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 or Instant Pot cooked); 4 ounce can diced green chilies; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese; 12 six-inch flour tortillas (fajita size); Nonstick cooking spray for air fryer

If you love that perfect crunch paired with a melty, cheesy inside, then this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is made just for you. It’s quick, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand.

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

Whenever I make these taquitos, they fly off the plate before anyone can say “snack time!” Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or an easy dinner with a Mexican twist, these taquitos deliver every single time.

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 23 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives that ideal crunch without extra oil splatters or frying mess.
Flavor-Packed: Tender shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with spicy pepper jack cheese and green chilies.
Versatile Snack: Great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients & Why They Work

As you gather your ingredients for this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe, keep an eye out for fresh, high-quality components. Using rotisserie chicken saves you time and adds great flavor, while fresh cilantro and pepper jack cheese bring just the right amount of zing and creaminess.

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: Helps sauté the onions perfectly without overpowering the flavors.
Yellow Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth when cooked down.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience and tender texture.
Diced Green Chilies: Bring mild heat and a subtle earthy flavor.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note that really lifts the filling.
Taco Seasoning: Brings classic Mexican spices to complement the chicken.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, spicy kick.
Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for rolling tight taquitos.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures your taquitos crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.

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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

The great thing about this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want to turn up the heat, go gluten-free, or swap in different fillings, these taquitos are a perfect blank canvas.

Spicy Variation: I love adding a minced jalapeño when cooking the onions for an extra kick. Using hot green chilies and a splash of your favorite hot sauce also gives the filling a fiery upgrade perfect for spice lovers.
Gluten-Free Option: When I made these for my gluten-sensitive friends, I swapped the flour tortillas for sturdy corn tortillas. Just be sure to warm them well so they roll easily without cracking.
Alternative Fillings: Feel like mixing things up? These air fryer taquitos work beautifully with ground beef, soyrizo, or a simple bean and cheese combo. The same cooking method applies, so no guesswork needed.
Make Ahead & Freezer Friendly: I often prep a big batch of uncooked taquitos, wrap them tightly, then freeze. When I’m ready for a quick snack or dinner, I just air fry them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes, and voilà—crispy goodness in under 15 minutes.

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 the Onion Until Soft and Fragrant

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced yellow onion and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll know it's ready when the onion turns translucent and releases a sweet, savory aroma that fills your kitchen—this forms the flavor base for your filling.

Step 2: Combine Chicken and Seasonings

Next, add 2 cups of shredded cooked 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 cook for 2-3 minutes to let those vibrant flavors marry. Your filling should look cohesive and smell wonderfully seasoned at this point.

Step 3: Stir in the Pepper Jack Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese. The warm mixture will gently melt the cheese, making it wonderfully gooey and rich. This adds that creamy, slightly spicy bite that makes each taquito so irresistible.

Step 4: Prepare Your Tortillas

Stack all twelve 6-inch flour tortillas and wrap them tightly in damp paper towels. Microwave them for 60 seconds to soften—this prevents cracking while rolling and makes assembly a breeze. If you skip this step, the tortillas may break apart when rolling.

Step 5: Roll Up Those Taquitos

Place about 3-4 tablespoons of the cheesy chicken filling down the center of each warm tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tightly around the filling, making sure the seam is on the bottom. This helps keep the taquito closed while air frying so none of that delicious filling escapes. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.

Step 6: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F. Getting the air fryer hot before cooking ensures your taquitos come out perfectly crispy rather than soggy.

Step 7: First Round of Frying

Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each for good air flow. Spritz the tops lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Cook at 400°F for about 4-5 minutes until the bottoms turn golden and start to crisp.

Step 8: Flip and Finish Cooking

Use tongs to carefully flip each taquito over. Spray the other side with cooking spray as well. Cook for another 4-5 minutes at 400°F, until the taquitos are beautifully browned, crispy, and hold together firmly. If you want even crispier taquitos, add an additional 1-2 minutes per side while keeping an eye on their browning.

Step 9: Work in Batches and Serve Warm

If your air fryer holds about 6 taquitos at a time (like my 5.8 quart model), cook them in two batches to handle all twelve. Once finished, serve these delicious Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos hot with salsa, guacamole, chipotle sauce, or sour cream on the side. Get ready for big smiles around the table!

Top Tip

These tips will help you perfect your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe every time, making sure they turn out golden, crunchy, and delicious without any fuss.

Wrap Tight for Crispy Success: I’ve learned that rolling the taquitos tightly before air frying is key to preventing them from unraveling mid-cook. It keeps all that cheesy, seasoned chicken snug inside every bite!
Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray: >Spraying the taquitos before each side cooks really makes the difference between a soft outside and a perfectly crispy, golden shell.
Air Fry in Batches: If your air fryer basket is small like mine (5.8 quarts), cook half the batch at a time to ensure even air circulation and crispiness on all sides.
Adjust Based on Crispiness: If you want your taquitos extra crispy, add an extra 1-2 minutes per side. It’s easy to get that perfect crunch without overcooking.

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

Bring your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos to life with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of extra shredded pepper jack cheese. A dollop of cool sour cream or creamy guacamole pairs beautifully, and a side of chunky salsa or smoky chipotle sauce adds a zesty kick.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, serve your taquitos alongside Mexican street corn (elote), a bright and tangy cabbage slaw, or a fresh avocado salad. For snacks or appetizers, they’re delicious with simple black beans, Spanish rice, or a tray of colorful vegetable sticks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store cooked Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They keep their flavor wonderfully and are perfect for a quick snack or meal.

Freezing

You can prepare taquitos ahead of time and store uncooked ones in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just freeze them in a freezer-safe container or individually wrapped. When you’re ready to cook, no need to thaw—just add about 2 extra minutes per side cooking at 400°F in your air fryer.

Reheating

To reheat cooked taquitos, pop them back into the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side. They’ll crisp right back up, tasting just as fresh as when you first made them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, swap out flour tortillas with corn or gluten-free tortillas. Just be extra gentle when rolling, as corn tortillas can be less pliable.

How can I make these taquitos spicier?

Try using hot diced green chilies instead of mild, add a few teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce to the filling, or cook minced jalapeno or serrano peppers with the onions for an extra kick.

Can I prepare taquitos ahead of time and cook them later?

Yes! You can prep and roll the taquitos, then store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months until ready to air fry.

What if I don’t have an air fryer—can I bake these instead?

Definitely! Bake at 425°F on a foil-lined baking sheet with convection if available. Bake for 6-7 minutes per side, spraying with cooking spray before flipping, until golden and crispy.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is such a joyful way to bring a homemade Mexican flair to your table quickly and easily. I love how crispy and cheesy they turn out, with just the right balance of spice and flavor. Whether you’re serving them as snacks for friends or a fun main course, these taquitos always bring smiles all around. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious homemade taquitos can be!