Hot and delicious, Frozen Taquitos in the Air Fryer are ready in half the time as the oven and crispier than the microwave. Learn how to make air fryer frozen taquitos with these simple instructions.
After analyzing top-ranking Google pages for “How Long to Cook Frozen Taquitos in Air Fryer,” I found that most follow a clear, user-friendly structure: an engaging introduction, a step-by-step guide, tips for optimal results, and answers to common questions. Popular sites like 40 Aprons, Tasty Oven, and Air Fryer Fanatics emphasize simplicity, precise cooking times, and customization options, such as toppings or brand recommendations. However, some lack depth on troubleshooting (e.g., uneven cooking), specific air fryer model considerations, or detailed brand comparisons. Others skimp on nutritional insights or storage tips, which are valuable for home cooks. Below, I’ve crafted a comprehensive guide that builds on these strengths, addresses gaps, and provides practical, detailed advice for perfect air fryer taquitos.
Why Air Fryer Taquitos Are a Game-Changer
Cooking frozen taquitos in an air fryer is a revelation for anyone craving a quick, crispy snack or meal. Unlike microwaving, which can leave taquitos soggy, or oven-baking, which takes longer and often lacks that deep-fried crunch, air fryers deliver a golden, flaky exterior with a hot, flavorful filling in under 10 minutes. The hot air circulation ensures even cooking with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. Whether you’re feeding kids after school, hosting a game night, or just satisfying a late-night craving, air fryer taquitos are versatile, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously easy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Taquitos
Here’s how to get perfectly crispy taquitos every time, tailored to different air fryer models and taquito types (corn or flour, beef, chicken, or vegetarian).
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F (193–204°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness. Some models, like the Ninja Foodi, don’t require preheating, but for basket-style air fryers like Cosori or Instant Vortex, this step is crucial. Check your manual if unsure.
Step 2: Arrange the Taquitos
Place frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Depending on your air fryer’s size (e.g., Cosori fits 6–8 taquitos), you may need to cook in batches. No need to thaw—cook straight from frozen for best results.
Step 3: Optional Oil Spray
Most frozen taquitos contain enough oil to crisp up without extra. However, for an extra-crunchy texture, lightly spray with cooking oil (like avocado or grapeseed) before cooking. Avoid over-oiling, as it can make them greasy. Brands like Delimex or José Olé often don’t need added oil, while Trader Joe’s black bean taquitos may benefit from a light mist.
Step 4: Cook and Flip
Cook at 380–400°F for 6–10 minutes, depending on your air fryer and taquito type:
- Corn Taquitos: 5–9 minutes. Check after 5 minutes; they cook faster due to thinner tortillas.
- Flour Taquitos (Flautas): 8–12 minutes. Check after 8 minutes for golden-brown doneness.
Flip taquitos halfway through (around 4–5 minutes) using tongs to ensure even crisping. Some air fryers, like oven-style models, may not require flipping if air circulation is strong. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), especially for meat-filled taquitos.
Step 5: Check and Adjust
After the initial cooking time, inspect the taquitos. If they’re not crispy enough, add 1–2 minutes. Corn taquitos may be done in as little as 6 minutes in high-powered models like the PowerXL Vortex, while flour taquitos in a smaller 4-quart air fryer might need up to 12 minutes. Brands vary—El Monterey taquitos are thicker and may need extra time compared to José Olé.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove taquitos with tongs and serve hot with your favorite toppings or dips. Popular choices include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, Mexican crema, or crumbled queso fresco. For a full meal, pair with Mexican street corn salad or Spanish rice.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Taquitos
- Avoid Cracking: Don’t overcook, as corn tortillas can split. Check frequently near the end of cooking.
- Batch Cooking: Keep cooked taquitos warm in a 200°F oven while preparing additional batches.
- Brand Matters: Delimex offers a meaty filling, José Olé balances flavor and crunch, and Trader Joe’s black bean taquitos are great for vegetarians. Test different brands to find your favorite.
- Air Fryer Variations: Basket-style air fryers (e.g., Cosori) cook faster than oven-style models (e.g., Instant Omni). Adjust time by 1–2 minutes if using a dual-zone or larger unit.
- Reheating Leftovers: Store cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until crispy.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Uneven Cooking: If some taquitos are crispier than others, ensure they’re spaced evenly and not touching. Rotate the basket or tray halfway through if your air fryer has hot spots.
Too Dry: A light oil spray before cooking adds moisture without greasiness. If they still dry out, reduce cooking time by 1 minute.
Not Crispy Enough: Increase the temperature to 400°F or extend cooking by 1–2 minutes. Ensure preheating and avoid stacking.
Filling Leaking: Overcooking or overcrowding can cause fillings to ooze. Cook in smaller batches and check doneness early.
Nutritional Considerations
Frozen taquitos vary widely in calories and nutrients based on brand and filling. On average, a 3-ounce serving (2–3 taquitos) contains 200–300 calories, 8–14 grams of fat, and 6–10 grams of protein. Corn taquitos are often lower in calories than flour ones, while vegetarian options like Trader Joe’s black bean taquitos have less fat but may lack protein. Check the package for exact details, especially if you’re watching sodium (often 300–500 mg per serving). Air frying reduces added fat compared to deep frying, making it a healthier choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to thaw taquitos before air frying?
No, cook them straight from frozen. Thawing can make the tortillas soggy and cause fillings to leak.
Can I cook homemade taquitos in the air fryer?
Yes, but they cook faster (4–6 minutes at 390°F). Spray with oil and place seam-side down to prevent unrolling.
What’s the difference between taquitos and flautas?
Taquitos use corn tortillas, while flautas use flour tortillas. Both cook similarly in the air fryer, but flautas may take 1–2 minutes longer.
Which air fryer is best for taquitos?
Basket-style models like the Cosori or Ninja Air Fryer are ideal for even cooking. Oven-style air fryers work well for larger batches but may need slight time adjustments.
Air Fryer Frozen Taquitos are super simple and basically, it is just about heating them up in the air fryer to make them nice and crispy. If they look a little dry or floury, you can use Grapeseed Oil Spray to give them a nice little mist of oil. We always keep this on hand when using our air fryer. It’s also best to flip the taquitos about halfway through the cooking time to be sure they evenly cook on all sides.
Add a Comment