Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup yellow onion, minced; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 4 ounce can diced green chilies; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded; 12 six-inch flour tortillas (fajita size); Nonstick cooking spray

If you love bold, cheesy, and crunchy snacks, then you’re going to adore this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe. These taquitos are bursting with flavor, easy to make, and cook up crispy in just minutes — perfect for any time you want a quick Mexican-inspired treat!

A white plate holds six rolled tacos with a golden-brown, crispy texture. They are topped with chopped red tomatoes, finely chopped green cilantro, white crumbled cheese, light green guacamole, and a creamy light orange sauce drizzled over them. The plate also has two small dark bowls, one filled with chunky green guacamole and the other with smooth light orange sauce, along with a bright green lime half. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these taquitos over and over, and every time I’m amazed at how quick and satisfying they are. The crispy exterior with that gooey, cheesy, flavorful chicken inside is just unbeatable—you’ll want to keep these in your recipe rotation!

Quick and Easy: Ready to enjoy in just 23 minutes from start to finish, even on busy days.
Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer makes these taquitos golden and crunchy without all the oil of traditional frying.
Flavor-Packed Filling: Shredded rotisserie chicken, green chilies, and taco seasoning make each bite irresistible.
Versatile Snack or Meal: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main course any time you crave Mexican flair.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, and each one plays a key role in making these taquitos taste amazing. Grab good-quality shredded chicken and fresh cheese to get the best flavor, and don’t skip the taco seasoning—it really ties everything together.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of bright green diced green chilies, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a handful of fresh cilantro sprigs with vibrant green leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded pepper jack cheese with white and orange specks, a stack of soft six-inch flour tortillas fanned out, a mound of cooked shredded rotisserie chicken with natural warm tones, and a small white ceramic bowl of finely minced pale yellow onion placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: For sautéing onions to add a rich base flavor.
Yellow onion: Minced finely to bring sweetness and aroma to the filling.
Cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here for convenience and moisture.
Diced green chilies: Adds a mild kick and a fresh, tangy note without overwhelming heat.
Fresh chopped cilantro: Brightens the filling with its herbal, citrusy flavor.
Taco seasoning: The secret mix that packs in the traditional Mexican spice profile.
Pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully with a subtle spicy kick and creamy texture.
Six-inch flour tortillas: The perfect size for rolling and crisping up neatly in your air fryer.
Nonstick cooking spray: Helps the taquitos crisp up evenly and prevents sticking.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts of this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like them mild or spicy, loaded with cheese or packed with veggies, these taquitos adapt beautifully to your cravings and pantry staples.

Spicy Variation: I love adding minced jalapeño along with the onions for an extra kick. Using hot green chilies instead of mild ones and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce in the filling really brings the heat without overpowering the flavors.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the flour tortillas for corn or certified gluten-free tortillas. Just make sure they’re pliable enough to roll without cracking by warming them gently before assembling.
Meat-Free Version: For a vegetarian twist, try beans and cheese instead of chicken. Black beans with some smoky chipotle seasoning create a delicious fill that even meat lovers will enjoy.
Make Ahead: If you want to prep in advance, the unbaked taquitos store wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months, making snack time or dinner a breeze!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with six rolled tortillas that are golden brown and crispy on the outside, with melted cheese and seasoned filling visible at the open ends. On top of the rolled tortillas, there is a layer of bright red chopped cherry tomatoes mixed with green chopped herbs and a light sprinkle of white crumbly cheese. Light green guacamole and a creamy, light orange sauce are drizzled over the tomatoes and tortillas. In the background, there are small white bowls with more guacamole and sauce, along with a lime wedge. The whole plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Onions Until Soft and Fragrant

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ½ cup of minced yellow onion and cook for about 4 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the onions become soft and give off that sweet, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen. This step builds the flavor base for your filling.

Step 2: Mix in Chicken, Chilies, and Seasoning

Next, add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and fragrant. This step infuses the chicken with bright, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Step 3: Stir in the Cheese Off the Heat

Turn off the heat and fold in 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese until it melts slightly and binds the filling nicely. This cheesy layer adds a creamy, spicy richness that makes every bite irresistible.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas for Easy Rolling

Stack the 12 six-inch flour tortillas and wrap them in damp paper towels. Microwave for 60 seconds to make them super pliable and easy to roll without cracking. This simple trick saves you from frustration when assembling.

Step 5: Roll Up the Taquitos Tightly

Place 3-4 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly, making sure the seam is sealed well to keep the filling inside during cooking. This tight roll is key to getting perfectly crispy taquitos that don’t unravel in the air fryer.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer and Arrange Taquitos

Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F. Arrange the taquitos seam side down in the air fryer basket with a bit of space around each one for good air circulation. If your basket isn’t large enough, work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to soggy spots.

Step 7: Cook and Flip for Perfect Crispiness

Spray the taquitos lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Cook them at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp on one side. Carefully flip each taquito using tongs, spray again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes. The even cooking on both sides creates that satisfyingly crunchy shell that's just begging for dipping.

Step 8: Serve Hot with Your Favorite Dips

Once cooked, remove the taquitos from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot. They’re delicious dipped in salsa, sour cream, chipotle sauce, or fresh guacamole. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness!

Top Tip

Mastering this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is easier when you keep a few key tips in mind. These pointers come from hands-on experience and will help you get the crispiest, most flavorful results every time.

Roll Them Tight: Make sure each taquito is rolled as tightly as possible. This keeps the filling secure and prevents them from unraveling in the air fryer.
Don’t Skip the Spray: >Lightly spraying the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray is a game changer for getting that perfect golden crispiness on the outside.
Give Them Space: Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket with enough gap between them so hot air can circulate well, cooking them evenly.
Flip for Even Crunch: Flipping halfway through cooking ensures every side gets beautifully crispy instead of just one side browning.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

The image shows a cooking pan filled with cooked diced green vegetables mixed with shredded cooked chicken pieces that are light brown with some green herbs scattered throughout. On top of this mixture, there is a generous pile of shredded white cheese in the center, covering part of the chicken and vegetables. The pan is black and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These taquitos are fantastic on their own but jazz them up with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, diced avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of chipotle sauce for that creamy, spicy finish.

Side Dishes

Serve your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos alongside a vibrant Mexican street corn salad, Mexican rice, or a zesty black bean and corn salsa. A simple side of guacamole and fresh pico de gallo also pairs perfectly, rounding out your meal with bright, fresh flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. This makes for a fantastic quick snack or meal throughout the week.

Freezing

You can prepare the taquitos ahead and freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag so they stay fresh. When ready, cook them straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes per side in your preheated 400°F air fryer to make sure they crisp up perfectly.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover taquitos is back in the air fryer at 400°F. Heat them for 2-3 minutes per side, which revives the crispy exterior while warming the cheesy, flavorful filling without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this recipe?

Absolutely! To make gluten-free taquitos, substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas or certified gluten-free tortillas. Just warm them well so they don’t crack while rolling.

How do I keep my taquitos from unrolling in the air fryer?

Rolling them tightly and placing them seam-side down in the air fryer basket helps keep them sealed. Also, pre-warming the tortillas in the microwave makes them more pliable and easier to roll snugly.

Can I make these taquitos spicier?

Definitely! Use hot green chilies instead of mild, add minced jalapeño or serrano peppers when cooking the onions, or stir in some hot sauce with the filling to kick up the heat.

What other fillings can I use for these air fryer taquitos?

This recipe is super versatile! Try swapping chicken for beef, chorizo, or beans with cheese to change things up. Cooking times remain similar regardless of filling.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is one of those dishes that truly feels like a gift to your taste buds and your time. With minimal fuss and easy ingredients, you get a satisfying crunch and that ooey-gooey cheesy filling that everyone loves. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or to impress friends at a party, these taquitos deliver on flavor and fun. Happy cooking and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!