Easy Chicken Taquitos – Air Fryer Recipe

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Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a healthier gluten free version of this Tex Mex favorite that starts with simple slow cooker Mexican chicken and black beans recipe. They may not be fried, but they are still crispy and crunchy on the outside, cheesy and just a bit spicy on the inside. Enjoy them as an easy dinner or party appetizer with salsa and guacamole for dipping!

Looking for Mexican appetizers? Try Easy Cheesy Mexican Dip and Chili Lime Steak Bites!

What are taquitos?

The word taquito literally means “little taco”. Much like traditional tacos or rolled tacos, taquitos are made from filling a tortilla with beef, chicken, cheese, or a combination. Taquitos are made with corn tortillas, then typically either deep fried or shallow fried in oil until they are crispy on the outside and seal in the moisture on the inside.

Since they are rolled tightly and don’t have room on the inside for a lot of fillings, you’ll often find them served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dolloping on top or for dipping.

Taquitos are sometimes confused with similar dishes.

• Classic folded tacos can allow more room for fillings and toppings since they are left open, and can be made with corn or flour tortillas.
• Rolled tacos, although sometimes fried or occasionally baked, usually use larger tortillas so can include more fillings like rice or beans in addition to the meat and cheese.
• Flautas, though very similar to taquitos, use flour tortillas so they are usually longer.

Now, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, it’s possible to make air fryer taquitos that have the same crispy texture without the work and grease of frying. It’s a healthy way to enjoy this fried food favorite!

Are taquitos gluten free?

Since they are made with corn tortillas, it is possible to get gluten free taquitos. If you are ordering them at a restaurant, you’ll want to be sure they ar enot fried in the same fryer as breaded items. This would be a criss-contamination risk.

But by making them at home, you can definitely make gluten free taquitos. I’ll show you how!

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Toss a handful of simple pantry ingredient in your slow cooker and let it cook all day. Then when you get home, just shred the slow cooker Mexican chicken, assemble the taquitos, and pop them in your air fryer.

Having a party? The chicken can cook overnight, and you can roll and fry right before guests arrive. You can even keep them warm in the oven.

Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!

What you need to make chicken taquitos

INGREDIENTS

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper
• Salsa – you can use your favorite kind, and as mild or hot as you prefer.
• Black beans – drained and rinsed.
• Cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or a combination.
• Corn tortillas
• Olive oil

EQUIPMENT

• Slow cooker
• Air fryer

Wondering what air fryer I use? I am a huge fan of my 5.8 Quart Cosori Air Fryer. I use it several times a week for fries, veggies, chicken, and more! The large size fits a ton of food, and it cleans up very easily. I definitely recommend you pick one up for yourself.

How to make chicken taquitos

Make the slow cooker Mexican chicken

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1. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the salsa over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. Shred the chicken.
3. Add the rinsed and drained black beans.
4. Stir everything together.

NOTE: This makes A LOT of chicken. You can make double the amount of taquitos for a party. You’ll just need to air fry in batches. Or use the rest to make chicken tacos, sheet pan nachos, or chicken burrito bowls. Or freeze the leftovers to use another time.

Air fry the taquitos

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the salsa over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Shred the chicken, then stir in the rinsed and drained black beans..
5. Lay the tortillas out flat on your work surface.
6. Sprinkle with cheese and spread a layer of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
7. Roll up tightly and brush lightly with olive oil.
8. Place in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook 4 to 6 at a time.
9. Cook at 400°F for about 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
10. Remove and repeat with the remaining taquitos.

As mentioned, taquitos are too small to place many fillings inside, so be sure to serve with your favorite dips or toppings.

What do you dip chicken taquitos in?

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream – can substitute plain Greek yogurt or Mexican crema
• Queso
• Bean Dip

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you roll taquitos without breaking them?

Working with about four tortillas at a time, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds. The steam will soften the tortillas so that they roll more easily.

How do you keep taquitos rolled?

Be sure to roll them tightly then place seam side down in the air fryer. If you use softenend tortillas, roll them right, and work quickly, this should keep them sealed.

You can also check them after about 2 or 3 minutes in the air fryer, and if they are starting to unroll, roll them up again and turn the air fryer back on for another 2 or 3 minutes. The melting cheese will help “seal” them.

How do you keep taquitos crispy?

To keep them warm and crispy, place them on a sheet pan or wire rack in a warm over (about 200°F) until ready to serve.

Make it a Meal – what to serve with taquitos

Of course these are a fun party appetizer, but they also make a great dinner recipe. All you need are some easy side dishes.

• White rice or brown rice
• Chili Lime Sweet Potatoes
• Pepper Jack Cauliflower Tots
• Sauteed Summer Vegetables
• Peruvian-Style Street Corn

And maybe some Gluten Free Mexican Wedding Cookies for dessert!

More air fryer recipes

• Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
• Cheesy Hot Dog Taquitos
• Air Fryer Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Falafel

Did you know you can also make baked potatoes and make baked sweet potatoes in your air fryer? They are the BEST!