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Crispy Air Fryer Homemade Taquitos Recipe with Easy Creamy Queso Dip

crispy air fryer taquitos - featured image

These crispy air fryer homemade taquitos feature a flavorful shredded chicken filling with a smoky twist, paired perfectly with a smooth and creamy queso dip. Quick and easy to make, they are a crowd-pleasing snack or casual meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 12 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • Juice of half a lime
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • Cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling (10 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  2. Warm the Tortillas (5 minutes): Wrap corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds or heat briefly in a dry skillet until soft and pliable.
  3. Assemble the Taquitos (15 minutes): Lay one warm tortilla flat. Spoon about 2 tablespoons (30g) of chicken filling lengthwise near one edge. Roll tightly with seam side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer (3 minutes): Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat.
  5. Cook the Taquitos (10-12 minutes): Lightly spray or brush taquitos with oil. Place seam-side down in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook 5-6 minutes, flip, then cook another 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Make the Creamy Queso Dip (10 minutes): In a small saucepan over low heat, combine Monterey Jack, cream cheese, milk, jalapeño, garlic powder, and salt. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
  7. Serve: Plate taquitos with a generous side of queso dip. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime if desired.

Notes

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. Lightly oil taquitos before air frying for a golden crisp. Flip halfway through cooking for even crispness. Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. For softer taquitos, flour tortillas can be used but will be less crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: taquitos, air fryer, homemade, crispy, queso dip, chicken taquitos, easy recipe, snack, Mexican food