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 (from a rotisserie 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 (for air frying)

If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with flavor and has that unbeatable crunch, you’ll want to try this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken, melty pepper jack, and a hint of green chilies all wrapped up in perfectly toasted tortillas—yes, please!

There are six rolled, golden-brown taquitos stacked on a white plate, topped with small pieces of red cherry tomatoes, green chopped cilantro, crumbled white cheese, and light orange drizzle sauce. In the upper right part of the plate, there are two small brown bowls, one filled with green guacamole and the other with light orange sauce. A half lime with a bright green peel and light green inside sits next to the bowls. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a white and orange towel partially visible in the background. 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 honestly can’t get enough of these taquitos—they come out crispy, cheesy, and flavorful every single time. Plus, they’re ready in under 25 minutes, which means you can satisfy those taquito cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these are ready in just 23 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Crunchy Yet Cheesy: The air fryer locks in a crispy exterior while keeping the filling gooey and flavorful.
Versatile Filling: Shredded rotisserie chicken, green chilies, and pepper jack cheese make a delicious combination—but feel free to customize!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these taquitos are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s chat about these ingredients. I love choosing a good-quality rotisserie chicken because it cuts down on prep time and adds tons of flavor. Also, using pepper jack brings just enough spicy kick without overpowering the dish.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of finely minced yellow onion, a pile of fresh shredded rotisserie chicken, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced green chilies, a few sprigs of bright green fresh cilantro, a small white ceramic bowl with reddish-brown taco seasoning powder, a mound of shredded pepper jack cheese with orange and white marbling, and a neat stack of twelve soft six-inch flour tortillas, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: A little bit helps soften the onions and brings out their sweetness.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Cooked, shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and super flavorful.
Diced green chilies: These add a mild heat and a zesty touch to brighten the filling.
Fresh chopped cilantro: Gives a fresh, herbal note that pairs beautifully with Mexican flavors.
Taco seasoning: Brings all the classic southwestern spices into the mix for a well-rounded taste.
Pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a subtle spicy creaminess.
Flour tortillas: The six-inch size is perfect for rolling tight taquitos.
Nonstick cooking spray: Helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior in the air fryer without 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 things about this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste buds and dietary needs. Whether you want it spicier, lighter, or packed with a different protein, this recipe is a fantastic starting point!

Spicy Variation: I love adding minced jalapeño or serrano peppers in with the onions for an extra kick. The heat balances beautifully with the creamy pepper jack cheese, giving these taquitos a lively flavor.
Gluten-Free Twist: Switching out the flour tortillas for corn or certified gluten-free tortillas works perfectly. Just be sure to warm them well so they roll without cracking!
Protein Swap: I’ve also made these using seasoned ground beef or even soyrizo for a vegetarian option. The cooking method stays the same, and you still get that crispy, cheesy goodness.
Make It Vegan: For a vegan version, swap the chicken for refried beans or sautéed mushrooms, use dairy-free cheese, and pick your favorite dairy-free tortillas. The air fryer still crisps them up nicely!

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

The dish shows five rolled tortillas filled with melted cheese and brown cooked filling, stacked side by side on a white plate. The tortillas have a golden-brown crispy texture on the outside with cheese slightly melting and oozing from the ends. On top of the tortillas, there are bright red chopped cherry tomatoes, green guacamole, and a light sprinkle of white cheese crumbs and chopped cilantro. Behind the rolled tortillas, there are small bowls with green guacamole and orange creamy sauce, along with a lime slice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Onions Until Softened

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced yellow onion and cook it for about 4 minutes until it’s softened and fragrant. This step creates a flavorful base for the filling and keeps those onions tender without browning them too much.

Step 2: Mix in Chicken and Seasonings

Next, add 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken along with the 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for 3 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and warms the chilies and chicken through.

Step 3: Stir in the Pepper Jack Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese until evenly distributed. The residual heat will start to melt the cheese slightly, making the filling irresistibly gooey and flavorful.

Step 4: Warm Tortillas for Easy Rolling

Stack your 12 six-inch flour tortillas and wrap them in damp paper towels. Microwave for 60 seconds to make them more pliable so they won’t crack when you roll your taquitos tightly. This little trick saves you from frustrating tortilla breakage!

Step 5: Fill and Roll Your Taquitos

Spread about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each warmed tortilla. Roll the tortillas up tightly from one end to the other, pressing the seam firmly to seal so they don’t unroll during cooking. Tight rolls = crispy perfection!

Step 6: Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange 3 to 6 taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space around each so hot air can circulate and crisp them evenly.

Step 7: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Spray the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray to help them crisp up beautifully. Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes. Then, carefully flip each taquito using tongs, spray the other side, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The end result? Crispy, golden brown taquitos with melty cheese inside.

Step 8: Repeat and Serve

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you’ll need to cook the taquitos in batches. I usually fit six in my 5.8-quart air fryer, so two rounds get all 12 done. Serve hot with your favorite dips like salsa, sour cream, chipotle sauce, or guacamole. Enjoy that satisfying crunch with every bite!

Top Tip

Getting these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos just right is all about a few simple but important tricks. These tips can help you achieve perfectly crispy, cheesy taquitos every time without any hassle!

Roll Them Tight: From my experience, tightly rolling the tortillas is key to preventing them from unrolling during air frying. It keeps all that cheesy, flavorful filling packed inside perfectly.
Spray Generously: Don’t skip spraying each side of the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray before cooking; it’s the secret to getting that golden, crispy exterior.
Microwave Tortillas: Wrapping tortillas in damp paper towels and microwaving them for about 60 seconds makes rolling so much easier—they bend without cracking.
Flip Carefully: Using tongs to gently flip the taquitos halfway through cooking prevents them from breaking apart and ensures even crisping all around.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

The image shows a black frying pan filled with a cooked mix of shredded light brown chicken, small diced green vegetables, and finely chopped onions. On top of this mixture is a large pile of finely shredded white cheese, centered in the pan, covering part of the chicken and vegetables below. The dish has a mix of soft and slightly crispy textures visible, with the chicken having thin, stringy pieces and the vegetables appearing tender but intact. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These taquitos are fantastic with fresh garnishes! Try sprinkling chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of cool sour cream. For a spicy kick, drizzle chipotle sauce or add a side of your favorite salsa. Guacamole or fresh pico de gallo also add a bright, creamy contrast to the crispy taquitos.

Side Dishes

Pair your taquitos with Mexican street corn, a vibrant black bean salad, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. Rice and beans work beautifully if you want a heartier meal, and a crisp green salad with avocado keeps things light and fresh alongside the rich taquitos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cooked taquitos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them airtight helps maintain their texture and flavor so you can enjoy them later.

Freezing

For longer storage, place the uncooked rolled taquitos in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, cook directly from frozen by adding 2 extra minutes per side in your preheated air fryer at 400°F.

Reheating

Reheat cooked taquitos in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side to restore their crispiness. This method is far better than the microwave, which tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! You can substitute six-inch corn tortillas or certified gluten free tortillas if you need a gluten-free option. Just make sure to warm them so they're pliable for rolling without cracking.

What if my taquitos aren’t crispy enough after cooking?

Try cooking them for an additional 1-2 minutes per side and be sure to spray with cooking spray before air frying. These two tweaks help achieve that perfectly crispy texture.

Can I prepare the taquitos in advance and freeze them?

Absolutely! Roll the taquitos but don’t cook them yet. Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes per side in your air fryer at 400°F.

What are some good dipping sauces for these taquitos?

Salsa, sour cream, chipotle sauce, and guacamole are all fantastic dips that complement the cheesy, spicy flavors of these crispy taquitos.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe as much as I do. They come together quickly with simple ingredients, yet deliver so much flavor and satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, they’re sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite dips and garnishes, and make them your own. Happy cooking and buen provecho!