Air-Fryer Taquitos

Easy to make and perfectly crispy, these Air-Fryer Taquitos deliver a satisfying crunch every time.

Like many delicious meals, I discovered the magic of air-fryer taquitos completely by accident. A few days ago, I was staring at a pile of leftover shredded chicken and wondering what to do with it. My partner was asking for something Mexican-inspired, and honestly, I was too tired for anything complicated. That’s when I remembered the package of small corn tortillas sitting in my fridge. I figured, why not try making this taquito recipe?

The result was absolutely incredible. My taquitos turned out perfectly crispy, with a satisfying gooey cheese filling. Deliciousness aside, the best part about this recipe is its versatility. I serve taquitos for parties, quick lunches, and weeknight dinners—heck, I’ll even whip up a batch for my late-night cravings. And while you typically fry taquitos in a whole lot of oil, my recipe uses an air fryer instead. You’ll still get that golden crunch but without all the mess of deep-frying.

Plus, air-fried taquitos take just 20 minutes from start to finish, with most of that being prep time. With a few stashed away in the freezer, I probably make these at least once a week. Whether I’m meal prepping, entertaining, or just need a satisfying snack, taquitos never disappoint!

Can I pan-fry these instead?

While the recipe calls for an air fryer, you can definitely pan-fry taquitos! Heat about a quarter inch of any neutral oil in a large cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place the taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for two to three minutes per side, turning them carefully with tongs until they’re golden brown and crispy all around. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store your leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them before air-frying and stash them in the freezer for up to 2 months. I recommend cooking the frozen taquitos directly in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes without defrosting. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even heating and crispiness. Check that they’re heated through to the center before serving with your favorite dips.

Serving suggestions

These crispy taquitos would pair wonderfully with a side of sour cream and a homemade Salsa. Or keep it simple, and garnish the taquitos with chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime! Speaking of queso, if you want a little heat, Chile Con Queso adds some spice. I’m also fond of this Easy Guacamole Recipe, which only has four ingredients. It takes mere minutes to make.

Feel free to turn the taquitos into a full meal with a side of Refried Black Beans, some Mexican Rice, and a bowl of this delightful Mexican Chopped Salad.