Taquitos are a classic Mexican dish that are loved for their crispy exterior and flavorful filling. This recipe for Air-Fryer Taquitos offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried taquitos, without sacrificing any of the delicious taste. Perfect for a quick meal, snack, or party appetizer, these taquitos are sure to be a hit. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of making air-fryer taquitos, answer common questions, and provide tips for achieving the best results.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 pound ground chicken meat
- 10 corn tortillas, warmed
- Oil spray, for greasing
- 2 cups salsa and guacamole
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for a few minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the eggs, taco seasoning, ground chicken meat, and bread crumbs until well combined.
- Assemble the Taquitos:
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each warmed corn tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly and secure them with toothpicks to keep them from unraveling.
- Cook the Taquitos:
- In batches, arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the greased air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the toothpicks and serve the taquitos hot with salsa and guacamole for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 3
- Calories: 1331
- Total Fat: 30.6g (39% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 4.7g (23% DV)
- Cholesterol: 662mg (221% DV)
- Sodium: 743mg (32% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 133.8g (49% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 16.7g (60% DV)
- Total Sugars: 5.1g
- Protein: 127.2g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do you cook taquitos in the air fryer?
For homemade taquitos, cook them in the air fryer at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For frozen taquitos, cook them at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
2. Are taquitos better in the oven or air fryer?
Taquitos are typically better in the air fryer because the hot air circulation creates a crispier texture without the need for excessive oil. However, if you don't have an air fryer, baking them in the oven at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for about 20 minutes can also yield good results.
3. How do you air fry frozen El Monterey taquitos?
To air fry frozen El Monterey taquitos, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Place the frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure they are heated through and crispy before serving.
4. Why are my taquitos not crispy?
If your taquitos are not crispy, it could be due to overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents proper air circulation. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer and avoid overlapping. Additionally, ensure the air fryer is preheated and that you flip the taquitos halfway through cooking.
Tips for Perfect Air-Fryer Taquitos
1. Warming the Tortillas:
- Warm the corn tortillas before assembling the taquitos to make them more pliable and prevent cracking. You can warm them in a microwave, on a stovetop, or in an oven.
2. Securing the Taquitos:
- Use toothpicks to secure the taquitos and keep them from unraveling during cooking. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.
3. Greasing the Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent the taquitos from sticking and to enhance their crispiness.
4. Adding Cheese:
- For extra flavor, add shredded cheese to the filling mixture or sprinkle cheese on top of the taquitos before cooking.
5. Cooking in Batches:
- Cook the taquitos in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and optimal crispiness.
Air-Fryer Taquitos
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 pound ground chicken meat
- 10 corn tortillas warm
- Oil spray for greasing
- 2 cups of Salsa and guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F for a few minutes
- Take a bowl and mix eggs with Taco seasoning, ground meat, and bread crumbs.
- Spoon 1/4 cup of this mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and then secure with
- toothpicks.
- In batches, arrange inside the greased basket.
- Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once done, serve with salsa and guacamole.
Notes
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 1331
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 30.6g 39%
Saturated Fat 4.7g 23%
Cholesterol 662mg 221%
Sodium 743mg 32%
Total Carbohydrate 133.8g 49%
Dietary Fiber 16.7g 60%
Total Sugars 5.1g
Protein 127.2g
Variations and Serving Suggestions
1. Air Fryer Taquitos Beef:
- Substitute ground chicken with ground beef and follow the same recipe. You can also add diced onions and bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
2. Air Fryer Taquitos Flour Tortillas:
- Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are crispy and cooked through.
3. Air Fryer Taquitos Vegetarian:
- Make a vegetarian version by using black beans, corn, and diced vegetables instead of meat. Add cheese and seasonings for a delicious filling.
4. Air Fryer Taquitos Cream Cheese:
- Add a spoonful of cream cheese to the chicken filling for a creamy and rich texture. This variation is especially popular with kids.
5. Air Fryer Taquitos Corn Tortillas:
- Stick to the traditional corn tortillas for an authentic taste. Corn tortillas tend to crisp up nicely in the air fryer, providing a delightful crunch.
6. Air Fryer Taquitos Bean and Cheese:
- Fill the taquitos with a mixture of refried beans and cheese for a simple and tasty option. Serve with salsa and guacamole for dipping.
7. Air Fryer Taquitos Healthy:
- For a healthier version, use whole wheat tortillas and lean ground turkey or chicken. You can also add more vegetables to the filling and serve with a side salad.
8. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the taquitos with a variety of dips such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso. They also pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Air-Fryer Taquitos are a fantastic dish that combines the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience and health benefits of air frying. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. By following the tips and variations provided, you can create delicious and crispy taquitos that are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy these taquitos hot with your favorite dips and sides for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
This expanded post integrates comprehensive details about making air fryer taquitos, answering common questions, and providing tips and variations to make the recipe versatile and appealing to a wide audience.
