Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Beef Taquitos deliver all the crunch and flavor of deep-fried taquitos—without the extra oil or mess. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping the filling juicy and cheesy inside. They’re freezer-friendly, family-approved, and customizable with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, jalapeños

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and a few tablespoons of water, cooking until the mixture is well coated and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for 20–30 seconds (covered with a damp paper towel) to make them pliable.
5. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture along the center of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Tightly roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
7. Lightly spray the taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp.
8. Arrange taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
9. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 taquitos.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy beef taquitos: Mix cream cheese or queso into the beef filling for extra creaminess.
• Spicy taquitos: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to the filling.
• Baked version: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of air frying.
• Chicken taquitos: Use shredded cooked chicken with taco seasoning instead of beef.
• Vegetarian: Replace beef with black beans, corn, and sautéed peppers for a meat-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until crispy. To freeze, place uncooked or cooked taquitos on a baking sheet until solid, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen for 10–12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, but corn tortillas are more traditional. Flour tortillas will be softer and less crunchy.

How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking?

Warm them before rolling so they’re flexible and easier to handle.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the taquitos and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking.

Do I need to spray oil on them before air frying?

Yes, a light coating of oil ensures a crispy, golden finish.

What dipping sauces go well with beef taquitos?

Try salsa, guacamole, queso dip, or spicy ranch.

Can I use leftover taco meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! It’s a great way to use up leftover seasoned beef.

How long should I cook frozen taquitos in the air fryer?

About 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway through.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, if you use corn tortillas and gluten-free taco seasoning.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, finely chopped peppers, onions, or corn add great flavor and texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Beef Taquitos are a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal or snack that combines crispy tortillas with a flavorful beef filling. With minimal oil and maximum crunch, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fried taquitos without sacrificing taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, these taquitos are sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.

Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

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Air Fryer Beef Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with seasoned ground beef—all cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic Tex-Mex favorite. They’re perfect for appetizers, snacks, or an easy dinner everyone will love.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 10 taquitos
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 10 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if preferred)
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and a few tablespoons of water, then cook until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
4. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20–30 seconds covered with a damp paper towel until pliable.
5. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture along the center of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
7. Lightly spray taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp.
8. Arrange taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
9. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or dipping sauces.

Notes

• Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Use leftover taco meat to save prep time.
• Freeze uncooked or cooked taquitos for up to 2 months.
• Air fry from frozen for 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• For a creamy filling, mix in a little cream cheese or queso.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 taquitos
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 55mg