Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried air fryer chicken taquitos yet, you’re in for a real treat! These little bundles of joy are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma filled my kitchen and my family couldn’t wait to dive in! They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for game day. Plus, using the air fryer means you get that delicious crunch without all the extra oil. It’s a win-win! Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your home. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious air fryer chicken taquitos. I promise, it’s super simple and you probably have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen!
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend works beautifully)
- 1/2 cup salsa (choose your favorite; mild or spicy, it’s up to you!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (this adds a nice kick)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for that warm, earthy flavor)
- 10 small corn tortillas (make sure they’re soft for easy rolling)
- Cooking spray (to help them crisp up perfectly in the air fryer)
That’s it! Simple, right? With these ingredients, you’ll be on your way to making a batch of crispy, flavorful taquitos that everyone will love. Let’s get mixing!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Delicious Recipe
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these air fryer chicken taquitos is super easy, and I’ll walk you through every step. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a plate full of crispy, mouthwatering taquitos!
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, preheating your air fryer is key! Set it to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your taquitos cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown crunch. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part—it’s essential for that crispy texture we all love!
Mix the Filling
Now, let’s create that delicious filling! In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, and cumin. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. I like to use my hands for this—there’s something about mixing ingredients together that just feels right! Make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
Prepare the Tortillas
Next up, we need to warm the tortillas. This part is super important because it helps prevent them from breaking when you roll them up. Pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds until they’re soft and pliable. Just a tip: if you do this in batches, it’ll make the rolling process even easier!
Assemble the Taquitos
Now for the fun part—assembling the taquitos! Take a warmed tortilla and place a spoonful of your chicken filling on one side. Roll it up tightly, making sure to tuck in the edges as you go. If you find they’re uncooperative, don’t hesitate to use a toothpick to secure them. This will keep everything snug while they cook!
Cook the Taquitos
Time to cook these little guys! Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up nicely. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to see how they’re doing. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and crispy. Ooh, I can almost taste them already!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you can have these delicious taquitos on the table in no time!
- Flavor Packed: The combination of shredded chicken, cheese, and your choice of salsa creates a burst of flavor in every bite!
- Healthier Option: Using the air fryer means you can enjoy crispy taquitos without all the extra oil, making them a healthier choice.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients! Add your favorite spices, veggies, or even swap the chicken for beef or beans.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick dinner, game day snack, or party appetizer, these taquitos fit the bill!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love finger foods! These taquitos are perfect for little hands and perfect for picky eaters.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare them in advance and just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready to serve!
Trust me, once you try these air fryer chicken taquitos, they’ll quickly become a household favorite! You’ll be making them again and again!
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my best tips to make sure your air fryer chicken taquitos turn out perfectly every single time! Trust me, these little hacks will elevate your cooking game and make your taquitos shine.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Always opt for good quality chicken and cheese. If you can, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded. It melts better and gives you that gooey, dreamy texture we all love!
- Don’t Overfill: When you’re putting that delicious filling in each tortilla, be careful not to overstuff them. A little goes a long way! If they’re too full, they might burst open while cooking, and we definitely want to avoid that mess!
- Keep It Uniform: Try to roll each taquito as tightly and evenly as possible. This helps them cook evenly and ensures that crispy exterior we’re after. It also makes them easier to dip later!
- Experiment with Dips: Serve your taquitos with a variety of dips! Guacamole, salsa, or sour cream are classic choices, but you could also try a spicy chipotle sauce or a creamy avocado dressing for something different!
- Batch Cooking: If you’re making these for a party or a family gathering, consider making a double batch. They’ll disappear quickly, and you can keep some in the freezer for future cravings!
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the taquitos cool for a minute before diving in. This helps them firm up a bit more and makes them easier to eat—plus, it saves your mouth from the initial heat!
With these little tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delicious, crispy air fryer chicken taquitos. They’re going to be a hit, I just know it!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these air fryer chicken taquitos! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But here’s a general breakdown per serving (that’s one taquito):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
These taquitos not only satisfy your cravings but also provide a nice balance of protein and flavor without being overly heavy. So, enjoy guilt-free snacking or a quick meal knowing you’re making a delicious choice! Yum!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before shredding it. If you’re in a pinch, using pre-cooked frozen chicken can save time, but the flavor will be even better with freshly cooked chicken!
What can I substitute for corn tortillas?
If you can’t find corn tortillas, feel free to use flour tortillas. They’ll work just fine, but keep in mind they may not get as crispy as corn tortillas do. Just warm them up the same way before rolling!
How can I make these taquitos spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can add diced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa. You could even sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce into the filling. Adjust to your taste, and get ready for a flavorful kick!
Can I bake these taquitos instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy. Just keep an eye on them!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any taquitos left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture. You won’t regret it!
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Delicious Recipe: 7 Reasons to Love
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious recipe for air fryer chicken taquitos.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 10 small corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, salsa, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Roll the tortillas tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Spray the taquitos with cooking spray.
- Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with guacamole or sour cream.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken taquitos, delicious recipe
