If you are looking for a snack or meal that is irresistibly crunchy, packed with flavor, and comes together in a flash, this Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crispy rolls filled with a creamy, spicy chicken mixture are the perfect blend of satisfying textures and bold flavors. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a delicious comfort food treat, these taquitos deliver that wonderful homemade taste without the mess of frying. Best of all, the air fryer makes them light, crispy, and ready in minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and crunchy. From shredded chicken for hearty protein to pepper jack cheese for that little kick, every component adds its own magic.
- 2 Cups Chicken (Cooked Shredded): Use pre-cooked chicken to keep things quick and make sure it’s shredded finely for easy rolling.
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (Softened): Adds creamy richness that binds the filling and keeps it juicy.
- 1 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese (Shredded): Offers meltiness plus a subtle spicy flavor that livens up the taquitos.
- ¼ Cup Pico De Gallo: Fresh vegetables with a hint of acidity that brighten the overall flavor.
- 3 Tbsp Taco Seasoning: Brings the quintessential Mexican spice blend of smoky, savory, and earthy notes.
- 3 Tbsp Taco Sauce: Adds moisture and a tangy spice, rounding out the filling’s taste.
- 10 6″ Flour Tortillas: Soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling when rolled tightly.
- Olive Oil (For Brushing): Helps the taquitos crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without frying in oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Filling
Start by combining your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, taco seasoning, and taco sauce in one bowl. Use a rubber spatula to mix them thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated. This mixture should be flavorful and creamy, ready to roll into your tortillas.
Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay out the flour tortillas flat on your work surface. Spoon about three tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, about one inch from the bottom edge. Then brush olive oil over the remaining part of the tortilla to help it crisp up in the air fryer. Roll the tortillas tightly, making sure the seam is on the bottom to keep them from unrolling during cooking. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and rolled.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to avoid sticking. Place as many taquitos as will fit comfortably in the basket without touching to ensure even cooking. Brush each one with a little more olive oil for extra crispness. Cook them for about seven minutes, flipping or rotating halfway if your air fryer requires it. Multiple batches can be done quickly and easily.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the air fryer, these taquitos should be incredibly crisp and golden. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings such as fresh pico de gallo, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. They’re perfect for dipping into salsa verde or guacamole, making every bite a party of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your taquitos, fresh is best. Think chopped cilantro, a spoonful of creamy sour cream, diced avocado, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese. These bright and fresh touches add layers of flavor and a beautiful presentation that celebrates the dish’s vibrant roots.
Side Dishes
Pair your taquitos with sides like Mexican street corn (elote), a crisp green salad with a zesty lime dressing, or even simple black beans and rice. These comfy companions round out your meal, complementing the spicy and creamy filling of the taquitos.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these taquitos upright in a decorative glass or basket lined with colorful napkins for a fun party presentation. Alternatively, slice them into bite-sized pinwheels for easy finger food at gatherings. Think about stacking them in layers separated by parchment paper to keep them crisp when serving a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover taquitos are a delight to reheat and enjoy again. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain their crispness and flavor. Make sure they are cooled completely before sealing the container.
Freezing
You can freeze these taquitos after rolling but before cooking. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pop them directly into the air fryer whenever a quick snack or meal is needed, cooking them a bit longer if frozen.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your taquitos is in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-4 minutes. This reheats them thoroughly while bringing back that crispy exterior without drying out the filling like a microwave might.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
You certainly can! Just be aware that corn tortillas are more fragile and may crack when rolling. To make them more pliable, warm them briefly in a damp towel before filling.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you prefer to skip the cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream to keep the filling creamy, though texture and flavor will differ slightly.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the pepper jack cheese and taco seasoning, but you can adjust it by choosing a milder cheese or reducing the taco seasoning according to your taste.
Can I prepare these without an air fryer?
While air frying gives the healthiest and crispiest result, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit on a lined baking sheet for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
How long do these taquitos keep their crispiness after cooking?
They stay crisp for a few hours if left at room temperature uncovered, but for best texture, enjoy them right away or reheat in the air fryer for crispy freshness later.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to quick, delicious homemade snacks that everyone will love. The way the filling balances creamy, spicy, and fresh elements wrapped in a perfectly crispy shell makes these taquitos absolutely addictive. If you haven’t tried making classics like this in your air fryer yet, now is the perfect time to start. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Deliciously crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos made with tender shredded chicken, creamy cream cheese, spicy pepper jack, and fresh pico de gallo, all rolled in warm flour tortillas and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a snack, appetizer, or meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 Cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
- ¼ Cup Pico De Gallo
- 3 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp Taco Sauce
Taquitos
- 10 6-inch Flour Tortillas
- Olive Oil, for brushing
Optional Toppings
- Pico de Gallo
- Hot Sauce
- Salsa Verde
- Cilantro
- Shredded Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, taco seasoning, and taco sauce. Use a rubber spatula to mix everything together until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Place approximately 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture one inch from the bottom edge of each tortilla. Brush olive oil over the exposed tortilla edges. Roll the tortillas tightly from the bottom to the top so that the seam is underneath, securing the filling inside.
- Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Taquitos: Place as many taquitos as will fit in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching each other. Brush the tops of the taquitos with olive oil. Cook the taquitos for 7 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and serve hot. Optionally top with extra pico de gallo, hot sauce, salsa verde, fresh cilantro, and shredded cheese for added flavor. Enjoy your crispy chicken taquitos!
Notes
- Use warm tortillas to make rolling easier and to prevent cracking.
- If you prefer, substitute pepper jack cheese with Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for a milder flavor.
- For extra crispiness, brush the taquitos with a little more olive oil before air frying.
- Cook taquitos in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for best crispness.
