Name: Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground beef, lean; 1 onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 1 tablespoon ground paprika; 3 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 2 eggs; 24 soft corn tortillas; 2 cups marble cheese, shredded; Nonstick cooking spray; Salsa; Guacamole or sliced avocado; Cilantro; Sour cream; Hot sauce; Iceberg lettuce; Cotija cheese, crumbled

If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with savory goodness, you’re in the right place. This Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe is my go-to for quick appetizers or crowd-pleasing snacks that come out perfectly every time – golden and crispy, without the mess of deep frying.

A white rectangular plate holds four rolled, golden brown taquitos arranged diagonally in a slightly overlapping row. Each taquito is drizzled with two sauces: a smooth light brown sauce and a creamy white sauce, both applied in thin lines across the surface. Small bright green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh color contrast. At the top left corner of the plate, there is a wedge of fresh lime with a bright green peel and pale green flesh. The plate sits on a vibrant, multi-colored tile surface with intricate blue, orange, white, and yellow patterns in a variety of geometric shapes. 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 Beef Taquitos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times these beef taquitos have been my lifesaver during busy afternoons or casual get-togethers. They’re easy to whip up, incredibly flavorful, and that crispy crunch is just unbeatable!

Quick & Easy: You’ll have 24 crispy taquitos ready to enjoy in just 35 minutes total.
Flavor-Packed: Spiced ground beef paired with sautéed onions and peppers makes the filling unforgettable.
Healthier Crunch: Air frying means less oil but all the crispiness you crave.
Customizable: Top with salsa, guacamole, or any garnish you love to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For the best results, grab fresh ingredients like a lean cut of ground beef and soft corn tortillas that bend without cracking. The right cheese and spices bring everything together to create that iconic taquito flavor.

Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef formed into a loose mound, one whole brown onion with papery skin, one fresh green bell pepper sliced to show seeds, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small pile of soft yellow corn tortillas stacked neatly, a small mound of shredded marble cheese with white and orange hues, a few whole garlic bulbs beside a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of ground paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically 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

Ground beef: Lean beef gives you great flavor without too much grease, which helps keep the taquitos crisp.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until just golden.
Green bell pepper: Brings a mild, fresh crunch that balances the beef.
Garlic powder: For that warm, aromatic punch without overpowering the filling.
Ground paprika: Adds smoky color and subtle heat.
Olive oil: Used to sauté veggies and beef to tender perfection.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
Eggs: They help bind the filling and keep it moist inside the crispy shell.
Soft corn tortillas: Look for pliable ones to avoid cracking when rolling your taquitos.
Marble cheese: A melty, flavorful choice that crisps up nicely inside each roll.
Nonstick cooking spray: For a flawless crisp in the air fryer without sticking.
Optional garnishes: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cotija cheese add extra layers of flavor and freshness.

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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 about this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to kick up the spice level, make them lighter, or add some fresh seasonal ingredients, these taquitos adapt beautifully to your taste.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a little extra heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Veggie Boost: Sometimes, I swap in sautéed mushrooms or corn with the bell peppers for added texture and a nice sweetness that balances the savory beef.
Cheese Swap: While marble cheese melts wonderfully, feel free to use sharp cheddar for a punchier flavor or pepper jack if you want a little spice in every bite.
Make It Meatless: Try replacing the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or cooked black beans seasoned the same way for a vegetarian twist that’s just as satisfying.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Stick to soft corn tortillas as recommended—they keep that authentic taste without any gluten surprises.

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

The image shows a white plate with four rolled tacos placed side by side. Each taco has a golden brown, slightly crispy shell with a textured surface. Inside, dark cooked filling is visible at the open end of each taco. The tacos are drizzled with thin lines of white sauce and light red sauce, and small green herb pieces are scattered on top. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with chopped green leafy vegetables sitting on a white marbled surface with colorful, patterned tiles around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and green bell peppers, stirring occasionally. You'll know they're ready when the onions sweat and turn lightly golden while the peppers soften—this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add your ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon. Let it cook until it takes on a lovely browned hue and starts to crisp up slightly. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and paprika, stirring well so their warm, smoky aromas fully infuse the beef mixture. Once cooked, take the pan off the heat and season with salt and pepper. This step builds the flavorful backbone of your taquitos, so don't rush it!

Step 2: Cool and Combine the Beef Mixture with Eggs

Transfer the hot beef mixture into a bowl and stir continuously—this quick cooling prevents the eggs from scrambling when added. After about 10 minutes, whisk your eggs in a separate small bowl until smooth, then gently fold them into the slightly cooled beef. This addition helps bind the filling, making it easier to roll and keeping it moist inside the crispy shell.

Step 3: Assemble Your Taquitos

Lay a strip of corn husk or kitchen string horizontally on your work surface to keep your taquito rolls secure. Place one soft corn tortilla on top, then line up a tablespoon of shredded marble cheese vertically down the center. Spoon one and a half tablespoons of the beef mixture right over the cheese. Starting at the right edge, roll the tortilla tightly to the left, tucking the edge underneath as you go to neatly enclose the filling. Once rolled, tie the corn husk or string snugly around the middle to keep everything in place during cooking. Repeat this for all 24 tortillas—you’re crafting little bundles of deliciousness!

Step 4: Prepare Your Air Fryer for Crisping

Before cooking, spray the base and sides of your air fryer basket—and the extra rack if you’re using one—with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange your taquitos without crowding, ensuring airflow so every roll crisps evenly. Lightly spritz the tops with cooking spray for that beautiful golden finish.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

If you have an air fryer rack, set the temperature to 375°F and air fry the taquitos for 8 minutes. Peek at the taquitos on the rack; when they’re browned and crispy on top, flip them over and continue cooking for another 4 minutes—add 2 more minutes if needed to reach your perfect crisp. Remove the rack and flip those in the basket to crisp the bottoms for 4 more minutes.

If you’re cooking only in the basket, still set the heat to 375°F and start with 6 minutes. Flip each taquito, then air fry for an additional 3 minutes. Add up to 2 extra minutes if they aren’t quite as golden and crispy as you like. Remember, every air fryer heats a bit differently, so keep an eye on your taquitos so they turn out perfectly crunchy without burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Hot

Carefully remove the taquitos from the air fryer and untie the strings or corn husks. Serve them piping hot with your favorite garnishes—think fresh salsa, creamy guacamole or sliced avocado, a sprinkle of cilantro, tangy sour cream, and crumbled cotija cheese. Maybe even a dash of hot sauce if you like to turn up the heat. These crispy delights make an unforgettable snack or appetizer that friends and family will rave about.

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my kitchen after making the Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe multiple times. They’ll help you get the best crunch, flavor, and neat presentation every time.

Softening Tortillas: If your corn tortillas feel stiff or crumbly, give them a quick steam before rolling. This little step prevents cracking and makes them so much easier to roll tightly.
Cooling the Beef Mix: I learned the hard way that mixing hot beef with eggs can scramble the eggs. Always let the beef mixture cool about 10 minutes before adding eggs to keep the filling smooth.
Tying the Taquitos: Using soaked corn husk strips or kitchen string is a game changer. It keeps your taquitos tightly rolled so they won’t unravel in the air fryer, giving you perfect, evenly crisp bites.
Air Frying in Batches: Overcrowding is a common mistake. Give each taquito enough breathing room for the hot air to crisp all sides beautifully—patience here really pays off!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe

The image shows four steps of making rolled tortillas in an air fryer on a white marbled surface. In the first step, a woman's hand sprays oil on a round, lightly browned tortilla placed on a wooden cutting board with a folded tortilla piece at the top. In the second step, four rolled tortillas are stacked on the cutting board, and the open tortilla on the board is filled with a mix of ground meat and melted cheddar cheese in the center, ready to be rolled. The third step shows six rolled tortillas placed side by side in an air fryer basket, their surfaces soft and slightly spotted with browning marks. The fourth step displays the same six rolled tortillas now crispy and golden brown, nicely cooked in the air fryer basket. A white and black striped cloth is partially visible near the cutting board and air fryer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, the options are endless and can really elevate your taquitos. Try serving them with classic salsa for a fresh kick, creamy guacamole or sliced avocado to cool the heat, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for that salty tang. Fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce add layers of flavor and color that make your plate look as good as it tastes. Don’t forget a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce for that refreshing crunch alongside.

Side Dishes

These crispy beef taquitos pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. A light Mexican-style rice or warm refried beans complements the meatiness perfectly. For something fresh and easy, try a simple avocado salad or a zesty corn and black bean salad. If you're aiming for a snack or appetizer vibe, a bowl of chips and your favorite dips will keep the fiesta going.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind they might lose a bit of their crispiness, but don’t worry—we’ve got reheating tips below to fix that!

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the taquitos but don’t cook them yet. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes so they get perfectly crispy.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your taquitos and bring back that signature crunch is the air fryer. Set it to 375°F and warm the taquitos for about 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Flour tortillas tend to be more pliable and less prone to cracking, so they work well for rolling. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed to get that perfect crisp.

Why do I need to tie the taquitos with corn husks or string?

Tying them helps keep the filling securely rolled inside while cooking, preventing them from unraveling in the air fryer and ensuring even crispiness on all sides.

Can I prepare the beef filling a day ahead?

Yes! You can make the beef filling the day before and refrigerate it. Just mix in the eggs right before assembling the taquitos to keep the texture just right.

What if my air fryer doesn’t have a rack?

No worries! You can cook all the taquitos directly in the basket. Just be sure not to overcrowd and flip them as instructed to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite ways to bring bold Mexican flavors to the table with ease. They’re perfect for a crowd or a family snack, and the air fryer gives them that unbeatable crisp without the extra oil. I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to make your own batch soon—enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!