Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. Packed with shredded chicken and a blend of cheeses, they’re easy to prepare and cook to golden perfection in the air fryer.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup salsa
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 15-20 corn tortillas
• Olive oil, for brushing on the taquitos
• Queso dip, for serving
• Guacamole, for serving
• Salsa, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Monterey jack cheese, and cheddar cheese.
2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, mix the cream cheese, salsa, sour cream, taco seasoning, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and cheese mixture, then stir to fully combine and create the filling.
4. Step 4: Stack the tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20 seconds to soften and make them pliable.
5. Step 5: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the filling onto the bottom third of each tortilla, then tightly roll it up.
6. Step 6: Lightly brush the outside of each rolled tortilla with olive oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
7. Step 7: Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. You may need to cook in batches.
8. Step 8: Air fry at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are browned and crispy.
9. Step 9: Serve hot with queso dip, guacamole, and salsa on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use flour tortillas for a softer taquito if preferred.
• Add finely chopped jalapeño or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
• To make ahead, assemble the taquitos and freeze them before air frying. Cook directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
• Brush the taquitos with cooking spray instead of olive oil for a lighter option.

Storage

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness, or microwave briefly if in a hurry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds great flavor with minimal prep.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the taquitos on a baking sheet at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway to crisp all sides.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 58 reviews

These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and flavorful rolled tortillas filled with a creamy chicken mixture seasoned with taco spices. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack, they cook quickly in the air fryer to achieve a golden-brown, crunchy exterior without deep frying.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 15–20 taquitos 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup salsa
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Taquitos

• 15–20 corn tortillas
• Olive oil, for brushing

Serving

• Queso dip
• Guacamole
• Salsa

Instructions

1. Combine cheeses and chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, add cooked shredded chicken along with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Stir to evenly distribute the cheese.
2. Mix creamy sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, salsa, sour cream, taco seasoning, and fresh lime juice. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Make filling: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and cheese mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a creamy, flavorful filling.
4. Soften tortillas: Stack the corn tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20 seconds to make the tortillas soft and pliable, which prevents cracking while rolling.
5. Fill and roll taquitos: Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the bottom third of each tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling, securing the edges to hold the stuffing inside.
6. Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the outside of each rolled taquito with olive oil to help achieve a crispy, golden exterior when air fried.
7. Arrange in air fryer: Place the taquitos in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or tray, making sure to leave space between each for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches.
8. Air fry: Cook the taquitos at 400°F (204°C) for 7-8 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness all around.
9. Serve: Remove taquitos from the air fryer once golden and crispy. Serve hot with dipping sauces such as queso dip, guacamole, and salsa for added flavor.

Notes

• Microwaving the tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel is key for preventing them from cracking when rolled.
• You can adjust the amount of taco seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
• Olive oil brushing is essential to getting a crispy texture similar to frying without extra oil.
• Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain proper air circulation and crispiness.
• Leftover taquitos can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos, crispy chicken taquitos, easy chicken taquitos recipe, air fryer snacks, Mexican appetizers