Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown taquito that's bursting with cheesy, seasoned chicken - without the guilt of deep-frying! These Air Fryer Taquitos are about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner game, offering restaurant-quality crunch and flavor in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy parent, a snack enthusiast, or someone who loves quick and delicious Mexican-inspired meals, this recipe is your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheese (either cheddar or a Mexican blend), 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning, 8 small flour tortillas, and cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, and taco seasoning. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is creamy.
- Take one flour tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture in the center. Be careful not to overfill to prevent spilling during cooking.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top, creating a taquito shape. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray to help them crisp up during cooking.
- Cook the taquitos in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving.
- Serve the cheesy chicken taquitos warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired meal!
Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Don't overfill your tortillas - this prevents them from unrolling and ensures even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray before air frying.
- If your air fryer has a smaller basket, cook in batches to maintain proper spacing.
- Let the taquitos rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to prevent burning your mouth and allow the filling to set.
- Experiment with different cheese blends or add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Leftover taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
