Air-Fryer Taquitos

Name: Air-Fryer Taquitos
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 16 - 24 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1/2 c. red salsa, plus more to serve; 1 (4-oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained; 2 tsp. chili powder; 1/2 tsp. dried oregano; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. onion powder; 3 c. leftover shredded beef, such as pot roast or braised beef; Kosher salt, to taste; Ground black pepper, to taste; 24 (6-in.) corn tortillas; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; Cooking spray; 1 tbsp. vegetable oil; Guacamole, to serve; Sour cream, to serve; Shredded Mexican blend cheese, to serve

Crispy beef taquitos, no hot oil required!

By Leah PerezPublished: Dec 22, 2023

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Will Dickey

Yields:

16 - 24 serving(s)

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

There's nothing more satisfying than biting into a hot, crispy, perfectly fried taquito. But dealing with hot oil every time you get a craving for the snack is a hassle. Luckily, these crunchy, air-fried taquitos are here to save the day! Whether they're being served up as a tailgate snack or as the perfect starter for taco night, just don’t forget the fixings. These rolled up tacos are delicious on their own, but they're the perfect excuse to pile on the salsa, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream!

How do you make sure taquitos don’t open?

A heartbreaking moment for anybody making taquitos is having them unravel or burst open. While some recipes call to hold them closed with toothpicks, that can damage the corn tortillas, running the risk of them falling apart. Instead, this air fryer recipe uses a simple egg wash to seal the tortillas shut. Make sure to place the taquitos seam-side-down in the air fryer to ensure they stay closed.

Can you shallow-fry air-fryer taquitos?

Sure! If you'd like to make these taquitos the old-fashioned way—frying them in oil—be our guest. Simply follow the instructions from chicken taquitos: Preheat the oven to 250°F. Heat 1/2-inch of oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it registers 375°F. Fry 4 taquitos, seam-side down, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined baking sheet; keep warm in oven. Continue frying until all taquitos are cooked.

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Ingredients

1/2 cup
red salsa, plus more to serve
1
(4-oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained
2 tsp.
chili powder
1/2 tsp.
dried oregano
1/2 tsp.
garlic powder
1/2 tsp.
onion powder
3 cups
leftover shredded beef, such as pot roast or braised beef
Kosher salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
24
(6-in.) corn tortillas
1
large egg, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
1 Tbsp.
vegetable oil
Guacamole, to serve
Sour cream, to serve
Shredded Mexican blend cheese, to serve

Directions

1. Step 1In a large bowl, combine the salsa, green chiles, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the beef to the salsa mixture and stir thoroughly to combine. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Step 2Wrap 2 to 3 tortillas in a damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave until the tortillas are warm and pliable, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Step 3Working with 1 tortilla at a time, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in a line at one end of the tortilla and tightly roll it up. Brush the edge of the tortilla with the egg wash; press firmly to seal. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, beef, and egg wash.
4. Step 4Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, if required. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Brush the tops of the taquitos with oil. Working in 3 batches (8 at a time), place the taquitos seam-side-down in the basket and cook until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Flip the taquitos over and brush with more oil. Cook until crispy, 3 to 5 minutes more.
5. Step 5Serve the taquitos hot with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and additional salsa, if you like.