If you skip this step, your taquitos might not get that golden brown finish. So, while your air fryer heats up, you can get everything else ready!

Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine those 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. This is where the magic happens! Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated in that spicy goodness. Then, add in 1 cup of shredded cheese and mix it all up again. You want the cheese to be evenly distributed throughout, so each bite is as cheesy as it is spicy. Trust me, this filling is the heart and soul of your taquitos!

Assemble the Taquitos

Now that your filling is ready, grab those small flour tortillas. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture onto each tortilla, spreading it out a bit to make rolling easier. Roll each tortilla tightly, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. If you feel like your taquitos need a little extra security, you can use toothpicks to hold them together. Just be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving, or you’ll have some surprised guests!

Air Fry the Taquitos

Once your taquitos are all rolled up, it’s time for the air fryer! Lightly spray each taquito with cooking spray—this helps them get that crispy exterior we love. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. This way, they’ll cook evenly. Now, cook them for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end; air fryers can vary a bit. Once they’re done, let them cool for a minute or two before serving. You’ll want to dive right in, but trust me, just a little patience will make all the difference!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These buffalo chicken taquitos made in the air fryer are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a total game changer for busy cooks like me! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these mouthwatering taquitos ready in no time. Perfect for those busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers!
Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives these taquitos a perfectly crispy exterior without all the oil. You’ll get that satisfying crunch in every single bite!
Bold, Flavorful Filling: The combination of shredded chicken and zesty buffalo sauce creates a flavor explosion that’ll leave you craving more. And let’s not forget the melty cheese that makes everything even better!
Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust the heat by choosing a milder or spicier buffalo sauce, making this recipe perfect for everyone—kids and adults alike!
Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just need a tasty snack, these taquitos fit the bill. They’re sure to impress your friends and family!

Trust me, once you make these buffalo chicken taquitos, they’ll become a staple in your home, just like they are in mine!

Tips for Success

To ensure your buffalo chicken taquitos turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips you won’t want to miss! First, make sure to shred the chicken finely; this helps it mix well with the buffalo sauce and cheese for that gooey goodness. If you want an extra crunch, consider adding a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs to the filling before rolling them up. It adds a delightful texture! Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—leave some space between each taquito so they can crisp up nicely on all sides. Lastly, if you’re making these ahead of time, you can prep the filling and roll the taquitos, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. This way, you can enjoy fresh, hot taquitos whenever the craving strikes!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these buffalo chicken taquitos, it’s good to keep an eye on the nutritional side, especially if you’re counting calories or following a specific diet. Keep in mind that the nutrition facts can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and how you prepare them, so this information is just an estimate. Each taquito contains approximately:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 15g

These values can change depending on your choices for tortillas, cheese, and the type of buffalo sauce you select. If you’re looking to lighten them up a bit, consider using low-fat cheese or a lighter buffalo sauce. Enjoy your tasty creation while being mindful of your nutritional needs!

FAQ About Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Air Fryer

Can I Use Different Tortillas?

Absolutely! If you want to switch things up or need a gluten-free option, corn tortillas work beautifully for these buffalo chicken taquitos. They add a nice flavor and texture that pairs wonderfully with the spicy filling. Just remember, corn tortillas can be a bit more delicate, so make sure to warm them up slightly in a skillet or microwave before rolling. This will make them more pliable and easier to work with!

How Can I Make Them Spicier?

If you’re looking to turn up the heat on your buffalo chicken taquitos, there are a few simple ways to do it! First, consider using a hotter buffalo sauce—there are plenty of options on the market, some with extra spice that’ll make your taste buds dance! You can also mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños into the filling for an added kick. If you really want to crank up the spice, try adding a splash of hot sauce directly into the chicken mixture. Just be careful; you can always add more, but it’s tough to dial it back once it’s in!

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can definitely prep these taquitos ahead of time! I often make the filling in advance and roll the taquitos, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. This way, when you’re ready to enjoy them, you just pop them in the air fryer without any hassle. If you want to freeze them, you can do that too! Just make sure to lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, there’s no need to thaw—just air fry them a couple of extra minutes until they’re hot and crispy. It’s the perfect way to have a quick snack or appetizer on hand anytime!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made these delicious buffalo chicken taquitos, let’s talk about how to make your snack spread even more delightful! I love serving these crispy little bites with a couple of tasty dips that complement their bold flavor. First up, classic ranch dressing is a must! It cools down the heat from the buffalo sauce and adds a creamy richness that pairs perfectly.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try blue cheese dressing for an extra punch of flavor. It’s a fantastic match for the spicy filling! You can also whip up a quick avocado crema by blending ripe avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt—this fresh dip adds a lovely, cool contrast. For sides, consider a simple celery and carrot stick platter for that classic buffalo experience, or serve them alongside some crispy sweet potato fries. Trust me, these additions will elevate your buffalo chicken taquito game to a whole new level!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftover buffalo chicken taquitos are a fantastic treat for later, but you’ll want to store them properly to keep that delicious crunch intact! After they’ve cooled, place any uneaten taquitos in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up; this helps prevent any sogginess.

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you’ll want to reheat them in the air fryer for the best results. Just preheat your air fryer to 350°F and place the taquitos in a single layer in the basket. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. This method helps recreate that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer texture. If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also pop them in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get too brown! With these simple tips, you can savor your buffalo chicken taquitos just like they were made fresh!