There are nights when dinner feels like a group project you didn’t sign up for. And then there are Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos — the kind of crispy, melty shortcut that swoops in with weeknight-hero energy and asks nothing more of you than opening the fridge and hitting “preheat.”
They’re golden, salty, and unapologetically satisfying. A little nostalgia, a little apéro energy, and absolutely zero fuss. This is the kind of recipe that proves dinner can feel fun again, even if the rest of your day absolutely didn’t.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pantry-friendly meets party-worthy — shredded chicken, spices, tortillas, cheese, done.
- Air fryer magic gives you a crisp, fried vibe without the oil or the mess (hello, easy air fryer snack).
- Freezer-ready — stash a batch for future you, who will be equally tired and grateful.
- Kid- and adult-friendly — mild enough for toddlers, customizable enough for grown-up dipping sessions.
- Perfect for weeknights but also suspiciously perfect for apéro hour with a cold drink.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
The beauty of taquitos is that they’re endlessly flexible. Use a rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or last night’s grilled thighs. Monterey Jack melts like a dream, but cheddar brings sharper comfort; use whatever’s already on hand.
If your tortillas crack when rolling, warm them under a damp towel for 20 seconds to soften. Want a spicier version? Add a pinch of cayenne or diced green chiles. Want a toddler-friendly option? Halve the spice and serve with plain yogurt for dipping. For a dinner-party upgrade, mix a spoonful of chipotle mayo or salsa verde into the filling for a smoky, punchy twist.
Serving & Pairings
Serve these crispy taquitos with bowls of guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or a punchy lime crema. Add shredded lettuce and pickled onions if you want it to feel like a full situation. They also sit beautifully next to a simple green salad or a cold beer at golden hour — whichever kind of evening you’re having.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead and freeze them?
Yes. Freeze before air-frying, then cook straight from frozen. Add 2–3 extra minutes of cook time for the perfect crisp.
Do corn tortillas work instead of flour?
They do, but warm them first so they don’t split. They’ll also cook a little faster and crisp more deeply.
How do I keep the taquitos from unrolling in the air fryer?
Pack the filling tightly and place them seam-side down. A quick spritz of cooking spray helps them hold their shape.
Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Place a tortilla on a clean surface and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture onto one end of the tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. Freeze them for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Remove the taquitos from the freezer and lightly spray them with cooking spray on all sides.
- Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the taquitos in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the chicken taquitos with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.