Air Fryer Taquitos

By
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
A recipe developer and food photographer, Leah Maroney is an ardent home cook and food blogger who has written over 300 recipes for The Spruce Eats.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/4/21
air fryer taquitos

The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 12 taquitos
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
433 Calories
28g Fat
30g Carbs
19g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 433
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 28g 36%
Saturated Fat 10g 48%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Sodium 547mg 24%
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 8g 28%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 19g
Vitamin C 9mg 45%
Calcium 134mg 10%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 592mg 13%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Air fryer taquitos are crispy and crunchy on the outside and are stuffed with a creamy and cheesy chicken filling. Normally, taquitos are deep fried to achieve the crunchy outer shell, but the air fryer makes that possible without any additional oil. 

We’ve created a creamy avocado lime crema to drizzle over the top or to use as a dip. You can also serve the taquitos with pico de gallo and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a salty kick.

Ingredients

For the Taquitos:

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 tsp sazón seasoning

  • 1 chipotle pepper, plus one teaspoon of adobo sauce

  • 4 ounces cream cheese

  • 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

  • 12 corn tortillas

  • Cooking spray

  • Pico de gallo, optional for garnish

  • Sour cream, optional for garnish

  • Cotija cheese, optional for garnish

For the Avocado Lime Crema:

  • 1 small avocado

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon minced cilantro

Steps to Make It

Prepare the Taquitos.

  1. Gather your ingredients.

    air fryer taquitos ingredients

  2. Add the chicken to a large bowl. Sprinkle the salt, sazón, and garlic powder over the top of the chicken and toss to combine.

    Mince the chipotle pepper. Add the chipotle pepper, cream cheese, and shredded cheese to the chicken. Stir to combine and divide into 12 equal portions.

    shredded chicken

  3. Heat a few tortillas a few at a time in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This will make it easier to roll the tortillas.

    heated corn tortillas

  4. Spoon each portion of the filling onto the edge of the tortilla.

    corn tortilla filled with chicken filling

  5. Roll up the tortilla over the filling.

    taquitos rolled up on a sheet

  6. Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Place half of the taquitos seam-side down into the air fryer. Spray the top of the taquitos with a generous spray of non-stick cooking spray.

    taquitos in air fryer basket

  7. Cook on 400F for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden brown and crisp. Remove and repeat with the remaining taquitos.


    While the taquitos are cooking, prepare the avocado lime crema.

    taquitos in the air fryer

Prepare the Avocado Lime Crema.

  1. Gather your ingredients.

    avocado lime crema ingredients

  2. Add all of the avocado lime crema ingredients to a food processor.

    avocado lime crema ingredients in a food processor

  3. Blend until completely smooth, cover, and set aside.

    avocado lime crema blended in a food processor

  4. Once the taquitos are done air frying, serve with the avocado crema, pico de gallo, sour cream, and a sprinkling of cotija cheese.

    air fryer taquitos with avocado lime crema

Oven Cooking Method

  • Preheat the oven to 425F. 
  • Follow all of the same instructions, but place taquitos seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Coat each taquito with the cooking spray.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

How to Store

Taquitos are a great appetizer to freeze and then reheat.

Make sure to freeze them after cooking.  Allow them to cool and then place them in a gallon plastic storage bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Simply reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot. 


What Can You Serve with Taquitos?

You can serve lots of different dishes with taquitos. They can be served as an appetizer or as part of the main meal. Serve alongside some of the following.