Air Fryer Taquitos

The one step that basically makes or breaks this recipe is prepping the corn tortillas. You wouldn’t think it would be that hard. I mean, they are basically round discs meant to wrap around stuff. But if you simply take a corn tortilla out of the package and try to roll it around some filling, I guarantee it will shred or split and just generally refuse to cooperate, leaving you with a mess.

The tortillas are easier to work with if they are warm. The two most common ways to warm the tortillas are in the microwave or on the stovetop. Although the microwave seems like it would be easier, I like using the stovetop for reasons I will explain below.

To start, warm a small skillet on medium heat. Once the skillet is warm, place a corn tortilla in the skillet and wait 30-45 seconds. Then, turn the tortilla over. Immediately dab or brush the tortilla with cooking oil (I use canola oil) while the tortilla warms for an additional 30-45 seconds.

Remove the warm/oiled tortilla and flip it oil side down on a plate. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the tortilla. Then roll the warm tortilla around the filling. The oiled side should be on the outside. Secure with a couple toothpicks and place on a plate while you assemble a few more.

Usually, taquitos will require a spray or brush of cooking oil before placing in the air fryer. By adding the oil while the tortilla is in the skillet, the oil is already coated on the outside of the taquito, making it ready for air frying. Plus, I just feel like the oil works with the heat to soften the tortillas which makes them very easy to roll.

My goal for these taquitos is to produce an extra-crunchy shell. If you like a softer, more chewy shell, use a shorter cooking time.

My Instant Pot Air Fryer lid has a default temperature of 400F for Air Frying, and that is what I use for these taquitos. Make a single layer of taquitos in the basket, use a 10-minute cycle, and when the device beeps (at around the 6-minute mark) to turn the food, do so.

I can usually fit about 5 taquitos in the basket, depending upon how thick the filling is. Once the first taquitos are done, put them on a plate in a warm oven while cooking the next batch.

You can certainly use other fillings to make taquitos. Instead of the ground beef taco meat, try something else:

• Salsa chicken – drain it so it’s not too wet, and add the cheese and sour cream to help make it cheesy and have the right texture
• Black beans – I like to make a black bean and salsa mixture to use for a vegetarian filling. Simple directions are included in my Burrito Pie recipe. Used as-is it will make a vegan taquito. I think I’d still have to add some cheese to the mix, but that's just me. 😀

Oh yes, let's have some sauce! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Cilantro Lime Sauce
• Salsa
• Quesadilla sauce
• Or simply mix some salsa and sour cream (about 50/50) and use that to dip!

These Air Fryer Taquitos will quickly become a favorite!

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• Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
• Waffle Fries
• Frozen French Fries