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 or Instant Pot); 4 ounce can diced green chilies; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese; 12 six-inch flour tortillas (fajita size); Nonstick cooking spray

When craving a snack that's bursting with flavor and crunch, this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is my go-to! They’re golden, cheesy, and packed with tender rotisserie chicken—all ready in just about 23 minutes. Let’s dive in!

There are six rolled, golden-brown taquitos stacked on a white plate, topped with small pieces of red cherry tomatoes, green chopped cilantro, crumbled white cheese, and light orange drizzle sauce. In the upper right part of the plate, there are two small brown bowls, one filled with green guacamole and the other with light orange sauce. A half lime with a bright green peel and light green inside sits next to the bowls. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a white and orange towel partially visible in the background. 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 swear by this recipe whenever I want that perfect crunchy snack without the mess of deep-frying. It’s easy, quick, and delicious—every bite is a little celebration of bold Mexican flavors.

Super crispy exterior: Thanks to the air fryer and a light spray of cooking oil, these taquitos get perfectly crunchy without deep frying.
Melty cheesy filling: Pepper jack cheese adds just the right kick of spice and gooey goodness inside.
Rotisserie chicken convenience: Using cooked, shredded chicken cuts down your prep time and boosts flavor effortlessly.
Versatile and fun: Ideal as appetizers, snacks, or even a tasty main dish with your favorite dips.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference! I usually pick fresh yellow onions and high-quality rotisserie chicken to keep the flavor authentic and easy. Don’t skip that pepper jack cheese—it’s magic melted inside each taquito.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of finely minced yellow onion, a pile of fresh shredded rotisserie chicken, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced green chilies, a few sprigs of bright green fresh cilantro, a small white ceramic bowl with reddish-brown taco seasoning powder, a mound of shredded pepper jack cheese with orange and white marbling, and a neat stack of twelve soft six-inch flour tortillas, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: A little oil softens the onions and adds depth without overpowering.
Yellow onion: Minced finely for sweetness and body in the filling.
Cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie or Instant Pot chicken works perfectly for tender, flavorful meat.
Diced green chilies: Brings subtle heat and authentic Mexican flair.
Fresh chopped cilantro: Adds fresh herbaceous brightness to balance the richness.
Taco seasoning: Creates that classic Mexican spice blend in the filling.
Shredded pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds just a hint of spice.
Six-inch flour tortillas: Flexible and perfect for rolling tight taquitos.
Nonstick cooking spray: Helps achieve that golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.

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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

The great thing about this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is how flexible it is — you can easily customize it to fit your taste buds, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand in the kitchen. Let’s explore some tasty variations to make the recipe truly your own!

Spice it up: I love adding minced jalapeño or serrano chiles when cooking the onions for that extra kick. Alternatively, swap the mild green chilies for hot ones or stir in some hot sauce to the filling for a spicy twist.
Go gluten-free: Substituting flour tortillas with corn or certified gluten-free tortillas means anyone following a gluten-free diet can also enjoy these crispy taquitos without missing out on flavor or texture.
Different proteins: While shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, I’ve also enjoyed making beef or soyrizo variations using the same method — just swap the chicken for your protein of choice and season accordingly!
Vegetarian delight: Bean and cheese taquitos are a fantastic meatless option. Using black beans or refried beans with plenty of cheese creates a delicious vegetarian alternative that’s just as satisfying.
Cheese swaps: Your favorite shredded cheese works great here. Pepper jack gives a nice spicy melty filling, but try cheddar, Monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

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

The dish shows five rolled tortillas filled with melted cheese and brown cooked filling, stacked side by side on a white plate. The tortillas have a golden-brown crispy texture on the outside with cheese slightly melting and oozing from the ends. On top of the tortillas, there are bright red chopped cherry tomatoes, green guacamole, and a light sprinkle of white cheese crumbs and chopped cilantro. Behind the rolled tortillas, there are small bowls with green guacamole and orange creamy sauce, along with a lime slice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the onions until soft and fragrant

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes. You’ll notice the aroma deepen and the onions turn soft and slightly translucent — that’s when you know they’re ready to perfectly complement that chicken filling.

Step 2: Combine chicken and spices for rich flavor

To the softened onions, add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, the entire 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Stir everything well and cook for another 3 minutes. This lets all the flavors blend beautifully and the chicken heats through, making each bite flavorful.

Step 3: Mix in the cheesy goodness

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese. The cheese melts gently into the warm filling, creating a creamy texture that holds everything together once rolled inside the tortillas.

Step 4: Soften tortillas to make rolling easy

Stack your 12 flour tortillas and wrap them in damp paper towels. Pop them into the microwave for 60 seconds. This simple step makes them pliable and much easier to roll tightly around the filling without cracking or breaking.

Step 5: Roll the taquitos tightly for maximum crispiness

Place 3 to 4 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each softened tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, making sure the seam is on the bottom — this helps keep them closed during air frying and ensures a perfectly crisp exterior.

Step 6: Preheat and prepare your air fryer

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat fully. This high temperature is key for achieving that irresistible golden crunch on the outside while keeping the cheesy filling hot and melty inside.

Step 7: Air fry with love — crisp each side to perfection

Arrange 6 taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each to ensure good airflow. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, then flip the taquitos, spray the other side, and air fry for another 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them — they should come out beautifully golden brown and super crispy.

Step 8: Repeat for the remaining taquitos and serve warm

If your air fryer only fits 6 taquitos at once like mine, repeat the air frying process with the leftover 6. Once all are cooked, serve these crispy delights hot with your favorite dipping sauces — think salsa, sour cream, chipotle mayo, or guacamole. Prepare for happy taste buds!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is all about a few key details that make these taquitos perfectly crunchy and flavorful every time.

Roll Them Tightly: I've found that rolling each taquito snugly and making sure the seam is firmly pressed down prevents them from unfurling while air frying, keeping that crispy shape intact.
Don’t Skip Spraying: Spraying both sides of the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray before cooking is my secret to achieving that golden, irresistible crunch without drying them out.
Airflow Matters: Spacing the taquitos just right in the air fryer basket ensures hot air circulates evenly — this means every side crisps up beautifully without steaming.
Adjust Cook Times Wisely: If your first batch isn’t crispy enough, adding an extra 1-2 minutes per side can work wonders. Patience pays off for perfect crunchiness!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe

The image shows a black frying pan filled with a cooked mix of shredded light brown chicken, small diced green vegetables, and finely chopped onions. On top of this mixture is a large pile of finely shredded white cheese, centered in the pan, covering part of the chicken and vegetables below. The dish has a mix of soft and slightly crispy textures visible, with the chicken having thin, stringy pieces and the vegetables appearing tender but intact. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Top off your taquitos with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. Dollops of sour cream or creamy guacamole add a cool balance to the spicy, cheesy filling. For a little extra kick, serve with chipotle sauce or your favorite salsa on the side—perfect for dipping!

Side Dishes

Pair these taquitos with simple and vibrant side dishes like Mexican street corn (elote), a crisp cabbage slaw, or a light black bean salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Spanish rice or a bowl of seasoned refried beans to keep the flavors authentically Mexican and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover cooked taquitos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re great for quick snacks or to reheat for an easy meal during the week.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked, rolled taquitos in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just pop them straight from the freezer into the air fryer when you’re ready to cook — no need to thaw.

Reheating

To reheat leftover or frozen taquitos, air fry at 400°F for about 2-3 minutes per side if refrigerated, or 5-6 minutes per side if frozen. This method restores the crispiness better than a microwave every time!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes! You can substitute six-inch corn tortillas or certified gluten-free tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just warm them well to prevent cracking when rolling.

What if my taquitos aren’t crispy enough after cooking?

Try increasing the air frying time by 1-2 minutes per side and make sure you spray them generously with nonstick cooking spray before cooking to enhance crispiness.

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and roll them up ahead, then refrigerate uncooked taquitos for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months before air frying.

How do I increase the spice level in this recipe?

To amp up the heat, use hot green chilies in the filling, add 2-3 teaspoons of hot sauce, or sauté minced jalapeño or serrano peppers with the onions for a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe really bring joy to my kitchen — they're quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or just myself when I want a cozy, crunchy treat. I hope they become a staple in your home, too. Happy cooking and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!