Cooking frozen taquitos in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone craving a quick, crispy, and delicious snack without the hassle of deep frying or the long wait of an oven. The air fryer delivers that perfect crunch while keeping the inside tender and flavorful, all in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a game-day spread, a quick weeknight dinner, or an after-school snack, this method is foolproof and versatile for any brand or type of taquito—corn or flour, beef, chicken, or cheese. Below, I’ll walk you through exactly how long to cook frozen taquitos in an air fryer, along with tips to ensure they come out perfectly every time.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Taquitos?
The air fryer’s magic lies in its ability to circulate hot air, mimicking the crispiness of deep frying without the excess oil. Unlike the microwave, which can leave taquitos soggy, or the oven, which takes longer to preheat and cook, the air fryer delivers a golden, crunchy exterior in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s healthier since most frozen taquitos already contain enough oil to crisp up without additional spraying, though a light mist can enhance that crunch if you’re going for extra crispy results. This method is also low-effort, making it ideal for busy parents, students, or anyone looking to satisfy a Mexican food craving fast.
How Long to Cook Frozen Taquitos in an Air Fryer
The cooking time for frozen taquitos in an air fryer typically ranges from 6 to 12 minutes, depending on the type of taquito, your air fryer model, and how crispy you like them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get it right:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness, as it creates a hot environment that starts crisping the taquitos immediately. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step, but you may need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Arrange the Taquitos: Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap or stack. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches. For example, a Cosori basket can fit about 6-8 taquitos comfortably.
- Cooking Time by Taquito Type:
- Corn Taquitos: Cook for 5-9 minutes at 400°F. Start checking at 5 minutes, then continue in 2-minute increments until they’re golden and crispy. Corn tortillas tend to crisp up faster but may need closer monitoring to avoid burning.
- Flour Taquitos: Cook for 8-12 minutes at 400°F. Check at 8 minutes, then add time as needed up to 12 minutes. Flour tortillas are thicker and may take slightly longer to reach the desired crispiness.
- Flip for Even Cooking: About halfway through cooking (around 3-5 minutes), gently shake the basket or flip the taquitos with tongs to ensure both sides crisp evenly. This step is optional but recommended for uniform texture.
- Check for Doneness: Taquitos are done when the exterior is golden brown, crispy, and slightly browned at the ends. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, though most frozen taquitos are precooked and only need heating through.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the taquitos with tongs and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for maximum flavor.
Note: Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the taquito brand (e.g., Delimex, José Olé, or El Monterey). Thicker taquitos or those with denser fillings may require a minute or two extra. Always check your first batch to fine-tune the timing for your specific setup.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Taquitos
To elevate your air fryer taquitos from good to great, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Thaw: Cook taquitos straight from the freezer. Thawing can make them soggy and prone to cracking.
- Oil is Optional: Most frozen taquitos have enough oil in their tortillas to crisp up naturally. However, for an extra crunchy texture, lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray (like olive or avocado oil) before cooking and again when flipping. 40 Aprons suggests this trick for next-level crispiness.
- Work in Batches: If you’re cooking for a crowd, avoid the temptation to cram the basket. Cook in smaller batches to ensure each taquito gets enough hot air circulation.
- Adjust for Air Fryer Type: Basket-style air fryers (like Cosori or Ninja Foodi) may cook faster than oven-style air fryers. If you’re using a toaster oven-style model, you might need the higher end of the time range.
- Experiment with Temperature: While 400°F is the sweet spot for most recipes, some sources, like Air Fryer World, suggest 380°F for 7-10 minutes if you prefer a slightly softer texture.
Reheating Leftover Taquitos
In the rare case you have leftovers, the air fryer is also the best way to reheat taquitos to restore their crispiness. Store cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the taquitos in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Avoid microwaving leftovers, as it will make the tortillas chewy and soft.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Frozen taquitos are versatile and can be dressed up to suit any occasion. Serve them as a snack with dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa verde, or queso. For a full meal, pair them with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh avocado and tomato salad. Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, or crumbled cotija cheese. For inspiration on creative toppings, check out Paint The Kitchen Red, which suggests adding fresh cilantro and green onions for a burst of flavor.
Why Air Fryer Taquitos Are a Family Favorite
I’ve been making air fryer taquitos for my family for years, and they’re always a hit, whether it’s a quick after-school snack for my kids or a game-night appetizer for friends. The first time I tried them, I was skeptical—could frozen taquitos really taste as good as deep-fried ones? But after just 8 minutes in the air fryer, I was hooked. The tortillas were perfectly crispy, and the filling was hot and flavorful, all without the greasy mess of frying. My kids love dipping them in guacamole, while my husband piles on the hot sauce. It’s become our go-to for those busy nights when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
By following these guidelines, you’ll have perfectly crispy taquitos every time, ready to satisfy your cravings in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re a taquito newbie or a seasoned air fryer pro, this method is quick, easy, and delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.
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