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

If you love bold, cheesy flavors with a crispy crunch, you're going to adore this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe. These little bites of Mexican-inspired goodness are quick, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion!

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

Whenever I make these air fryer chicken taquitos, everyone asks for seconds – and it’s no surprise. They’re incredibly easy to whip up and hit all the right notes: crispy outside, melty cheese inside, with that spicy chicken kick.

Fast and Easy: Ready in just 23 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Super Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates that unbeatable crunch without the mess and calories of deep frying.
Flavor Packed: Rotisserie chicken and pepper jack cheese make these taquitos deliciously cheesy and flavorful.
Versatile Serving: Works great as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun main course with your favorite dips.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To get these taquitos just right, you only need a handful of ingredients that you can usually find at any grocery store. Using a rotisserie chicken really saves time, plus it brings great flavor without extra fuss.

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 to add sweetness and depth.
Yellow Onion: Minced finely, it softens up perfectly to blend into the chicken filling.
Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded for convenience and juicy flavor.
Diced Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and tangy punch that brightens the filling.
Fresh Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal note that complements the spices.
Taco Seasoning: A flavorful blend to give those classic Mexican seasonings.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully with a little kick, making each bite cheesy and spicy.
Flour Tortillas (6-inch): The perfect size for rolling tight taquitos that crisp up nicely.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Helps the taquitos get golden and crispy in the air fryer without sticking.

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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 easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like things mild, spicy, or loaded with extra cheese, you can tailor these taquitos to suit your cravings perfectly.

Gluten-Free Version: I swapped out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas once, and they still turned out wonderfully crispy and delicious. Just make sure to warm them well so they roll up without cracking.
Spicy Kick: On one occasion, I added a minced jalapeño along with the onions and doubled the hot green chilies in the filling. It gave the taquitos a nice fiery punch that my spice-loving friends absolutely adored.
Different Fillings: I’ve also played around with substituting beef or even using black beans and cheese for a vegetarian option. The air fryer still crisps them up nicely, and the flavor variations keep this appetizer exciting.
Make Ahead & Freeze: Sometimes I prepare the taquitos ahead of time, roll them tightly, and freeze them uncooked. Then when the craving hits, I just pop them straight into the air fryer, adding a couple of minutes to the cook time, and voilà — fresh crispy taquitos anytime!

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 Onion Until Soft and Sweet

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely minced yellow onion and cook for about 4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions have softened and turned translucent, releasing that lovely sweet aroma that signals the base of your filling is ready to shine.

Step 2: Mix in the Chicken and Seasonings

Next, add 2 cups of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken, the 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to your skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld all those flavorful ingredients. You’ll notice the mixture is fragrant and perfectly seasoned by the time it’s ready.

Step 3: Stir in the Melty Pepper Jack Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese. Stir well so the cheese melts into the warm chicken mixture, making a creamy, cheesy filling that’s full of spicy, melty goodness.

Step 4: Warm Tortillas for Easy Rolling

Stack your 12 six-inch flour tortillas and wrap them tightly in damp paper towels. Microwave for 60 seconds to gently soften them — this simple trick makes rolling your taquitos a breeze without any cracking or breaking.

Step 5: Roll Up Those Flavor-Packed Taquitos

Place about 3-4 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese filling in the center of each warm tortilla. Roll each one up tightly, making sure the seam is on the bottom to seal that savory goodness inside. This tight roll helps keep your taquitos intact during air frying.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F

Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F. A hot air fryer is essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior that makes these taquitos such a treat!

Step 7: Air Fry in Batches for Ultimate Crispiness

Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Leave some space around each so the air can circulate freely and crisp up every side. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook them in 2 batches — my 5.8 quart air fryer fits 6 at a time comfortably.

Step 8: Cook, Flip, and Finish

Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray, then air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes. Carefully open the fryer and flip each taquito using tongs. Spray the flipped side with cooking spray as well, then cook for another 4-5 minutes until all sides are a beautiful golden brown and irresistibly crispy.

Step 9: Serve Hot with Your Favorite Dips

Once your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are perfectly cooked, serve them hot alongside salsa, sour cream, chipotle sauce, or guacamole. They’re perfect for sharing — or keeping all to yourself!

Top Tip

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are all about that perfect crunch and melty cheesy goodness inside. A few simple tips from my kitchen can make your taquito experience even better, whether it’s keeping them rolled tight or tweaking cook times for extra crispiness.

Roll Them Tight: From my trials, tightly rolling the taquitos is key to preventing any filling spill-out in the air fryer. It keeps everything snug and crispy.
Don’t Skip the Spray: Spraying the taquitos lightly with cooking spray before each side cooks really cranks up the crunch and golden color—trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
Watch Your Air Fryer Size: My 5.8 quart air fryer fits six taquitos comfortably, so I cook in two batches. Trying to overcrowd just leads to uneven cooking and soggy spots.
Cook a Little Longer if Needed: If your taquitos aren’t as crispy as you hoped after the recommended time, adding a minute or two per side can make all the difference without drying them out.

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

The fun part about serving these taquitos is all the fresh, vibrant garnishes you can add. Try a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Dollops of cool sour cream or creamy guacamole add a lovely contrast to the crispy shells. For some heat, a drizzle of chipotle sauce or a side of your favorite salsa brings that perfect Mexican flair.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe with Mexican street corn salad, a crisp cabbage slaw, or a simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette. Refried beans, Mexican rice, or even a light avocado salad complement the flavors beautifully, making your meal feel complete and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of these crispy delights (which is rare!), store cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy again without losing their crisp texture.

Freezing

Prepared but uncooked taquitos freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them straight from frozen in your air fryer—just add an extra 2 minutes per side at 400°F to ensure they’re crispy and cooked through.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cooked taquitos in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes per side at 400°F. This method restores that irresistible crispness much better than a microwave or oven, making them taste like freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for these taquitos?

Absolutely! You can substitute six-inch corn tortillas or gluten free tortillas to make these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos gluten free. Just warm them gently to make rolling easier.

How do I make these taquitos spicy?

If you want a little heat, try using hot diced green chilies in the filling or add 2-3 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce. You can also sauté minced jalapeno or serrano peppers with the onions for a deeper spicy kick.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake the taquitos in a preheated 425°F oven (convection setting recommended if you have it) for 6-7 minutes per side. Don’t forget to spray them with cooking spray to get that crispy finish.

Can I customize the filling?

Definitely! While this recipe uses rotisserie chicken and pepper jack cheese, you can easily swap in beef, soyrizo, or a bean and cheese mix. Just follow the same cooking method in your air fryer.

Final Thoughts

Making these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos has become one of my go-to recipes for quick, flavorful meals or snacks that everyone raves about. They’re easy, versatile, and deliver that comforting Mexican flair with every bite. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this recipe a regular part of your cooking rotation—because nothing beats crispy, cheesy taquitos fresh from the air fryer!