Air Fryer Taquitos: Master the Art of Crunchy Goodness with Our Step-by-Step Guide!

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. They’re perfect for making crispy, savory snacks like taquitos. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to air fryer taquitos:

Ingredients

• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salsa, for dipping

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Add the onion, bell pepper, black beans, corn, and green chiles. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the filling is heated through.
2. Assemble the taquitos: Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of filling down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
3. Roll the taquitos: Starting from one end, roll up the tortilla tightly, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Cook the taquitos: Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve: Serve the taquitos immediately with sour cream and salsa for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Taquitos

• Use fresh tortillas: Fresh tortillas will give you the best results. If using store-bought tortillas, warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before assembling the taquitos.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Leave some space between the taquitos so that they can cook evenly.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure that the taquitos cook evenly and quickly.
• Cook the taquitos until they are golden brown: This will ensure that they are cooked through and crispy.
• Serve with your favorite toppings: Taquitos are delicious with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or any other toppings you like.

Variations

• Chicken taquitos: Use cooked and shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
• Shrimp taquitos: Use cooked and peeled shrimp instead of ground beef.
• Vegetarian taquitos: Use a combination of vegetables, such as black beans, corn, bell peppers, and onions, instead of ground beef.
• Spicy taquitos: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of heat.
• Cheese taquitos: Omit the meat and vegetables and fill the taquitos with shredded cheese only.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Taquitos

• Lower in fat: Air frying uses less oil than deep frying, which reduces the fat content of taquitos.
• Crispy without the guilt: Air fryers give taquitos a crispy texture without the need for deep frying, which is a healthier alternative.
• Versatile: Air fryer taquitos can be made with a variety of fillings, including meat, vegetables, and cheese, making them a versatile dish.

The Bottom Line: Elevate Your Taquito Experience

Air fryer taquitos are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish. With their crispy texture and customizable fillings, they’re sure to become a favorite. So next time you’re craving taquitos, reach for your air fryer and give this recipe a try.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Can I make taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply place them in the air fryer and cook according to the instructions.

2. What is the best way to reheat taquitos?

Air fryers are also great for reheating taquitos. Simply place the taquitos in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

3. Can I freeze taquitos?

Yes, you can freeze taquitos for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then, transfer the taquitos to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw the taquitos overnight in the refrigerator and then air fry according to the instructions.