Description
These crispy air fryer beef taquitos are loaded with spiced ground beef, sautéed onions and green peppers, and melted marble cheese. Easy to assemble and quick to cook in the air fryer, they make a perfect snack or appetizer packed with bold flavor and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, lean
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
To Assemble
- 2 eggs
- 24 soft corn tortillas
- 2 cups marble cheese, shredded
- Nonstick cooking spray
Optional Garnishes
- Salsa
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
- Iceberg lettuce
- Cotija cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Make the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper and sauté until onions are translucent and slightly browned and peppers are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in garlic powder and paprika, and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and slightly crispy around the edges. Remove from heat and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cool and Mix Filling: Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and stir occasionally to help it cool for about 10 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add the eggs to the cooled beef mixture and mix thoroughly to combine.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Lay a corn husk strip or kitchen string horizontally on a clean surface or plate. Place one soft corn tortilla on top. Spread 1 tablespoon of shredded marble cheese in a vertical line down the center of the tortilla, then add 1 1/2 tablespoons of the beef mixture over the cheese. Starting from the right side, tightly roll the tortilla over the filling, tucking in the edges as you roll. Secure the rolled taquito by tying the corn husk strip or kitchen string around the middle, trimming any excess. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Spray the inside of the air fryer basket and any extra rack with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange as many taquitos as possible in a single layer without crowding. Lightly spray tops of taquitos with cooking spray.
- Air Fry the Taquitos: If using an air fryer rack, set temperature to 375°F. Cook for 8 minutes; then check the taquitos on the rack and remove them if browned and crispy. Leave those in the basket. Flip the remaining taquitos to crisp the other side and cook for another 4 minutes. Add 2 more minutes if needed until crispy on both sides. If using basket only, cook at 375°F for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Add 2 minutes more if necessary.
- Serve: Remove taquitos from the air fryer and serve hot with optional garnishes such as salsa, guacamole, cilantro, sour cream, hot sauce, lettuce, or cotija cheese.
Notes
- If corn tortillas are not fresh, steam them briefly before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Cook taquitos in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- For best melting and flavor, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded.
- Let the beef mixture cool before mixing with eggs to prevent premature cooking of the eggs.
- Soak corn husk strips in water for 5 minutes and dry before tying to prevent snapping; alternatively use kitchen string or toothpicks to secure rolls.
- Adjust air frying times based on your air fryer model and size; add extra cooking time as needed checking for crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 125 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
