Name: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 6 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 cups Rotisserie Chicken (420 g); 1 ½ cups Shredded Cheese (135 g); 2 tbsp Lime Juice (30 ml); 1 cup Salsa (226 g); Taco Seasoning; ½ tsp Salt (1 g); ½ tsp Pepper (1 g); ½ cup Chicken Broth (118 ml); 12 Medium Flour Tortillas (8”); Pico de Gallo; Guacamole

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These homemade Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a quick and easy dinner recipe, or perfect for a quick appetizer or snack. Using simple ingredients, you’ll have homemade air fryer taquitos in less than 20 minutes.

Frozen chicken taquitos used to be a regular item when grocery shopping. We all know those prices just keep going up and up. Plus it was getting to be a mundane purchase, with the same taste over and over again.

Homemade taquitos is one food that I started making myself, and truthfully, it’s been a game changer.

Up the ante with taquitos made in the air fryer, and you have a true winner when it comes to Mexican food. They are so crispy on the outside yet the inside chicken filling is moist.

In fact, you might never buy store bought taquitos again when you learn how easy it is to make your own.

What is a Taquito?
A taquito is a Mexican dish that consists of a small tortilla that is rolled up with a filling, like chicken or beef, and then deep fried.

Whether you want to change up taco night or need a crown pleasing appetizer for a party or for the big game – this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

All you need is flour tortillas, shredded chicken, cheese, a lime, simple seasonings, broth and salsa. Oh, and an air fryer of course. Crispy, delicious, and so addicting!

The result is homemade taquitos fast, with much less calories and money saved.

Not only can you make substitutions to suit any taste preference, yet you can also make these ahead of time and freeze for later!

Crispy air fryer chicken taquitos are perfect for quick meals, when that craving hits, or for your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is so Quick and Easy. Total time is less than 20 minutes, especially quick if you use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.
Can be Made Ahead of Time and is Freezer Friendly. So perfect for meal prep, batch cooking, or having on hand for when you need them.
One of the best Air Fryer Recipes that saves time, oven space, and doesn’t heat up the house.
It’s Healthier than store bought since you control the ingredients. Plus air frying means less fat and calories when compared to deep frying.
This air fryer chicken taquitos recipe makes a great Party Appetizer, Snack, or for an Easy Dinner.
Proven Family Friendly, the whole family will love this recipe, especially since there’s so many options for toppings and dipping.

Total Time: 16 Minutes

Serves: 6

Not only is this a great snack or appetizer recipe, it’s also perfect as a main for dinner. Serve these homemade taquitos with Fiesta Mexican Rice or Mexican Macaroni Salad and you have a tasty meal.

Try These Mexican Inspired Dessert Recipes:

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Air Fryer Churro Bites

Ingredients Required

Shredded Chicken – To save time, I like to plan this recipe when I have a rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to use up. You can also make Margarita Grilled Chicken and use leftovers to make these taquitos .
Shredded Cheese – I like to use a shedded Mexican cheese blend, yet you can use whatever you have on hand.
Lime Juice – When I have some, I use juice from a fresh lime. Yet you can use store bought lime juice as well.
Salsa – Just your favorite brand of salsa for some spice and juiciness.
Taco Seasoning – I use store bought taco seasoning. Yet you can make your own homemade taco seasoning using chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you do, add 1 tsp of cornstarch to the mixture to help thicken up the sauce that forms.
Salt and Black Pepper – Simple common spices, for taste.
Chicken Broth – Adds flavor and some liquid to the mixture.
Tortillas – I use flour tortillas for this recipe. I touch more on size and kind later, for those that need more information.
Optional Toppings – Keep it simple with Pico de Gallo and/or guacamole. Or choose from the list below. You can also make your own Homemade Pico De Gallo using our easy recipe.

food, ingredients on a table to make Chicken Taquitos

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

As always, the full recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

SHRED THE CHICKEN

Cut up the rotisserie chicken so it is small bite-size pieces. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl.
MAKE THE MIXTURE

Add the shredded cheese, juice of 1 lime, salsa, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the bowl with the chicken. Using a wooden spoon stir to fully incorporate the ingredients.
PREPARE THE AIR FRYER

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. This ensures even cooking.
ASSEMBLE TAQUITOS

Working in batches, lay out your tortilla on a clean dry surface and spoon on 1-2 tbsp of the chicken mixture in the middle of the tortilla (if using 8” tortillas 1 ½ tbsp will be used).

Spread out so the chicken mixture is in a line in the center of the tortilla. Don’t overfill the tortillas or you will have difficulty rolling them up.

Tightly roll up the tortilla and set it aside. Repeat this process with the remaining filling and tortillas.
AIR FRY THE TAQUITOS

Once you’ve assembled 4 taquitos, place them in the basket of your air fryer uncrowded, and cook at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. Flipp them over halfway through (3 minutes). Repeat cooking in batches for remaining taquitos.
ENJOY!

Serve homemade taquitos in air fryer while warm with pico de gallo and guacamole. Or, choose from the topping options below.

Recipe Tips

How Many Batches? Depending on the size of your air fryer will determine how many batches of air fried taquitos will be needed. I use a 5-quart air fryer and 4 assembled taquitos fit nicely.
Air Frying Tip: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the taquitos may not crisp up.
Larger Tortillas? I did test this recipe using 6” (fajita-sized) tortillas and it makes 18 taquitos. You can also use larger tortillas, fewer taquitos will be made, and using tortillas larger than 8” might not fit inside the air fryer basket.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Tortillas – While I like to use flour tortillas for this air fryer chicken taquitos recipe, you can use corn tortillas if you wish.
Taquito Filling – Try this recipe using cooked ground beef, pork or refried beans.
Cheese – For convenience and taste, I like shredded mexican cheese from the grocery store. Yet you can use shredded cheddar cheese and/or Monterey Jack too.

What to Serve With Chicken Taquitos

Whether you are serving air fried ctaquitos as an appetizer or a main dish, there are many options for side dishes or toppings. Here are some suggestions:

Pico De Gallo
Guacamole
Sour Cream
Chilies
Hot Sauce
Black Beans
Refried Beans
Queso Dip
Fiesta Mexican Rice
Avocado Slices
Shredded Lettuce
Shredded Cheese

Storing & Freezing Homemade Taquitos

Storage Place your leftover taquitos in an airtight container (or baggie) in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, add them to an air fryer and cook at 350 degrees for 4-6 minutes or until the middle is hot. You can also microwave them, yet they won’t stay as crispy.
TO FREEZE. Store your taquitos in a freezer-safe container or bag labeled. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can cook them in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway (5 minutes).

Make Ahead Instructions

To make homemade chicken taquitos and freeze them for later: Prepare and assemble as directed in the recipe.Yet instead of cooking them, place the taquitos in a single layer, seam side down, on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. ‘Flash freeze’ for an hour until frozen, to ensure they don’t stick together and makes each one easy to take out as needed. Then, place in an airtight contianer or a zippered freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Homemade Taquitos FAQ

How long do you cook taquitos in the air fryer?

You’ll want to cook the taquitos in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway (4 minutes). This will allow the whole taquito to become crisp.

What is the difference between taquitos and flautas?

The difference between the two is the size of the tortilla used. Flautas use large burrito-size tortillas and small to medium-sized tortillas are used to make taquitos. Flour tortillas are typically easier to roll without tearing.

How do you keep taquitos from cracking?

The best way to prevent the taquitos from cracking is to make sure that you warm up the tortillas before rolling them. Cold and dry tortillas can crack and crumble when you roll them.

Can I make this in the oven?

Of course! If using an oven instead of the air fryer, place taquitos in a single layer, seam side down, on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned and crispy.

More Mexican Inspired Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Yield: 12 x 8” taquitos

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 6 minutes

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and crispy appetizer, party food, or meal. Homemade in just 16 minutes, you can also make these ahead of time and freeze for later.

Ingredients

3 cups Rotisserie Chicken (420 g)
1 ½ cups Shredded Cheese (135 g)
2 tbsp Lime Juice (30 ml)
1 cup Salsa (226 g)
Taco Seasoning
½ tsp Salt (1 g)
½ tsp Pepper (1 g)
½ cup Chicken Broth (118 ml)
12 Medium Flour Tortillas (8”)

For Garnish/Topping (Optional)

Pico de Gallo
Guacamole

Instructions

Cut up the rotisserie chicken so it is small bite-size pieces. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl.
Add the shredded cheese, juice of 1 lime, salsa, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the bowl with the chicken. Using a wooden spoon stir to fully incorporate the ingredients.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Working in batches, lay out your tortilla on a clean dry surface and spoon on 1-2 tbsp of the chicken mixture in the middle of the tortilla (if using 8” tortillas 1 ½ tbsp will be used), spread out so the chicken mixture is in a line in the center of the tortilla.
Tightly roll up the tortilla and set it aside. Repeat this process. Once you’ve assembled 4 taquitos, place them in the basket of your air fryer uncrowded, and cook at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. Flipping the oven halfway through (3 minutes). Repeat cooking in batches for remaining taquitos.
Serve with pico de gallo and guacamole.

Notes

Depending on the size of your air fryer will determine how many batches will be needed. I use a 5-quart air fryer and 4 assembled taquitos fit nicely.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the taquitos may not crisp up.
I did test this recipe using 6” (fajita-sized) tortillas and it makes 18 taquitos. You can also use larger tortillas, fewer taquitos will be made, and using tortillas larger than 8” might not fit inside the air fryer basket.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 592Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 167mgSodium: 1632mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 42g

Created by Tammi Roy

Tammi Roy is the founder of My Organized Chaos, a Canadian food and lifestyle blog. She lives in Alberta, Canada and is the mom of three beautiful teenage girls. Tammi’s passions are her family, creating and sharing delicious recipes, travelling and photography. Learn more about Tammi.