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 (from a rotisserie chicken); 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're craving a snack that's crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Made with tender rotisserie chicken and a perfect blend of spices, these taquitos come together fast and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

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 absolutely adore making these taquitos when I want a quick Mexican-inspired treat without the hassle. The combination of melty pepper jack cheese and juicy chicken wrapped tight in tortillas means everyone always asks for seconds!

Speedy Prep: You can whip these up in just 23 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Perfectly Crispy: Using the air fryer gives these taquitos a satisfyingly crunchy outside without deep frying.
Flavor-Packed: Rotisserie chicken, diced green chilies, and taco seasoning bring authentic Mexican flair.
Versatile Dish: Serve these as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course with your favorite dips.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let me walk you through the ingredients that make these taquitos so special. Keep an eye out for good-quality rotisserie chicken and fresh pepper jack cheese — they're real game changers here.

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: For sautéing the onion, it adds richness and helps develop flavor.
Yellow Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
Cooked, Shredded Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe super easy and flavorful.
Diced Green Chilies: Brings a mild heat and a tangy kick to the filling.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the spices.
Taco Seasoning: The spice blend gives that classic Tex-Mex flavor base.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and offers a little spicy creaminess inside each taquito.
Flour Tortillas: The six-inch “fajita size” tortillas are just right to hold the filling snugly when rolled.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Essential for getting that perfect crispy, golden-brown bark 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 wonderful thing about this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe is how easy it is to make your own! Whether you like them mild or packed with heat, loaded with cheese or extra veggies, these taquitos are a blank canvas for your personal flavor preferences.

Gluten-Free: Swap the flour tortillas for corn or your favorite gluten-free tortillas. I’ve made them this way and loved how they kept that crisp texture without any gluten.
Spicy Boost: Add hot green chilies instead of mild, or toss in some diced jalapeños when cooking the onions. I sometimes add a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Meaty Variations: You can easily replace the chicken with ground beef, soyrizo, or even a bean and cheese combo. Mixing it up keeps this recipe exciting and perfect for whatever you have on hand.
Cheese Options: Pepper jack adds great flavor and meltiness, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend. Each cheese will add its own character, so find your favorite!
Make Ahead: These taquitos freeze beautifully. I like to prepare a big batch on weekends and keep them ready for quick snacks or dinners during the busy week.

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: Soften the Onions to Sweeten the Base

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 they become soft and fragrant. You’ll notice the onions turning translucent and releasing their natural sweetness—this sets a flavorful base for the filling.

Step 2: Build a Flavorful Filling

Stir in 2 cups of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken, a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning. Cook everything together for 2–3 minutes to let the spices mingle and the chilies soften. This is when the filling really comes alive with authentic Mexican flavors.

Step 3: Melt in the Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating a wonderfully gooey texture that holds the filling together inside the taquitos.

Step 4: Heat Tortillas to Prevent Cracking

Stack the tortillas and wrap them in damp paper towels. Pop them in the microwave on high for 60 seconds. This step warms and softens the tortillas, making them pliable so they roll easily without cracking or breaking during cooking.

Step 5: Roll Them Up Tight

Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of the chicken-cheese filling down the center of each tortilla. Roll them up as tightly as you can, sealing the edges to keep the filling secure. Remember, a tight roll means crisp, intact taquitos—no messy openings in the air fryer!

Step 6: Preheat and Arrange for Perfect Crisping

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket—give them space so the hot air can circulate freely and crisp every surface. If your air fryer is about 5.8 quarts, like mine, you can fit 6 taquitos per batch.

Step 7: Achieve the Ultimate Crunch

Spray the taquitos lightly with nonstick cooking spray, then air fry them at 400°F for 4–5 minutes. Flip carefully using tongs, spray again, and air fry for another 4–5 minutes. When they turn gorgeously golden brown and crispy all over, they’re ready to enjoy!

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Serve your crispy taquitos hot, alongside salsa, sour cream, chipotle sauce, or guacamole. Every bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by melty, spicy, cheesy chicken filling—perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun main dish.

Top Tip

Getting those taquitos perfectly crispy and full of flavor is easier than you think! Here are some tried-and-true tips that really make a difference when making this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe.

Roll Tightly: Make sure to roll your taquitos nice and snug so the filling stays put and they don't unravel during air frying.
Don't Skip the Spray: >Spraying the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray before air frying is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Taking a few extra minutes to let your air fryer reach 400°F before cooking helps lock in crunch and cooks evenly.
Batch Cooking: If your basket is smaller, cook in batches rather than overcrowding — air circulation is what creates that crispy finish!

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

These taquitos are delicious on their own, but adding some fresh garnishes really elevates the experience. Try topping them with chopped fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco, or a dollop of cool sour cream. For a little extra zing, drizzle chipotle sauce or a squeeze of lime over the top. Avocado slices or guacamole make a creamy, flavorful companion too!

Side Dishes

Serve your taquitos alongside refreshing sides like a zesty Mexican street corn salad, a crisp cabbage slaw, or simple Spanish rice. Black beans or refried beans are classic choices that pair beautifully and add heartiness. If you want to keep things light, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect to balance all that cheesy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cooked taquitos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy your delicious Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe again without any fuss.

Freezing

Uncooked, prepared taquitos freeze wonderfully! Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply air fry them from frozen—just add 2 minutes to each side’s cooking time, cooking for about 5-6 minutes per side at 400°F.

Reheating

Reheating leftover cooked taquitos is a breeze. Pop them back into the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and warmed through. This method keeps them tasting freshly made, unlike a microwave which can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas can be used to make gluten-free taquitos. Just be sure to warm them first to make them pliable so they roll without cracking.

How do I make the taquitos spicier?

To amp up the heat, use hot green chilies instead of mild ones and add 2-3 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce to the filling. You can also sauté some diced jalapeño or serrano peppers with the onions for extra kick.

Can I bake the taquitos instead of air frying?

Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, bake your taquitos in a 425°F oven. Use convection if available, spray them with cooking spray, bake for 6-7 minutes, flip, spray again, and bake another 6-7 minutes until golden and crispy.

How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling during cooking?

The key is to roll the taquitos tightly so the filling stays inside. Also, placing them seam-side down in the air fryer basket helps them hold their shape while cooking.

Final Thoughts

Making these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos is one of those kitchen wins that feels both satisfying and easy. From the first crunch to the last cheesy bite, they’re bursting with fresh, authentic flavor—perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I hope this recipe brings a little fiesta to your table and becomes one of your go-to Mexican appetizers or snacks for any occasion. Happy cooking and even happier eating!