Name: Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground beef, lean; 1 onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, green, chopped; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 1 tablespoon ground paprika; 3 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 2 eggs; 24 corn tortillas, soft; 2 cups marble cheese, shredded; Nonstick cooking spray; Salsa; Guacamole or sliced avocado; Cilantro; Sour cream; Hot sauce; Iceberg lettuce; Cotija cheese, crumbled

If you love snacks that are crunchy, cheesy, and packed with bold spices, you’re going to adore this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe. These little rolled wonders deliver that perfect mix of crispy corn tortillas and savory ground beef that’s impossible to resist.

A white rectangular plate holds four rolled golden brown tortillas placed side by side, each topped with white sauce drizzles and brown sauce lines, garnished with small pieces of green cilantro leaves. In the top left corner of the plate, there is a lime wedge. The plate sits on a colorful tiled surface with patterned blue, orange, and white designs. 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 Beef Taquitos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly hooked on how easy and fast these taquitos come together, plus how perfectly crispy they get in the air fryer. Once you try them, they’ll be your go-to snack for game day, parties, or whenever you need a little cheesy comfort.

Deliciously Crispy: Air frying creates that golden crunch without the extra oil.
Bold, Spiced Flavor: A simple blend of garlic powder and paprika brings the beef filling to life.
Quick & Easy Prep: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect For Sharing: Makes 24 taquitos—ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into cooking, let’s talk ingredients. Using fresh, soft corn tortillas and freshly shredded cheese really amps up the flavor and texture. And don’t skip on sautéing the peppers and onions—these add a subtle sweetness and soften the texture of the filling.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh ground beef, a whole white onion chopped into pieces, a green bell pepper chopped, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a stack of soft corn tortillas, a small heap of shredded marble cheese with white and orange hues, a few sprigs of fresh cilantro, a quarter avocado sliced showing creamy green flesh, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of bright red salsa, a small white bowl of smooth sour cream, a small white bowl of crumbled white cotija cheese, sprinkled coarse black pepper and salt crystals, all ingredients arranged symmetrically around the center on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, 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

Ground beef: Lean beef keeps it tasty without excess grease.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh crunch and color.
Garlic powder: A quick way to punch up the savory notes.
Ground paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing veggies and beef evenly.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Eggs: Help bind the filling to prevent it falling apart.
Corn tortillas: Soft ones roll easily without cracking.
Marble cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps taquitos crisp without sticking.
Optional garnishes: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and more add layers of flavor and freshness.

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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 joys of this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you prefer a little more heat, a different protein, or some fresh seasonal veggies, these taquitos welcome your creativity!

Spicy Kick Variation: For those who love heat, I like to add a finely chopped jalapeño to the onion and bell pepper sauté—it gives the filling a perfect spicy warmth that balances beautifully with the mellow cheese.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for seasoned black beans or sautéed mushrooms; the texture is just as satisfying and packed with flavor. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro inside also adds a fresh punch.
Cheese Choices: While marble cheese works perfectly, I’ve also found that using a blend of Monterey Jack and a bit of sharp cheddar gives a gooey melt and a sharper taste that taquitos deserve.
Seasonal Veggie Boost: Adding some finely chopped zucchini or corn kernels to the filling can add a subtle sweetness and crunch, making the taquitos feel fresh and vibrant for spring or summer gatherings.

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

A white plate holds four rolled tacos arranged side by side. Each taco is golden brown and crispy, filled with dark cooked meat that shows at the open ends. On top of the tacos, thin lines of white cream and red sauce are drizzled softly, with small green pieces of cilantro and chopped green onions scattered over them. In the background, a white bowl filled with chopped green vegetables sits slightly out of focus on a white marbled surface with colorful patterned tiles nearby. The image looks bright and fresh, captured with a clear focus on the tacos. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and green bell pepper, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to cook until the onions have sweated and just started to brown, and the peppers soften—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The aroma at this point is irresistible! Next, add 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef. Break up any large chunks with your spoon and cook until the meat starts getting that slight brown crust on the edges. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of paprika, then continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and has a little crispness. Finally, season everything with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Take the pan off the heat and set aside.

Step 2: Mix in the Eggs and Prepare to Roll

Transfer your beef mixture to a bowl and stir it steadily while it cools for about 10 minutes. This step is key to prevent the eggs from scrambling when added. In a small bowl, whisk 2 eggs until well combined, then fold them gently into the cooled beef mixture. This will help bind everything together as you assemble each taquito.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos with Love

Lay out a corn husk strip or a piece of kitchen string horizontally on your clean workspace—this will help you tie each taquito securely. Place one soft corn tortilla on top. Spoon 1 tablespoon of shredded marble cheese down the center lengthwise, then add 1 ½ tablespoons of the beef mixture on top of the cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly from the right side over to the left, tucking the edge underneath the filling to keep it neat. Tie the corn husk or string around the middle to hold everything in place. If any filling escapes, gently push it back inside before trimming the excess string. Repeat this process for all 24 tortillas — yes, it takes a bit of practice, but the results are so worth it!

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Crunch Perfection

Give your air fryer basket and rack (if using) a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange as many taquitos as you can without crowding—this ensures even crispiness. Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray as well. If your air fryer comes with an extra rack, set it to 375°F and air fry for 8 minutes. When time’s up, check that the top-layer taquitos are beautifully browned and crispy, then remove them along with the rack. Flip the taquitos still in the basket and air fry for an additional 4 minutes. You can add extra 2-minute increments if you want them crispier. Using just the basket? Air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes, flip each taquito over, then air fry another 3 minutes. Don’t hesitate to add a couple extra minutes if necessary until both sides are golden and crunchy. This step is where the magic happens—those crispy edges and melty cheese inside will wow your taste buds.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Toppings

Once your taquitos come out hot and crispy, it’s time to bring on the fun part—toppings! Serve with salsa, creamy guacamole or sliced avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, a splash of hot sauce, a handful of crisp iceberg lettuce, and maybe some crumbled cotija cheese. These add-ons elevate the taquitos from delicious snack to irresistible party favorite.

Top Tip

Getting these taquitos just right is all about small tweaks that make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips that really took this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe from good to unforgettable in my kitchen.

Soften Tortillas First: I learned the hard way that cracking tortillas make your taquitos look less appetizing. Briefly steaming the corn tortillas before rolling keeps them soft and pliable, giving you perfectly rolled taquitos every time.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in batches really helps the taquitos get that coveted crispiness. Crowding the basket leads to steaming, which just won’t give you that golden, crunchy shell.
Fresh Shredded Cheese is Key: When I started shredding my own cheese instead of using pre-shredded bags, the melt and flavor were totally next level—worth the little extra effort!
Cool the Beef Before Adding Eggs: Mixing piping-hot beef with eggs can scramble the eggs prematurely. Letting the beef mixture cool for about 10 minutes ensures a smooth, well-blended filling every time.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe

The image shows four steps of making rolled tortillas in a square collage. In the top left (step 5), a woman's hand sprays oil on a flat white tortilla placed on a wooden board with a small, folded tortilla piece above it, all on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth on the left. The top right (step 6) shows four rolled tortillas on the wooden board, with one open tortilla below filled with a yellow and brown mix of cooked filling and shredded cheese. In the bottom left (step 7), six rolled tortillas are neatly placed inside a black air fryer basket on the white marbled surface with the striped cloth partially visible. The bottom right (step 8) shows the same six rolled tortillas cooked to a golden brown inside the air fryer basket, ready to serve. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing these crispy delights, the possibilities are deliciously endless. I love topping mine with fresh salsa for a bright kick, creamy guacamole or sliced avocado for richness, and a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese to balance the spiced beef perfectly. If you like heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce adds just the right amount of zing. A bed of crisp iceberg lettuce also makes a great base for added crunch and color.

Side Dishes

These taquitos can shine as a snack or appetizer, but paired with the right sides, they become a satisfying meal. Try a simple Mexican-style rice or refried beans to round out the plate. A fresh, zesty cabbage slaw pairs wonderfully for contrast in texture and adds a refreshing bite. For a lighter option, a mixed green salad with lime vinaigrette complements the richness of the beef and cheese beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and you just might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these taquitos to enjoy later. After assembling and tying them, arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, air fry them straight from frozen with a couple extra minutes added to the cooking time for that same crispy finish.

Reheating

Reheat leftover or frozen taquitos in the air fryer at 375°F for about 4-6 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that addictive crunch intact — the air fryer is your best friend here!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas work well if you prefer a softer, more pliable wrap, but the flavor profile is a bit different. Corn tortillas give that classic crispiness and authentic taste that really shines in this recipe.

How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling during cooking?

Tying each taquito securely with soaked corn husk strips or kitchen string is the trick. This keeps the filling tucked inside while they crisp up in the air fryer. If you don't have these, toothpicks work too — just remember to remove them before serving!

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or cooked black beans seasoned with garlic powder and paprika for a tasty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

No worries — you can bake these taquitos in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through until they’re golden and crispy.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe brings a fun and flavorful twist to your snack or appetizer line-up. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make, full of comforting flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, with the air fryer doing most of the work, you get that perfect crunch without all the mess. So roll up your sleeves, grab your corn husks or kitchen string, and get ready for some seriously tasty bites!