Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are my answer to weeknight cravings for something crunchy and cheesy without the mess of deep frying. Rotisserie chicken and a handful of staples transform into hand-held bites that are perfect for snacking, parties, or even a quick dinner. My family requests these almost every game night, especially when we need an easy crowd-pleaser with minimal cleanup.

I remember the first time I served these at a neighborhood potluck and the platter disappeared almost instantly Everyone wanted the recipe and I loved how little oil or fuss was needed

Ingredients

• Shredded chicken: Look for rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken for speed juicy texture is best
• Cream cheese: Soften before mixing for smooth filling choose full-fat for the richest taste
• Chipotle sauce: For smoky heat canned chipotles in adobo work finely chopped if needed select a good brand for depth
• Cumin smoked paprika and garlic powder: Essential for warmth and savory flavor use fresh spices for best results
• Salt: Enhances every other ingredient taste before you roll
• Corn tortillas: Fresh pliable corn tortillas prevent cracking thicker ones hold up best
• Mexican blend cheese: Choose a bagged blend for convenience or shred your own if you prefer meltier cheese
• Cooking spray: For that crispy edge choose olive oil or avocado oil spray for the healthiest option
• Topping suggestions: Queso fresco or cotija for tang guacamole for creaminess crema or sour cream for cool contrast pico de gallo for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Filling:

Combine shredded chicken cream cheese chipotle sauce cumin smoked paprika garlic powder and salt in a large bowl Stir thoroughly with a spoon or hand mixer until creamy and fully blended The mixture should be evenly seasoned and easily spreadable for rolling

Warm the Tortillas:

Place corn tortillas in a stack on a plate and cover with a clean towel or a microwave safe bowl Heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them soft and flexible If still firm heat in additional short bursts until bendable without breaking

Fill and Roll the Tortillas:

Working with one tortilla at a time spread roughly two tablespoons of the chicken filling along one edge Sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam side down Continue until all tortillas are filled

Arrange in Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Arrange filled taquitos in a single layer seam side down in the basket so they do not touch Spray generously with cooking spray for maximum crispiness

Cook Until Crispy:

Air fry for five minutes Open the basket flip each taquito carefully and apply more cooking spray Continue cooking for two minutes more or until golden brown and crisp Adjust the timing as needed to suit your air fryer

Serve with Toppings:

Immediately top with your favorite garnishes like guacamole crema cotija and pico de gallo Serve hot

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My favorite part is the smoky chipotle flavor tucked inside every bite It always reminds me of cooking with my cousin in Texas where smoky spices were a family staple and every meal had to have a creamy dip on the side

Storage Tips

Store cooled leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days For best results wrap them individually Then reheat in the air fryer at 400 degrees for three to four minutes straight from the refrigerator This crisps up the shell again quickly

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap the chicken for cooked shredded turkey or even beans for a vegetarian version No chipotle sauce Savory salsa or a pinch of cayenne can stand in nicely If you prefer different cheese cheddar or colby jack melt beautifully

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Serving Suggestions

Arrange taquitos on a large platter for game night or parties Serve with a trio of dips such as salsa verde guacamole and sour cream For a meal add charro beans or a salad and you have a dinner everyone will love

A Quick History

Taquitos hail from Mexican and Mexican American kitchens and became popular as street food in California The classic version is deep fried but air frying creates the same crispy texture with less oil and a lighter finish

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What type of chicken works best?

Any cooked shredded chicken works well, such as rotisserie or homemade poached chicken breasts.

→ Can I use flour tortillas instead?

Flour tortillas work but create a softer, flauta-style result. Corn tortillas give the iconic crisp texture.

→ How do I prevent tortillas from breaking?

Warm tortillas in the microwave to make them pliable before rolling. Cover with a towel to retain moisture.

→ What toppings go well with taquitos?

Toppings like guacamole, crema, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, or tomatillo salsa pair perfectly for extra flavor.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the air fryer for a crispy finish.

→ Can I freeze taquitos?

Yes, freeze after cooling on a tray. Store in freezer bags for up to three months; thaw and reheat in the air fryer.