air fryer chicken taquitos

If you’re looking for a fun and tasty dinner idea, air fryer chicken taquitos are just the ticket! I love how crunchy they are on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside. Best of all, they’re super easy to make, and you can customize them though you like—who doesn’t love a little creativity in the kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Simple Ingredients for Appetizing Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Making air fryer chicken taquitos is all about using simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a delightful meal. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty dish:

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil: This will help cook the onions and garlic.
• 2 tablespoons diced onion: Fresh onion adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant aroma and savory flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chopped green chiles (I recommend Ortega® for a mild kick).
• 2 tablespoons Mexican-style hot tomato sauce (like El Pato®): This will give your filling a spicy twist.
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken: Pre-cooked chicken is a time-saver, but feel free to use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
• ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: A mix of cheeses adds creaminess and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Neufchâtel cheese: This creates a smooth, rich texture.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
• 6 corn tortillas: These are the base of your taquitos.
• Avocado oil cooking spray: This will help achieve that perfect crispy finish.

With these ingredients, you’ll create a harmonious blend of flavors inside a crispy shell. I love how quickly these come together, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Plus, feel free to personalize your taquitos with other ingredients like corn or black beans for extra texture and nutrition!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for preparing these delicious air fryer chicken taquitos.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

1. Mix the Chicken Filling: stir in the chopped green chiles and Mexican-style hot tomato sauce. Let this simmer for a minute to combine the flavors. Next, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, Mexican cheese blend, and Neufchâtel cheese. Stir everything together until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

1. Prepare the Tortillas: To make the corn tortillas pliable, heat them briefly in the skillet or directly on the grates of a gas stove. Just a few seconds on each side will do!

1. Assemble the Taquitos: For each tortilla, place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center. Carefully fold over and roll tightly into a taquito shape.

1. Air Fry the Taquitos: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Lightly mist with avocado oil spray for that perfect crunch.

1. Crisp Them Up: Cook the taquitos for 6 to 9 minutes until they turn golden brown. Flip them over, give them another light mist with avocado oil, and air fry for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until crispy.

Now, you’re ready to serve these delightful taquitos! Enjoy the satisfying crunch and the burst of flavors in each bite.

Serving and Storage Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

After you’ve made your delicious air fryer chicken taquitos,it’s time to think about how to serve and store them. These taquitos are perfect for sharing, making them a great option for family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings. Here’s how to serve them up and what to keep in mind for storage:

• Serving Suggestions: I recommend serving these taquitos with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavors. Some of my favorites include homemade guacamole, a zesty sour cream, or a tangy pico de gallo.You can also add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños on top for extra freshness and spice. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice or a colorful salad for a more complete meal.

• Storage Instructions: If you have leftovers (though they usually don’t last long!), you can store the taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. Just make sure they cool down completely before sealing them to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Reheating Tips: To keep that delightful crunch, reheat the taquitos in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will help restore their crispy exterior. alternatively,you can use a conventional oven for reheating; just cover them loosely with foil to prevent drying out.

Enjoy your taquitos fresh, but don’t fret if you have extras.With the right storage and reheating, they can be just as enjoyable the next day!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Perfect Taquitos

Cooking sometimes comes with its own set of challenges, but fear not! Here are some helpful recipe notes and troubleshooting tips to make sure your air fryer chicken taquitos turn out perfectly every time.

• Tortilla Tips: If your corn tortillas are cracking when you try to roll them, try warming them up a little longer until they are soft and pliable. You can microwave them for about 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to achieve this.

• Filling variations: Feel free to mix up the filling according to your taste preferences! You can add ingredients like beans, corn, or even some diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure not to overfill the tortillas to prevent them from bursting during cooking.

• Crispy Texture: For an even crispier finish, make sure to spray the taquitos thoroughly with avocado oil before air frying. This helps them brown beautifully. If they aren’t getting as crispy as you like, you can give them an extra couple of minutes in the air fryer.

• Cooking Time Adjustments: Depending on the size of your taquitos or the model of your air fryer, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Start checking them around the minimum cooking time to avoid overcooking.

these simple tips will help you troubleshoot any issues and ensure your chicken taquitos are a hit at the dinner table. Happy cooking!