I can’t get enough of these Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe—they’re the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful all rolled into a bite-sized snack. If you love Mexican-inspired appetizers, you’re going to want to make these ASAP!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
From the moment I first air fried these taquitos, I knew they’d become a staple in my kitchen. Crispy edges, juicy spiced beef, and melty marble cheese make every single bite a winner.
- Quick and Easy: Prep and cook these in just 35 minutes total—perfect for last-minute cravings or casual gatherings.
- Healthier Crispy Option: Air frying gives you that crunch you love without deep frying in oil.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Makes 24 taquitos, so you’ll have plenty to share with hungry friends or family.
- Flavor-Packed Filling: Spiced ground beef with sautéed onions and bell peppers hits all the savory notes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When shopping for this recipe, look for fresh, soft corn tortillas to avoid cracking when rolling. Using a good quality shredded marble cheese adds that delicious melt and a bit of mild sharpness that blends wonderfully with the beef filling.

- Ground beef: Lean beef keeps the filling flavorful without too much grease, so your taquitos won’t be soggy.
- Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Green bell pepper: Gives a nice crunch and bright color to the filling.
- Garlic powder: For that warm, savory punch that complements the beef perfectly.
- Ground paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a warm, earthy flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and beef while keeping things light.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
- Eggs: These bind the beef mixture, helping keep it moist and easy to roll.
- Corn tortillas: The classic base, soft and pliable to wrap all those good fillings.
- Marble cheese: A blend of white and yellow cheddar gives a gooey, flavorful melt.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps your taquitos crispy and prevents sticking in the air fryer.
- Optional garnishes: Salsa, guacamole, cilantro, and more let you customize each bite.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to tailor the filling and toppings to suit your mood or what's in your pantry!
- Spicy Kick: I love adding a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the beef filling to up the heat. It adds a lively zing that pairs beautifully with the melting marble cheese.
- Cheese Swap: For an extra creamy texture, try substituting part of the marble cheese with a bit of shredded Monterey Jack or even a sprinkle of queso fresco. It melts wonderfully and brightens the flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with seasoned black beans or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian twist. You won’t miss the meat at all with these tasty alternatives.
- Herb Freshness: Stir some chopped fresh cilantro or oregano into the beef mixture before rolling. It adds a lovely herbal note that freshens up each bite.
- Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use corn tortillas and check your seasoning blends for gluten. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, stirring occasionally until the onions sweat and turn a lovely golden hue and the peppers soften—about 5 to 7 minutes. This slow softening builds a flavorful base for the beef. Next, add 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef, breaking it up with your wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink and is starting to get a little crispy on the edges. This Maillard reaction adds texture and depth. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons garlic powder and 1 tablespoon ground paprika, mixing well and cooking until fragrant. Finally, season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Cool and Combine with Eggs
Transfer the cooked beef mixture into a bowl and stir it continuously for about 10 minutes to help it cool down evenly. This is key because you don’t want the eggs to scramble when you add them. In a small bowl, whisk the 2 eggs until smooth, then mix into the cooled beef mixture thoroughly. This step helps bind the filling so it holds together nicely when rolled.
Step 3: Assemble Your Taquitos
Lay a soaked corn husk strip or kitchen string horizontally on your clean work surface for sturdiness. Place one soft corn tortilla on top. Down the center of the tortilla, add 1 tablespoon of shredded marble cheese, followed by 1 ½ tablespoons of the beef filling layered right on top. Starting from the right, roll the tortilla tightly over the filling to the left, tucking in the edges as you go to keep everything enclosed. Secure the roll by tying it snugly in the middle with your corn husk strip or kitchen string. Trim off any excess. Repeat this warm, hands-on process with the remaining tortillas and filling—it’s part of the fun!
Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
Give your air fryer basket and rack (if you have one) a light spritz of nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the taquitos in a single layer inside the basket and on the rack—be careful not to crowd them so each one crisps evenly. Spray the tops with more cooking spray to encourage that signature golden finish.
Step 5: Crisp to Perfection in the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F. If you’re using the extra rack, cook the taquitos on that rack for 8 minutes first—this cooks the top side evenly. Then remove the rack and taquitos together, flip the taquitos in the basket below, and air fry for an additional 4 minutes. Check crispiness, and if they need more time, add up to 2 extra minutes. Without the rack, air fry the taquitos in the basket for 6 minutes, flip, cook 3 more minutes, then add 2 extra minutes if needed. Keep an eye on them so you catch that perfect golden brown, crispy exterior every time.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the taquitos from the air fryer. Untie and discard the corn husk strips or kitchen strings—don’t forget this step! Serve your crispy creations hot with your favorite garnishes like tangy salsa, creamy guacamole, cooling sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese.
Top Tip
Mastering the perfect Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe is all about a few key details. Here are some insider tips that make a world of difference for the best results.
- Softening the Tortillas: Always steam or warm your corn tortillas before rolling if they seem stiff. This prevents cracking and makes rolling much easier.
- Cooling the Beef Mixture: Let the beef filling cool before mixing in the eggs. Adding eggs to hot beef can cause them to scramble prematurely.
- Securing the Rolls: Use soaked corn husk strips or kitchen string tied tightly to keep your taquitos rolled up during air frying — this step avoids unrolling and spillage of filling.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Space them out in the basket or on the rack so hot air circulates well for even crisping. Cooking in batches is worth the extra effort for that perfect crunch.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe

Garnishes
There’s no shortage of ways to dress up these crispy taquitos. Fresh salsa adds a bright, zesty touch, while creamy guacamole or sliced avocado brings richness. A dollop of sour cream cools down any extra spice, and crumbled cotija cheese sprinkled on top adds that authentic tangy finish. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Round out your Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe with some classic sides like crisp iceberg lettuce salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. For a lighter option, try a fresh cucumber and tomato salad with lime and chili powder. These sides complement the boldness of the beef filling without overpowering the snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your crispy taquitos, let any leftovers cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick snack or meal later.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Once assembled, freeze the taquitos before air frying by lining them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. To cook, simply air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time until golden and crispy.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or frozen Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This refreshes that signature crispiness much better than a microwave, keeping them deliciously crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer. Just be mindful that flour tortillas are softer and might roll more easily, but the classic texture and flavor of corn tortillas make them ideal for authentic crispy taquitos.
The eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the beef and cheese together inside the taquito so they don’t spill out during air frying. Just be sure to add eggs once the beef mixture has cooled to prevent scrambling.
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper along with the garlic powder and paprika for a bit of heat in your crispy air fryer beef taquitos.
While air frying gives you perfectly crispy taquitos with less oil, you can also bake them in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, but the air fryer is ideal for quick and even crisping.
Final Thoughts
There’s something immensely satisfying about biting into these golden, crispy air fryer beef taquitos filled with savory and cheesy goodness. Whether you're serving them up for a casual get-together, game day, or just a fun family night, this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to savor every crunchy, delicious bite!
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Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These crispy air fryer beef taquitos are filled with a flavorful mixture of spiced ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and gooey marble cheese. Perfectly rolled and air fried to golden crispness, they make an easy and delicious appetizer or snack that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef, lean
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
To Assemble
- 2 eggs
- 24 corn tortillas, soft
- 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 frying pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and green bell peppers until the onions sweat and turn slightly brown and the peppers soften. Add the ground beef, breaking down large pieces, and cook until browned. Stir in garlic powder and paprika, and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Filling Mixture: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a bowl and stir continuously to help it cool. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. Once the beef mixture has cooled for about 10 minutes, add the whisked eggs and mix thoroughly to combine.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Lay a corn husk strip or kitchen string horizontally on a clean surface. Place one soft corn tortilla on top of the strip. Add 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese in a vertical line down the center of the tortilla, then top with 1 ½ tablespoons of the beef mixture. Roll the tortilla tightly from right to left, tucking in the edges to enclose the filling. Secure the roll by tying the corn husk strip or kitchen string around the middle. Trim any excess strip or string. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Spray the base and sides of the air fryer basket and the extra rack (if using) with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the basket and on the rack without overcrowding, and spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air Fry the Taquitos: Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F. If using a rack, cook the taquitos on the rack for 8 minutes. Remove the rack and remove the cooked taquitos. Flip the taquitos in the basket and cook for another 4 minutes, then check for crispiness. Add up to 2 more minutes if needed. If cooking only in the basket, air fry for 6 minutes, flip the taquitos, air fry for another 3 minutes, and add 2 extra minutes if necessary to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the air fryer, discard corn husk strips or kitchen string, and serve hot with your choice of garnishes such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, hot sauce, iceberg lettuce, or crumbled cotija cheese.
Notes
- Soften tortillas before rolling by steaming if they are not fresh to prevent cracking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or rack to ensure even crisping; cook the taquitos in batches if necessary.
- Use a strong cheese for better melt and flavor; shredding your own cheese is recommended.
- Allow the beef mixture to cool before adding eggs to prevent premature cooking of the eggs.
- Use soaked corn husk strips or kitchen string to securely tie the taquitos to keep them from unrolling while cooking. Soak corn husks in water for 5 minutes and pat dry before use.
- Adjust cooking times based on your air fryer model and regularly check for desired crispiness, flipping to crisp both sides evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg




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