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 (rotisserie chicken recommended); 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 snacky bites that are crispy on the outside and bursting with cheesy, flavorful chicken inside, then you’re going to adore this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe. It’s quick, straightforward, and perfect for just about any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for friends.

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 have to admit, these air fryer taquitos quickly became one of my favorite go-to recipes when craving something crunchy and cheesy with a Mexican twist. They’re so easy to customize and come together in under 30 minutes—that little bit of crunch gives such a satisfying finish!

Speedy prep: Ready in just 23 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Crispy perfection: Air frying gives you that unbeatable crunch without deep frying.
Flavor-packed filling: Rotisserie chicken, green chilies, and pepper jack cheese make every bite delicious.
Versatile serving: Great as an appetizer, snack, or quick main course with your favorite dips.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s what you’ll need and why these ingredients make this recipe shine. A quick tip: grabbing a rotisserie chicken saves you so much time and brings extra flavor to your taquitos.

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: Helps soften the onions and brings a subtle richness to the filling.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a mild bite when sautéed just right.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is ideal for quick prep and flavor, but you can use any cooked chicken you have.
Diced green chilies: Brings a slight smoky heat and brightness to the mixture.
Fresh chopped cilantro: Adds fresh herbaceous notes to brighten the filling.
Taco seasoning: Packs a punch of zesty Mexican-inspired spices to elevate the taste.
Pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mildly spicy kick.
Six-inch flour tortillas (fajita size): The perfect size for roll-up and crisp to perfection in the air fryer.
Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your taquitos crisp perfectly and don't stick in the air fryer basket.

📝

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

The great thing about this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is how flexible it can be. Whether you want to dial up the spice, switch up the protein, or cater to special diets, there’s a way to make these taquitos truly your own.

Spicy variation: I love adding some heat by cooking minced jalapeño with the onions and swapping the mild green chilies for hot green chilies. A few teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce in the filling also do the trick to kick these up a notch.
Gluten-free option: Simply swap out the flour tortillas for corn or gluten-free tortillas. I’ve tried it both ways, and they crisp up delightfully in the air fryer just the same.
Alternative fillings: Tried switching the chicken for seasoned beef or even soyrizo, and it’s just as tasty! For a vegetarian version, beans and cheese make a hearty, flavorful filling with this same crispy finish.
Make-ahead friendly: If you want to prep in advance, you can roll the taquitos and refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When cooking from frozen, just add a couple minutes per side in the air fryer, and you’re good to go.

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 the Onions to Start

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced yellow onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until they’re soft, translucent, and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base, so keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to avoid browning too fast.

Step 2: Mix in the Chicken and Seasonings

Add 2 cups of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken, the diced green chilies, a tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning right into your skillet with the onions. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors marry beautifully. Then remove from heat and fold in 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese until it’s melted through and creamy.

Step 3: Warm Your Tortillas

Stack your 12 flour tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 60 seconds to soften them up — this makes them pliable and prevents cracking when you roll your taquitos tightly. This little step really makes rolling easier and helps prevent the filling from spilling.

Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos

Place about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each warm tortilla. Roll them up tightly from one edge, making a nice compact cylinder. Keeping them tight is key to ensuring they cook evenly and don’t unravel in the air fryer.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step is important for getting that golden, crispy outer shell. Arrange your rolled taquitos seam-side down in a single layer inside the basket, leaving some space for air to circulate around each one. Give the tops a light spritz of nonstick cooking spray to help them crisp up beautifully.

Step 6: Cook Until Deliciously Crispy

Cook the taquitos at 400°F for 5 minutes on one side. Then carefully use tongs to flip them over, spray the other side with cooking spray, and cook for another 5 minutes. When done, they’ll be perfectly crispy, golden brown, and ready to serve.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and serve them hot. I like pairing them with salsa, sour cream, chipotle sauce, or creamy guacamole for dipping. They make an irresistible appetizer, snack, or even a main course with a Mexican flair. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is all about attention to a few key details that guarantee crispy, flavorful results every time. These tips come straight from my own kitchen adventures—so you can avoid common pitfalls and get crunchy taquitos that taste amazing.

Roll Them Tight: I learned quickly that if the taquitos aren’t rolled tightly, they’ll unfurl while air frying and lose that beautiful shape and crunch. Using just enough filling and a snug roll keeps everything intact.
Don’t Skip the Spray: Spraying the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray before air frying made all the difference in achieving that gorgeous golden brown color and satisfying crispiness. It mimics that deep-fried texture without the oil.
Warm Your Tortillas: Wrapping the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwaving them for 60 seconds makes them pliable and easy to roll, helping avoid cracks or breaks that can leak filling out during cooking.
Flip With Care: Flipping halfway through the cooking ensures even crisping on all sides. Using tongs gently helps keep the taquitos intact and guarantees every inch gets perfectly crispy.

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

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime over your taquitos for an extra pop of freshness. Serve them alongside dollops of cool sour cream or guacamole. For a smoky kick, chipotle sauce or your favorite salsa roja are fantastic dipping companions that complement the spicy, cheesy filling beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos with traditional Mexican sides like Mexican street corn (elote), a fresh avocado salad, or black bean and corn salsa. For a heartier meal, a side of Mexican rice or refried beans rounds out the plate deliciously.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftover cooked taquitos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their crisp texture when reheated.

Freezing

You can prepare taquitos ahead and freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to cook, add 2 minutes per side to the air frying time (about 5-6 minutes each side at 400°F) for perfectly crispy results straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat leftover cooked taquitos, pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side. This revives the crispiness without drying them out, so they taste almost as fresh as the first time you cooked them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, swap the flour tortillas for corn or gluten-free tortillas. Just be sure to warm them well so they don’t crack when rolling.

How do I make these taquitos spicier?

To turn up the heat, use hot green chilies in the filling and add 2-3 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce. You can also sauté minced jalapeno or serrano peppers with the onions for a fresh spicy kick.

Can I make these taquitos without an air fryer?

Yes! Bake them in a preheated 425°F oven (convection preferred) on a foil-lined sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 7 minutes, flip and spray again, then bake another 7 minutes until golden and crispy.

Can I freeze cooked taquitos?

While you can freeze uncooked taquitos for best results, freezing cooked ones isn’t recommended as it may affect texture. Instead, freeze them before cooking and air fry directly from frozen.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about biting into a Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe that’s perfectly crunchy on the outside and bursting with cheesy, flavorful chicken inside. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, this recipe feels like a party on your plate every time. Whether you’re serving them as a snack for friends, a casual dinner, or a fun appetizer, these taquitos always bring smiles. So roll them tight, spray that oil, and pop them in your air fryer—you’re about to make some crispy magic happen!