Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are crispy, flavorful rolled tortillas filled with a creamy blend of shredded chicken, cheese, and spices. Made quick and easy in the air fryer, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried taquitos with a deliciously golden and crunchy exterior. Perfect as a party appetizer or a satisfying meal served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ⅓ cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend (or Monterey Jack or cheddar, about 1 cup)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Other
- 12 corn tortillas (or small flour tortillas)
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
- For serving: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc.
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, salsa, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and well combined. Add the shredded Mexican cheese blend and the shredded cooked chicken, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the taquitos.
- Warm the tortillas: Working with 4-6 tortillas at a time, place them between two paper towels and microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This softens the tortillas, making them pliable and easier to roll without cracking or tearing.
- Assemble the taquitos: Working with one tortilla at a time, spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling in a line across the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place the rolled taquito seam side down on a sheet of parchment paper to seal. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Lightly spray all the assembled taquitos with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray to encourage crispness.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket: Place the taquitos seam side down in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each to allow air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry the taquitos: Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Then carefully flip each taquito over and continue air frying for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and serve warm with your favorite sides such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent cracking and makes them more pliable.
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- You can swap corn tortillas for small flour tortillas if preferred.
- Lightly spraying the taquitos with oil before air frying helps achieve a golden and crispy texture similar to deep-frying but with less fat.
- Air fryer models vary, so keep an eye on the taquitos and adjust cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
