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These homemade taquitos in the air fryer are so easy to make and are full of healthy protein. Try this recipe out the next time you need a quick and healthy dinner option to feed your family.

It’s versatile and can even be made into a freezer meal to have extra on hand for when you really don’t feel like cooking. 

Homemade Taquitos In Air Fryer

Air fryer chicken taquitos is one of my favorites as of late because it is so versatile and everyone enjoys them. The cook time only takes 5 minutes and you can whip them up in a flash.

It is also a great meal to bring to a sick neighbor or friend. Serve them with rice, beans and a delicious easy treat like my Easy Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

And if you don’t have an air fryer you can always follow along with my baked taquitos recipe.

Let me know how you like these by rating the recipe in the recipe card and ask any questions you have in the comment section. 

I can’t wait to hear how you like them! 

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Ingredients For Homemade Taquitos in Air Fryer:

Here is what you need to make these delicious taquitos in the air fryer. 

Rotisserie Chicken: I love rotisserie chicken because of the convenience. 

Small Curd Cottage Cheese: Small curd is the best to use for the recipe because it has less water content and won’t make the filling super watery. 

Pepper Jack Cheese: You can also use Monterey Jack cheese if desired. 

Cheddar Cheese: You can use any cheese you like. 

Salsa Verde: This adds a delicious flavor to the filling. You can also use red salsa if desired. 

Small Flour Tortillas or Corn Tortillas: If using corn make sure to flash fry them in some hot oil for 5 seconds to make sure the tortillas won’t tear and break apart. You can also use larger tortillas if desired. 

Toppings: Some of our favorite toppings include pico, sour cream, avocado salsa verde or hot sauce. 

Air Fryer Taquito Ideas:

BBQ Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, cottage cheese, BBQ sauce and cilantro.

Shrimp Taquitos: Click this link for the full recipe. You can make these in the air fryer by simply cooking them at 390 F for 5 minutes. 

shrimp taquito appetizer

Vegetarian BBQ Black Bean: I love a good vegetarian taquito. Use drained black beans or refried beans, cheese and bbq sauce for a delicious vegetarian option.  

Buffalo Chicken: Another delicious option is a buffalo chicken taquito. Use rotisserie chicken, cheese and buffalo sauce for a great filling. 

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Tips With Air Fryer Taquitos:

These air fried taquitos really are easy to make. When cooking in the air fryer here are a few tips to give you a jumpstart. 

  • Don’t forget to place the taquitos seam side down. 
  • Spray the taquitos with cooking spray to get a nice crispy exterior
  • Top with a grate to help the taquitos from flying all over the place. 
  • Keep an eye on them as air fryers can cook differently. 

How do you keep taquitos from falling apart?

Typically to keep taquitos from falling apart you will want to secure them with some toothpicks. But no need for this recipe! We have a secret weapon which I will explain below.

How do you seal taquitos without toothpicks?

Another great option to keep taquitos from falling apart is to place the taquitos seam side down and weigh them down with a grate.

This will especially help when cooking them in the air fryer because it weighs them down a little while still allowing the taquitos to get plenty of hot circulating air to become crispy. 

how to seal taquitos without toothpicks

How long do taquitos take to cook in an air fryer?

Taquitos in the air fryer take only about 5-7 minutes to cook. It’s the perfect quick and easy dinner to whip up for your family. 

Just make sure to keep an eye on them since different models of air fryers can cook a little differently. 

How To Make Homemade Taquitos In Air Fryer:

First make your filling. I love this high protein chicken version, but check out the other options above in the post to change up the filling. 

taqutio filling

Next place your tortillas on a clean work surface and add about 2 tablespoons of the shredded chicken filling mixture on the tortilla. 

How to roll a taquito

Roll the tortilla tightly and place seam side down. 

Place the taquitos into the air fryer seam side down in a single layer (leaving enough room for air to circulate around the whole taquito). 

Place the grate on top of the taquitos and spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle them with coarse salt. 

Air fry for 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Carefully remove the grate and the taquitos and serve with toppings. 

Freezer and Storage Options:

I love making an extra batch of these taquitos to make into a freezer meal. 

To freeze place the prepared uncooked taquitos in a single layer seam side down on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 30 minutes. 

Then transfer the taquitos into a freezer safe ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. 

To reheat you can microwave them straight from the freezer in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds and then finish them off in the air fryer.

Homemade Taquitos In Air Fryer Recipe:

Homemade Taquitos In Air Fryer
Yield: 18 taquitos

Homemade Taquitos In Air Fryer

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

The easiest homemade taquito recipe made in the air fryer.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups pepperjack cheese, shredded
  • 2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese
  • 3/4 cup salsa verde
  • salt to taste
  • 18 small flour tortillas
  • cooking spray
  • kosher salt to top

Optional Toppings:

  • pico de gallo
  • sour cream
  • avocado, diced
  • avocado salsa verde or salsa of choice


Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl combine the rotisserie chicken, pepper jack cheese, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, salsa verde and salt to taste.
  2. Lay out your tortillas on a clean work surface and place 2-3 tablespoons filling into the tortilla.
  3. Tightly roll the tortillas to form taquitos and place seam side down.
  4. Fill and roll the remaining tortillas.
  5. Place taquitos into the air fryer basket seam side down. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket and be sure to allow each taquito some room for air to circulate around the whole taqituo.
  6. Spray the taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  7. Top with a grate to weight them down sightly and make sure they do not open up.
  8. Cook at 390 F for 5 minutes. Remove from the air fryer and top with toppings of choice.

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