Crispy Perfection in Minutes: Your Ultimate Guide to Air Frying Frozen Taquitos
Searching for a quick, delicious, and satisfying snack or appetizer? Look no further than **Air Fryer Frozen Taquitos!** These crispy delights are incredibly simple to prepare, transforming from freezer to plate in just about ten minutes. Whether you’re whipping up a speedy snack for the kids, putting together an easy appetizer for guests, or need a last-minute addition to your Taco Tuesday spread, frozen taquitos cooked in the air fryer are an absolute game-changer. Plus, they offer a perfect canvas for all your favorite toppings, from cool sour cream and zesty salsa to shredded cheese and vibrant guacamole.
I absolutely adore the convenience of quick snacks, and these frozen taquitos cooked in the air fryer are a top favorite in my household. They’re not just a hit with my kids, but also serve as a perfect, no-fuss appetizer for any gathering. If you’re craving authentic Mexican-inspired flavors, they’re an ideal choice for any day of the week, especially for a relaxed Taco Tuesday.
Just like these taquitos, another family favorite that makes for a fantastic meal is with frozen mini tacos. Simply air fry, add your favorite toppings, and serve for a satisfying dish!
Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for Taquitos
The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook many frozen foods, and taquitos are no exception. Traditional oven baking can leave taquitos a bit dry or unevenly crispy, while deep-frying uses excess oil. The air fryer, however, uses circulating hot air to achieve an incredibly crispy exterior without the added grease, mimicking the results of deep-frying but with significantly less fat. This means you get that satisfying crunch and golden-brown finish every single time, all while maintaining a tender, flavorful filling.
Beyond the amazing texture, the air fryer offers unmatched speed and convenience. There’s no need to wait for a large oven to preheat for an extended period, nor do you need to thaw the taquitos beforehand. Simply place them directly from the freezer into your preheated air fryer, and in minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked taquitos ready to enjoy. It’s the ultimate kitchen hack for busy weeknights or impromptu snack cravings.
Choosing the Best Frozen Taquitos for Air Frying
The frozen food aisle offers a delightful array of taquito options, allowing you to customize your experience. You can choose between corn or flour tortillas, each offering a slightly different texture: corn tortillas tend to be crisper, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. When it comes to fillings, the choices are equally varied. Popular options include seasoned beef and cheese, savory chicken and cheese, or even just a flavorful cheese blend for a vegetarian-friendly option.
While many brands work wonderfully in the air fryer, personal preference often dictates the “best.” I personally enjoy the José Olé brand for its consistent quality and delicious fillings. Look for brands that offer robust fillings and sturdy tortillas to ensure they hold up well during air frying. Don’t be afraid to try different varieties to find your family’s favorite! The beauty of air frying is that it enhances the crispiness of almost any frozen taquito.
Ingredients:
To make these incredibly easy air fryer taquitos, you only need one essential item, plus a few optional additions to elevate your snack or meal:
- Frozen Taquitos (Any brand will do, but I particularly enjoy the José Olé brand for its quality and flavor!)
- Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce, cool sour cream, your favorite salsa (red or green salsa verde), shredded Mexican blend cheese, sliced jalapeños, guacamole, or green chilies.
How to Make Frozen Taquitos in the Air Fryer
-
Preheat the Air Fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray if needed.
Preheating is a crucial step for achieving that desired crispy texture. It ensures the taquitos start cooking immediately and evenly. A light spray of nonstick cooking spray can prevent sticking and promote browning, especially if your air fryer basket isn’t naturally non-stick.
-
Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer into the bottom of the basket of the air fryer.
This is key for crispy results! Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can steam the taquitos instead of frying them, leading to a soggy outcome. Ensure there’s enough space around each taquito for the hot air to circulate freely. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
-
Air Fry the taquitos at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Cooking times may vary based on your specific air fryer model and the size/thickness of your taquitos. It’s a good idea to shake the basket or flip the taquitos halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping on all sides. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a perfectly crispy texture. Always ensure they are heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
-
Carefully remove the air fried taquitos from the basket and serve.
Once perfectly golden and crispy, carefully remove the taquitos from the air fryer basket using tongs. They will be hot! Allow them to cool for a minute or two before handling and serving to avoid burns and let the filling set slightly.
Note: This recipe was made and tested in a 5.8qt Cosori Air Fryer. Air fryers can vary significantly in wattage and size, which directly impacts cooking times and temperatures. For optimal results, it’s always recommended to keep an eye on your taquitos and adjust the cooking time or temperature slightly if you are using a different brand or style of air fryer. Starting with the recommended time and adding a minute or two as needed is a good approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Frying Taquitos
While my kiddos often prefer their taquitos plain, I find them to be an excellent vehicle for a wide array of fresh and creamy toppings! Toppings not only add flavor but also a burst of color and texture. Consider enhancing your air fryer taquitos with:
- Freshness: Shredded lettuce, finely diced tomatoes, or a dollop of vibrant pico de gallo.
- Creaminess: A generous swirl of sour cream, Greek yogurt (for a lighter option), or rich guacamole.
- Zing: Tangy salsa verde, your favorite red salsa, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded Mexican blend cheddar cheese, cotija cheese, or crumbled feta.
- Heat: Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Unique Additions: Green chilies, black olives, or even a sprinkle of chopped cilantro can add another layer of flavor.
Experiment to find your perfect combination!
Making homemade taquitos in your air fryer is a rewarding experience, allowing for fresh ingredients and custom flavors. The process is simpler than you might think!
For Beef Taquitos:
Start by browning about a pound of lean ground beef in a skillet. Drain any excess fat, then season generously with your favorite taco seasoning blend. Warm corn or small flour tortillas slightly (in the microwave or on a griddle) to make them pliable. Spoon a small amount of the seasoned beef into the center of each tortilla, then carefully roll them up tightly. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 4-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
For Chicken Taquitos:
You can use freshly cooked shredded chicken breasts or even leftover rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience. Mix the shredded chicken with a spoonful of cream cheese, some diced green chilies, and a pinch of taco seasoning for a creamy, flavorful filling. Scoop the cheesy chicken mixture into the center of warmed tortillas, roll them tightly, and place seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful golden hue and are thoroughly heated.
Homemade taquitos in the air fryer offer a fresh, customizable alternative to frozen, allowing you to control ingredients and seasonings precisely.
While air fryer taquitos are perfect as a stand-alone snack or appetizer, they can easily be transformed into a hearty and satisfying meal with the right accompaniments. To round out your dish, consider serving them alongside classic Mexican-inspired sides:
- Beans: Creamy refried beans or seasoned black beans add a great source of protein and fiber.
- Rice: Fluffy Spanish rice or a simple cilantro-lime rice can complete the plate.
- Salads: A fresh corn salad, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or a vibrant Mexican street corn salad (esquites) can add lightness and balance.
- Vegetables: Roasted bell peppers and onions, or even some quick air fryer fajita vegetables.
There are a ton of different frozen taquito brands to choose from, each with its unique fillings and tortilla types. I honestly love both chicken and beef equally, so I’m always up for either one, depending on my craving that day! The best frozen taquitos are truly the ones that hit the spot for you.
Yes, absolutely! If you happen to have any leftover air-fried taquitos (which is rare in my house!), you can store them for later enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, the air fryer is your best friend once again! Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the taquitos for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and regain their crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it will likely make them soggy.
Air-fried taquitos are truly a simple, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal or snack that the whole family will enjoy. The quick cook time guarantees a delicious, hot filling and that sought-after crispy texture on the outside, every single time. Say goodbye to soggy or unevenly cooked taquitos and hello to air fryer perfection!
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love:
- Air Fryer Chicken Patties
- Frozen Burrito in Air Fryer
- Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Frozen Egg Rolls in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Tater Tots
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4
Taquitos in Air Fryer
Jen
1
minute
10
minutes
11
minutes
Rate
Equipment
-
Air Fryer
Ingredients
-
8
Taquitos, frozen
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
-
Preheat the Air Fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray if needed.
-
Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer into the bottom of the basket of the air fryer.
-
Air Fry the taquitos at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
-
Carefully remove the air fried taquitos from the basket and serve.
Notes
My kiddos love to eat the taquitos as is, but I love to pile on the toppings! Consider adding delicious additions such as shredded lettuce, zesty green chilies, vibrant salsa verde, cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, shredded Mexican blend cheddar cheese, or spicy sliced jalapenos for an extra kick.
If you would rather make these homemade taquitos from scratch, you’ll want to prep a few things ahead of time. For beef taquitos, brown lean ground beef and add taco seasoning. Place the seasoned meat into the center of each tortilla and carefully wrap until they are fully closed. Place into the air fryer basket seam side down. Air fry the taquitos at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown.
You can also opt for chicken taquitos. You can shred freshly cooked chicken breasts or even use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Add a little cream cheese and green chilies to the mixture for a creamy filling, then carefully scoop the cheesy chicken filling into the center of the prepared tortillas. Place into the air fryer basket seam side down. Air Fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Leftover air-fried taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition
Calories:
114
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
15
g
,
Protein:
2
g
,
Fat:
5
g
,
Saturated Fat:
1
g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g
,
Trans Fat:
1
g
,
Sodium:
58
mg
,
Potassium:
56
mg
,
Fiber:
2
g
,
Sugar:
1
g
,
Vitamin A:
4
IU
,
Calcium:
23
mg
,
Iron:
1
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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