These crispy, golden Air Fryer Taquitos deliver restaurant-quality results in just 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this lighter version gives you that satisfying crunch without deep frying. Each taquito packs 24g of protein while keeping prep time to a quick 5 minutes.
The air fryer works its magic to create perfectly rolled tortillas filled with your favorite ingredients, delivering that irresistible crispy exterior everyone loves.
Ingredients Needed
- Base Ingredients: 12 ounces ground beef (or plant-based alternative), 1 cup onion, 8-10 tortillas
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of curry, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika
- Moisture Elements: 1 tablespoon oil, ¼ cup broth (or water)
- Cheese Component: ½ cup cheese (or vegan alternative)
- Optional Toppings: Diced tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef (or alternative) with onions and cook until done
- Season the Mixture: Incorporate all spices and continue cooking for 2 minutes to release flavors
- Add Moisture: Pour in the broth, allowing flavors to blend together
- Cheese Integration: Mix in cheese until well combined with the meat mixture
- Assembly: Place filling in tortillas and roll them tightly, keeping ends secure
- Air Frying: Position taquitos seam-side down in air fryer basket
- Final Cooking: Air fry at 350°F for 7-8 minutes. Pro tip: spray tops with oil for extra crispiness
Additional Information
- Total Time: 20 minutes (5 mins prep + 15 mins cooking)
- Nutritional Values per Serving: 508 calories, 36g carbs, 24g protein, 30g fat
Cooking Techniques
Hey there! Let’s talk about making these taquitos extra crispy! While the air fryer does most of the work, a light spray of oil on top of your rolled taquitos makes them golden and crunchy. Roll them nice and tight, and always place them seam-side down – this keeps all the yummy filling inside. Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket; leave a little space between each taquito so the hot air can circulate and make them crispy all around.
Easy Variations
These taquitos are super flexible! Switch up the ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or your favorite plant-based meat. Not feeling the curry spice blend? Go classic Mexican with taco seasoning instead. For cheese lovers, try different combinations like pepper jack for some heat, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra authenticity. And if you’re dairy-free, vegan cheese works great too!
Serving Ideas
Make these taquitos the star of your meal with some fun toppings! Set up a little dipping station with the suggested guacamole and sour cream. Add some fresh pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or pickled jalapeños. Want to make it a complete meal? Serve alongside some Mexican rice or a simple green salad. These are perfect for casual dinners or as party appetizers!
Storage Tips
Made too many? Lucky you! Let your taquitos cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, just put them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F – they’ll crisp right up! You can even freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them individually in foil before freezing, and add a few extra minutes when reheating from frozen.
Air Fryer Taquitos
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup onion
- 12 ounces ground beef or plant-based meat alternative
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup broth or water
- 1/2 cup cheese or vegan cheese
- 8-10 tortillas
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the ground beef or plant-based alternative with the onions.
- Add in all spices and sauté another 2 minutes. Add broth
- Add cheese to skillet mixture. Stir to combine.
- Scoop skillet mixture into tortillas. Roll and place into air fryer basket seam-side down.
- Air fry at 350 degrees F for 7 to 8 minutes. Optional: Spray tortilla tops with oil to help crisp.
