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!
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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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Taquitos are crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful on the inside, made with shredded rotisserie chicken, green chilies, and pepper jack cheese. Ready in just 23 minutes, they make a perfect appetizer, snack, or main course with a delicious Mexican flair.
Ingredients
Filling
- 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
Tortillas
- 12 six-inch flour tortillas (fajita size)
- Nonstick cooking spray (for air frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, diced green chilies, chopped cilantro, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until evenly combined.
- Warm Tortillas: Stack the tortillas, wrap them in damp paper towels, and microwave for 60 seconds to make them pliable for rolling.
- Roll Taquitos: Place 3-4 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each warmed tortilla. Roll tightly from one end to the other, securing the seam.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Arrange Taquitos: Place 3-6 taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring space for air circulation.
- First Cook: Spray the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Flip and Cook Again: Turn the taquitos over using tongs, spray with cooking spray again and cook for another 5 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Repeat in Batches: Cook the remaining taquitos in batches if needed, following the same procedures.
- Serve: Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, chipotle sauce, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the taquitos are rolled tightly to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
- If taquitos are not crispy enough, increase cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side and be sure to spray with cooking spray before cooking.
- Oven alternative: Bake at 425°F on a foil-lined baking sheet with cooking spray for 6-7 minutes per side using convection if available.
- Make gluten free by substituting flour tortillas with corn or certified gluten free tortillas.
- For spicy taquitos, add hot green chilies or minced jalapeno/serrano peppers to the filling and optionally hot sauce.
- Other protein variations like beef, soyrizo, or beans can be used following the same method.
- Uncooked taquitos can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months; reheat cooked leftovers in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg





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