Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup yellow onion, minced; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended); 4 ounce can diced green chilies; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded; 12 six-inch flour tortillas (fajita size); Nonstick cooking spray, for air frying

If you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and packed with a punch of flavor, this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is about to become your new favorite. They’re golden, crunchy on the outside, and melty with seasoned chicken inside—all ready in just 23 minutes!

A white plate holds six rolled tacos with a golden-brown, crispy texture. They are topped with chopped red tomatoes, finely chopped green cilantro, white crumbled cheese, light green guacamole, and a creamy light orange sauce drizzled over them. The plate also has two small dark bowls, one filled with chunky green guacamole and the other with smooth light orange sauce, along with a bright green lime half. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos more times than I can count, and they never disappoint. Whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or just need a quick snack, these come through beautifully every time.

Super Quick: From start to finish, you’re looking at only 23 minutes to homemade taquitos.
Perfectly Crispy: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that crave-worthy crunch without frying in oil.
Flavor-Packed Filling: Seasoned shredded chicken, green chilies, and pepper jack cheese come together for a delicious Tex-Mex kick.
Versatile Snack or Meal: Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or a fun main course.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference here. Grab some shredded rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor, and be sure to pick up fresh cilantro and good-quality pepper jack cheese to really brighten things up.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of bright green diced green chilies, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a handful of fresh cilantro sprigs with vibrant green leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded pepper jack cheese with white and orange specks, a stack of soft six-inch flour tortillas fanned out, a mound of cooked shredded rotisserie chicken with natural warm tones, and a small white ceramic bowl of finely minced pale yellow onion placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: For sautéing the onions gently while adding a subtle richness that complements the filling.
Yellow onion: Minced and cooked until soft, it provides a mild sweetness that balances the spices.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s tender, flavorful, and saves time.
Diced green chilies: These add a mild heat and tang that elevate the overall flavor.
Fresh chopped cilantro: Brings a fresh herbal note that brightens up the filling beautifully.
Taco seasoning: A blend of spices that infuses the chicken mixture with authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
Pepper jack cheese: Melts perfectly with a hint of spice that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
Flour tortillas (fajita size): Soft and pliable, these are perfect for rolling tightly without cracking.
Nonstick cooking spray: Helps achieve that crisp exterior in the air fryer without excess oil.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is how easily you can personalize it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with fillings, spice levels, or even the type of tortilla you use!

Gluten Free Option: I swapped the flour tortillas for corn or certified gluten free tortillas to make these taquitos gluten free with no compromise on flavor or crispiness.
Spicy Twist: When I wanted a little extra heat, I added minced jalapeños along with hot green chilies and a couple teaspoons of hot sauce into the filling. It gave the perfect kick without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
Different Proteins: Once, I experimented with ground beef and soyrizo instead of chicken. The cooking instructions stayed the same and the results were equally delicious — perfect for mixing up your Mexican feast.
Make It Ahead: I love prepping these taquitos ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated for a few days or frozen for longer storage. They reheat beautifully in the air fryer without losing that satisfying crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with six rolled tortillas that are golden brown and crispy on the outside, with melted cheese and seasoned filling visible at the open ends. On top of the rolled tortillas, there is a layer of bright red chopped cherry tomatoes mixed with green chopped herbs and a light sprinkle of white crumbly cheese. Light green guacamole and a creamy, light orange sauce are drizzled over the tomatoes and tortillas. In the background, there are small white bowls with more guacamole and sauce, along with a lime wedge. The whole plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Mixture for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced yellow onion and cook for about 4 minutes until it’s softened and fills your kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma. Then toss in 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, a 4 oz can of diced green chilies, 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors can mingle beautifully.

Step 2: Stir in the Pepper Jack Cheese

Once the flavorful filling is ready, remove the skillet from the heat and fold in 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese. Mixing the cheese in while the filling is still warm allows it to melt slightly, making the filling irresistibly cheesy and cohesive.

Step 3: Warm and Roll the Tortillas

Stack your 12 six-inch flour tortillas and wrap them tightly in damp paper towels. Pop the bundle in the microwave for 60 seconds. This makes the tortillas soft and pliable, perfect for rolling without cracking. Spoon about 3 to 4 tablespoons of your chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla, then roll them up tightly, folding them seam-side down to keep the filling safely inside during cooking.

Step 4: Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for the crispiest results. Place the taquitos seam-side down in the basket, making sure to leave space around each one so the hot air can circulate freely. Depending on your air fryer's size, you might need to cook them in batches — my 5.8-quart model fits six taquitos comfortably.

Step 5: Crisp to Perfection

Lightly spray the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray, then air fry at 400°F for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip each taquito using tongs, spray again, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on all sides. If you find they need a bit more crunch, add an extra 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once done, carefully remove your crispy taquitos from the air fryer and serve them warm with your favorite dips — think fresh guacamole, tangy sour cream, salsa, or a smoky chipotle sauce. Trust me, they disappear fast when served this way!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is all about a few small steps that really elevate the final dish. These tips come from my own kitchen experiments and will help you get that perfect crispy, cheesy result every single time!

Roll Them Tight: I can’t stress this enough—rolling your taquitos tightly is the difference between a neatly wrapped, crispy taquito and one that unravels mid-cooking. It keeps all that cheesy, flavorful filling right where it belongs.
Don’t Skip the Spray: Spraying the taquitos lightly with nonstick cooking spray before and after flipping really helps achieve that beautiful golden brown crispiness. I learned this after several underwhelming batches that were just a bit soggy.
Make Space for Airflow: Placing taquitos with room in your air fryer basket allows for even cooking and prevents steaming. Crowding them can result in uneven crispiness, so cook in batches if needed.
Adjust Cook Time as Needed: Depending on your air fryer model, the crispiness might need an extra minute or two per side. Keep an eye on them and trust your air fryer’s cues.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

The image shows a cooking pan filled with cooked diced green vegetables mixed with shredded cooked chicken pieces that are light brown with some green herbs scattered throughout. On top of this mixture, there is a generous pile of shredded white cheese in the center, covering part of the chicken and vegetables. The pan is black and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or finely chopped green onions on top. A dollop of cool sour cream or creamy guacamole pairs beautifully. I also love serving them with tangy salsa roja or smoky chipotle sauce for dipping—these add a nice punch that complements the pepper jack cheese perfectly!

Side Dishes

These taquitos make for a fantastic main or appetizer alongside simple sides like Mexican street corn (elote), a crisp cabbage slaw, or a fresh tomato and avocado salad. For a heartier meal, serve with cilantro-lime rice or black beans to soak up any extra sauce and keep that festive Mexican flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days—perfect for quick snacks or lunches during the week.

Freezing

You can prepare your taquitos ahead of time, assemble them, and store uncooked in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure they aren’t touching to avoid sticking. When you're ready to cook, no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes per side in the preheated air fryer at 400°F.

Reheating

Reheat cooked taquitos in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side, which will refresh their crispiness without drying out the filling. This method works way better than the microwave, which tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes! For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas or certified gluten-free tortillas. Just warm them well before rolling so they don’t crack and roll tightly to prevent breaking during air frying.

How spicy can I make these taquitos?

You can adjust the spice level by using hot green chilies instead of mild ones, adding 2–3 teaspoons of hot sauce to the filling, or cooking minced jalapeño or serrano peppers with the onions. It’s easy to customize the heat to your taste!

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 425°F (use convection if available), place the taquitos on a foil-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

How do I know when the taquitos are done?

They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cooking time is generally 4-5 minutes per side at 400°F, but if they seem soft, add an extra 1-2 minutes per side and be sure to spray with cooking spray for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how quickly the Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe comes together and how satisfying it is to bite into those crunchy, cheesy rolls packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for friends or a cozy dinner for your family, these taquitos are sure to delight. Keep these tips and tricks handy, and you’ll have a new favorite recipe for busy nights that’s both delicious and fun to make!