Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are crispy, golden, and filled with a creamy, cheesy chicken mixture seasoned with salsa, spices, and fresh cilantro. They’re quick to make, family friendly, and perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even dinner.

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This post was last updated 9/2025.

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Shopping list:

• sour cream
• salsa
• chili powder
• cumin
• garlic powder
• seasoned salt
• shredded cheddar cheese
• cooked chicken
• cilantro
• fajita size flour tortillas
• olive oil spray
• salsa, guacamole or sour cream, for serving

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a quick and flavorful way to turn simple ingredients into a fun, family friendly meal. The filling combines sour cream, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, seasoned salt, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked chicken, and fresh cilantro for a creamy, zesty mixture that’s both hearty and full of flavor. Rolled up in fajita size flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy, the taquitos come out with the perfect crunch without needing to deep fry.

They’re great on their own but even better when served with classic sides like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light dinner, these taquitos are easy to prep and cook in under 30 minutes. Since they’re made in the air fryer, they’re lighter than traditional fried taquitos but still deliver all the satisfying crunch and cheesy goodness you crave.

Looking for more taquito recipes? Check out my Baked Cheddar Barbecue Chicken Taquitos or Air Fryer Ground Beef Taquitos!

Have some extra flour tortillas? Use them in these Jack o Lantern Quesadillas or Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas!

Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe 💙

Recipe tips and substitution ideas:

• To bake these taquitos in the oven, preheat to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray. Assemble the taquitos as directed, rolling them tightly and placing them seam side down on the baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray, then bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the tortillas are golden and crispy. 

• These taquitos also freeze beautifully for make ahead meals or snacks. Once assembled, place the uncooked taquitos in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be air fried from frozen at 400°F for 8-10 minutes or baked at 425°F for 20-22 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. 

• These taquitos are easy to customize with what you have on hand. Instead of chicken, try shredded turkey, ground beef, or pulled pork, and for a vegetarian twist, swap in beans or extra veggies. Cheddar cheese can be replaced with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend, while sour cream can be swapped for Greek yogurt if you’d like a lighter option. Corn tortillas also work, though warming them before rolling helps prevent cracking. To add more flavor, mix in sautéed onions, peppers, zucchini, or corn, stir in beans for heartiness, or spice things up with jalapeños, green chiles, or cayenne. A squeeze of lime juice or dash of hot sauce adds brightness, and topping the taquitos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or avocado after cooking turns them into a taco style feast.

• Freshly shredded cheese is always the best choice because it melts more smoothly and tastes richer than pre shredded cheese. Store bought shreds are coated with anti caking agents and preservatives that can make the cheese drier and prevent it from melting evenly, while fresh cheese gives you that gooey, creamy texture every time.

Our favorite kitchen equipment and supplies used with this recipe:

• Parchment Paper Sheets
• Rotary Cheese Grater
• Ninja Air Fryer
• Mini Tongs

Yield 12 taquitos

Author Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Prep time

15 Min

Cook time

6 Min

Total time

21 Min

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping, these air fryer chicken taquitos pack big flavor in every bite. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them a delicious and easy option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 12 fajita size flour tortillas
• olive oil spray
• salsa, guacamole or sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, seasoned salt, cheese, chicken, and cilantro until well combined.
2. Working with one tortilla at a time, spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture across the lower third of the tortilla. Roll up tightly and place seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
3. Arrange the taquitos seam side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray. (Cook in batches if necessary.)
4. Air fry at 400°F for 2–3 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
5. Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

184

Fat

8 g

Sat. Fat

4 g

Carbs

16 g

Fiber

1 g

Net carbs

15 g

Sugar

2 g

Protein

11 g

Sodium

387 mg

Cholesterol

30 mg

Hot Eats and Cool Reads is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you try from this blog/website. You may not always have the same results due to variations in ingredients, humidity, altitude, cooking temperatures, typos, errors, omissions, or individual cooking abilities. 

You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual's dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual.

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