Description
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal or snack that captures the deliciousness of deep-fried taquitos without the mess. Enjoy perfectly golden, crispy cylinders filled with savory chicken in just a fraction of the time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- Small corn tortillas (5-6 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or sharp cheddar)
- ¼ cup salsa or enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or light oil (avocado oil, olive oil, or neutral cooking spray)
- Optional dipping sauces/toppings (guacamole, sour cream, extra salsa, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine your cooked, shredded chicken with the shredded cheese, salsa (or enchilada sauce), chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated and well combined.
- Warm the Tortillas: Lightly dampen about 4-5 tortillas at a time under running water or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel. Microwave them for 15-20 seconds, or until they are warm and flexible. Keep the warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Lay one warmed tortilla flat on your work surface. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a line slightly off-center. Roll the tortilla up tightly and neatly, creating a compact cylinder.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Place each taquito seam-side down on a plate. Lightly spray all sides of each taquito with cooking spray or brush with neutral oil.
- Air Fry in Batches: Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the taquitos from the air fryer. Transfer them to a serving platter and let them cool for a minute or two before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Warming the tortillas is crucial to prevent cracking. Roll the taquitos tightly and place them seam-side down in the air fryer. A light spray of oil helps achieve a crispy exterior.