These Air Fried Tossed Taquitos take a simple frozen snack and turn it into something truly special! With just a few ingredients—hot sauce, butter, cotija cheese, and cilantro—you can transform basic taquitos into a flavor-packed, crispy delight. The air fryer does all the hard work, making this a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy nights or last-minute appetizers.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a fast meal, or just craving something crunchy and delicious, these buffalo-style taquitos will hit the spot. The combination of buttery heat, melty cheese, and the fresh pop of cilantro makes every bite irresistible. Pair with sour cream or your favorite dip for the ultimate snacking experience!
Full Recipe:
- 24 frozen chicken taquitos
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for dipping)
Directions:
- Preheat an air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket and cook for about 8 minutes or until they become slightly crispy.
- While the taquitos cook, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in hot sauce until well combined.
- Once the taquitos are crispy, toss them in the buttered hot sauce mixture until well coated.
- Transfer the coated taquitos to a serving platter and sprinkle them with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with sour cream for dipping.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 13 minutes
Calories: 534 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Air Fried Tossed Taquitos – The Ultimate Crispy Snack
Air Fried Tossed Taquitos are a delicious and easy way to elevate frozen taquitos into a restaurant-quality snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform store-bought chicken taquitos into a crispy, spicy, and cheesy delight. This dish is perfect for game nights, quick dinners, or as an appetizer for any gathering. Thanks to the air fryer, you can achieve a perfectly crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
What Makes Air Fried Tossed Taquitos Special?
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You start with frozen chicken taquitos, which are already packed with flavor, and then give them an extra boost with a buttery hot sauce mixture. The final touch of crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro takes this dish to the next level. The result? A snack that is crunchy, spicy, and cheesy all in one bite.
This recipe is also incredibly fast to prepare. In less than 15 minutes, you have a satisfying dish that is great for any occasion. Whether you need a quick dinner, a snack for guests, or a fun addition to taco night, these tossed taquitos are a fantastic choice.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Taquitos?
Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason. They allow you to achieve crispy, golden-brown results with little to no oil. In this recipe, the air fryer helps cook the taquitos evenly, ensuring they have a perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the inside warm and flavorful.
Unlike deep frying, which requires a large amount of oil and can be messy, the air fryer provides a healthier and more convenient alternative. It also cooks food faster than a conventional oven, making it an excellent tool for busy home cooks.
The Perfect Game-Day or Party Snack
If you’re looking for an easy snack to serve at a party or while watching your favorite game, these Air Fried Tossed Taquitos are a great option. They are handheld, mess-free, and packed with flavor, making them ideal for sharing. Serve them with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite salsa to add even more deliciousness.
For larger gatherings, you can make multiple batches and keep them warm in the oven until you’re ready to serve. Pair them with other finger foods like nachos, queso dip, or jalapeño poppers for the ultimate game-day spread.
Customizing Your Taquitos
One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. While the original version uses chicken taquitos, you can easily switch it up to fit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Beef or Pork Taquitos – If you prefer a heartier meat option, beef or pork taquitos will work just as well.
- Vegetarian Option – Many brands offer cheese or black bean taquitos, making this recipe easy to adapt for vegetarians.
- Extra Spicy – If you love heat, try adding a few dashes of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the butter mixture.
- Cheese Variations – Cotija cheese adds a great salty flavor, but you can experiment with feta, shredded cheddar, or even queso fresco.
- Toppings and Dips – Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try adding sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of lime crema for extra freshness.
Healthier Alternative to Fried Taquitos
Traditional deep-fried taquitos can be high in fat and calories due to the amount of oil used in the cooking process. By air frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil needed while still achieving the same crispy texture.
Additionally, by using fresh toppings like cilantro and cotija cheese, you add flavor without the need for excessive salt or heavy sauces. This makes air-fried taquitos a better option for those looking for a lighter snack that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Pairing Suggestions
These tossed taquitos are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary dishes can make them even better. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside them:
- Mexican Rice – A simple side of seasoned rice makes this a more filling meal.
- Refried Beans – Creamy and flavorful, refried beans add a great texture contrast.
- Fresh Salsa – A homemade pico de gallo or salsa verde brings a refreshing balance to the spice.
- Avocado Crema – A smooth, tangy sauce made with avocado, lime juice, and sour cream enhances the overall flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until they are crispy again. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make them soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the tossed taquitos before adding the cheese and cilantro. When ready to eat, reheat them directly from frozen and then add the toppings after they’re warm.
Conclusion
Air Fried Tossed Taquitos are a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy a crispy snack without the hassle of deep frying. With a few simple ingredients, you can take frozen taquitos to a whole new level, making them perfect for busy nights, parties, or casual snacking. The combination of spicy hot sauce, buttery coating, and salty cotija cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.