Cooked shredded chicken: This forms the hearty core and primary protein of your chicken taquitos. For ultimate convenience, consider using a store-bought rotisserie chicken, which can be quickly shredded. Alternatively, you can boil or bake chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then shred them using two forks or a stand mixer. Having perfectly cooked and seasoned chicken is the foundation of flavorful taquitos.

Shredded cheese: The cheese provides a creamy, gooey, and irresistibly melty texture that binds the chicken mixture together. A good Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese works wonderfully, offering a rich flavor that complements the spiced chicken. For best results, shred your own cheese from a block, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Garlic powder: This essential spice adds a foundational savory and aromatic note, deepening the overall flavor profile of your air fryer chicken taquitos. It provides a consistent garlic flavor throughout the filling without the moisture of fresh garlic.

Cumin: Known for its warm, earthy, and slightly smoky aroma, cumin is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine. It imparts an authentic depth of flavor that is absolutely crucial for distinguishing your homemade taquitos.

Chili powder: A blend of various spices, chili powder contributes a mild heat and a complex, rich, and slightly smoky flavor. It adds color and a subtle kick, making the chicken filling truly vibrant and irresistible. Adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level.

Small tortillas: These are the vessel for your delicious filling, forming the classic taquito shape. Corn tortillas are traditionally used and offer a distinct flavor and crispiness, but small flour tortillas also work well and can be more pliable. Whichever you choose, ensure they are warmed slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.

Olive oil: A light brushing of olive oil is key to achieving that desirable golden and **crispy texture** in the air fryer. It helps the tortillas become beautifully browned and crunchy, mimicking the effect of deep frying but with far less fat.

One common challenge when making taquitos is keeping them tightly rolled during the cooking process. To ensure your air fryer chicken taquitos maintain their perfect shape and achieve even cooking, we recommend a simple yet effective technique: use a toothpick to secure each taquito after rolling it. Insert one or two toothpicks through the taquito to hold the seam and prevent it from unraveling in the air fryer basket. This small step makes a significant difference, guaranteeing beautifully formed and consistent results every time. Just be sure to remove all toothpicks carefully before serving to avoid any surprises! Another tip is to place the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket, using their own weight to help hold them together if you prefer not to use toothpicks.

• Cooked shredded chicken – Substitute with cooked shredded turkey: Turkey is an excellent lean alternative that boasts a similar texture and mild flavor profile to chicken. When seasoned with the same spices, it makes a virtually seamless swap in your air fryer taquitos, ideal for post-holiday leftovers or simply for a change.

• Cooked shredded chicken – Substitute with cooked shredded pork: For a richer, more robust flavor, opt for shredded pork, such as carnitas or slow-cooked pulled pork. This substitution can offer a delightful and slightly different, yet equally delicious, depth to your taquito filling, making it feel like a new dish.

• Shredded cheese – Substitute with shredded mozzarella: If you’re looking for an incredibly melty and mild cheese, mozzarella is a fantastic choice. Its stretchiness and neutral flavor mean it will integrate perfectly with the spiced chicken, letting the other flavors shine while providing a creamy interior for your chicken taquitos.

• Shredded cheese – Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack: Monterey Jack is a classic in Mexican cuisine, known for its superb melting qualities and creamy, buttery flavor. It’s a natural fit for these taquitos, offering a familiar and satisfying cheesy core that melts beautifully in the air fryer.

• Garlic powder – Substitute with minced garlic: For a more pungent and fresh garlic kick, minced fresh garlic is an excellent alternative. Remember that fresh garlic is typically more potent than powder, so you might need to adjust the quantity (e.g., 1 clove minced garlic for 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder) and consider sautéing it briefly before mixing into the filling.

• Garlic powder – Substitute with onion powder: While different, onion powder can still add a savory depth that complements the other spices. It introduces a slightly sweeter, aromatic base flavor that works well with chicken and cheese, creating a harmonious blend in your taquito filling.

• Cumin – Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a brighter, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile, which can echo some of the earthy notes of cumin while adding its own unique complexity. It’s a great way to slightly shift the aromatic profile of your air fryer taquitos.

• Cumin – Substitute with smoked paprika: If you desire a deeper, smoky flavor that stands out, smoked paprika is an ideal substitute. It will infuse your chicken filling with a rich, savory smokiness that pairs incredibly well with the other Mexican spices, enhancing the overall taste.

• Chili powder – Substitute with paprika: For a milder option that still provides a vibrant color and gentle heat, regular paprika (sweet or hot) is a suitable alternative. It contributes to the visual appeal and adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors in your chicken taquitos.

• Chili powder – Substitute with cayenne pepper: If you love heat and want a significant spicy kick, cayenne pepper is your go-to. Be warned, it’s much spicier than chili powder, so start with a very small amount (e.g., 1/4 teaspoon) and taste test, adding more gradually until you reach your desired spice level.

• Small tortillas – Substitute with large tortillas: If only large tortillas are available, you can easily adapt. Cut them in half to create smaller, semi-circular pieces that can be rolled into a taquito shape, or simply roll them tighter for a thicker taquito. Warming them is even more crucial here for flexibility.

• Small tortillas – Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb, gluten-free, or extra-fresh option, crisp lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine) can replace tortillas. Fill them with the chicken mixture for a deconstructed taquito experience, offering a refreshing crunch without the carb load.

• Olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a fantastic alternative due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. It works just as effectively as olive oil to help your air fryer taquitos crisp up beautifully, making it a great choice for cooking at higher temperatures.

• Olive oil – Substitute with coconut oil: For a subtle, slightly sweet undertone, coconut oil can be used. It also has a relatively high smoke point and will contribute to the golden crispiness of your taquitos. Ensure you use refined coconut oil if you prefer a less pronounced coconut flavor.

• First and foremost, allow your freshly cooked air fryer chicken taquitos to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to store them. This crucial step prevents condensation from building up inside the container, which would otherwise make your crispy taquitos soggy and unappetizing.
• For short-term storage, place the cooled taquitos in an airtight container. If you need to stack multiple layers, use pieces of parchment paper to separate them. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their individual crispness.
• Stored properly in the refrigerator, your homemade chicken taquitos will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage and convenient meal prep, freezing is highly recommended. To freeze, arrange the cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the taquitos are completely solid. This “flash freezing” method ensures they don’t stick together when transferred to a bag.
• Once solid, transfer the frozen taquitos to a heavy-duty freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Don’t forget to label the bag with the date of freezing for easy tracking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen air fryer chicken taquitos, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand! Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook them directly from frozen for 8-12 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your taquitos, so check for internal heating and desired crispiness.
• For an even quicker snack, you can microwave the frozen taquitos for 1-2 minutes to heat them through internally, then transfer them to the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to get that perfect crispy exterior.
• Serve your reheated crispy taquitos with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the incredible convenience of having homemade, flavorful taquitos ready whenever a craving strikes!

• Oven Method (for ultimate crispiness): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For best results, place the leftover air fryer chicken taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack to allow air circulation. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through and have regained their delightful crisp texture. This method is excellent for reheating a larger batch.

• Air Fryer Method (quickest and crispiest): Your air fryer is the ideal tool for reheating taquitos, as it replicates their original crispness perfectly. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through, until they are hot and wonderfully crispy again. This method prevents them from becoming dry while ensuring a satisfying crunch.

• Stovetop Method (for a good crisp): For a stovetop reheat, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray to the pan. Once hot, carefully place the taquitos in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning gently with tongs, until they are heated through and have developed a fresh, crispy exterior. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan.

• Microwave Method (for speed, less crisp): If you’re truly in a hurry, the microwave can heat your taquitos quickly, though they will be less crispy. Place the taquitos on a microwave-safe plate and cover them loosely with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. This method is best followed by a quick crisping step if possible.

• Combination Method (best of both worlds): For an extra crispy finish with speed, combine methods. Start by microwaving the taquitos for about 1 minute to quickly heat the inside. Then, immediately transfer them to the air fryer or preheated oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the outside. This ensures a hot interior and a delightfully crunchy shell.

• Air fryer: This is the star appliance of this recipe, absolutely crucial for achieving perfectly crispy chicken taquitos without the mess and added fat of deep frying. Its circulating hot air cooks them quickly and evenly.

• Mixing bowl: A medium to large mixing bowl is essential for thoroughly combining the shredded chicken, cheese, and all the aromatic spices. This ensures every bite of your taquito filling is packed with consistent flavor.

• Measuring spoons: Accuracy in seasoning is key to great flavor. Measuring spoons are vital for precisely measuring the garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder, ensuring the perfect balance of savory and spicy notes.

• Basting brush: A small basting brush (silicone or natural bristles) is used to lightly coat the rolled taquitos with olive oil. This thin layer of oil is what helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and incredible crispiness in the air fryer.

• Tongs: Heat-resistant tongs are incredibly helpful for safely placing the rolled chicken taquitos into the hot air fryer basket and for carefully removing them once they are cooked and perfectly crisp, preventing burns.

• Cutting board: A clean, stable cutting board provides a hygienic and easy-to-clean surface for the assembly of your taquitos, offering a flat space to fill and roll each tortilla.

• Knife: While not strictly for the taquito rolling itself, a sharp knife is often useful for any preparatory work, such as shredding chicken if you’re not using pre-shredded, or making any adjustments to the tortillas if necessary.

• Serving plate: Once your air fryer chicken taquitos are cooked to crispy perfection, a sturdy and attractive serving plate is needed to present them hot to your eager family or guests, ready for dipping.

• Measuring cup: Essential for accurately portioning the cooked shredded chicken and shredded cheese, ensuring the filling is balanced and consistent across all your taquitos.

Prepare the filling ahead of time: One of the biggest time-savers is mixing the shredded chicken, cheese, and all the delicious spices a day or even two in advance. Store this flavorful filling in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, all you have to do is roll and air fry, drastically cutting down on active prep time.

Use rotisserie chicken: This is perhaps the ultimate shortcut! Instead of cooking and shredding chicken yourself, pick up a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. It’s already seasoned and perfectly tender, allowing you to bypass the cooking step entirely and move straight to shredding and mixing your taquito filling.

Preheat the air fryer efficiently: Don’t wait until your taquitos are fully assembled to start the air fryer. Begin to preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature while you are in the process of mixing the filling and rolling the taquitos. This way, the air fryer will be perfectly hot and ready to go as soon as your taquitos are prepared, saving precious minutes.

Batch cooking for future meals: When you’re making a batch of air fryer chicken taquitos, consider making a double or even triple batch. These taquitos freeze beautifully. Prepare them as usual, but instead of cooking all of them, freeze the extra uncooked taquitos. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. You’ll have a quick, homemade meal ready to air fry directly from frozen whenever you need it.

Set up an assembly line: To streamline the rolling process, create an efficient assembly line. Arrange your warmed tortillas, the prepared filling, and your olive oil (with a basting brush) in a sequence. This methodical approach will speed up the rolling and oiling process, making it much quicker and less messy to prepare all your taquitos.