Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

Today, we decided to take Taco Tuesday up a notch and serve these delicious and easy air fryer beef taquitos; they are easy to make and are perfect for a quick dinner or family-friendly lunch! 

Are you looking to satisfy your craving for some delicious, crunchy, and savory taquitos without all the deep-frying mess? Then look no further!

Our easy-to-follow beef taquito recipe is made in an air fryer which means it’s both super convenient and healthy with less oil. Whether you want a quick snack or an amazing after-school treat for your kids, these beef taquitos will hit all the right spots! So grab your ingredients, preheat the air fryer, and let’s get started!

What Are Beef Taquitos

Beef taquitos are a popular Mexican dish made with rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and other ingredients, such as cheese, beans, and vegetables. The filled tortillas are then fried until crispy and golden brown, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a savory and flavorful interior.

Beef taquitos are typically served as an appetizer or snack and can be enjoyed with various dipping sauces and toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.

Why Cook Beef Taquitos In Air Fryer

Cooking beef taquitos in an air fryer is a healthier and more convenient alternative to deep frying. Air fryers use hot air to circulate around the food, cooking it evenly and producing a crispy exterior without needing a lot of oil.

This results in taquitos that are just as crispy and delicious as their deep-fried counterparts but with significantly less fat and calories. Additionally, cooking taquitos in an air fryer is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes to cook and requiring minimal prep work. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthier way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish without sacrificing taste and texture.​

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Beef Taquitos​

Are you ready to get your crunch on? Air fryer beef homemade taquitos are a delicious and healthy version of everyone’s favorite Mexican snack.

These savory bites will surely hit the spot with just the right combination of spicy ground beef, fresh ingredients, and a coating of crispy shells! Best of all? This recipe requires minimal effort and only calls for a few simple ingredients – all of which can easily be found in most local grocery stores. Ready to learn more? Read on to find out what you need for air fryer beef taquitos!

​Remember the step-by-step instructions below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page and the nutritional information.

• ​Ground Beef
• Taco Seasoning
• Tortilla: Use flour tortillas or corn tortillas
• Favorite Toppings: Shredded Cheese, Pico de Gallo, Green Onions, Sour Cream, Refried Beans, Guacamole, Salsa, Cilantro, Lime Wings, etc. 

​How To Cook  Homemade Beef Taquitos In Air Fryer

Taco Tuesday night just got much tastier with these delicious beef taquitos recipes! Not only are they incredibly simple to make, but cooking them in an air fryer makes them extra crunchy so that you won’t miss out on all that traditional deep-frying goodness.

Plus, the best part about this recipe is that it requires minimal time and effort – you’ll have fresh and tasty beef taquitos ready for dinner in no time at all. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to switch up your next taco night meal, this is the perfect recipe.

Step One: Cook The Taco Meat

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking up any large clumps with a wooden spoon. Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir until the beef is coated in the spices. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step Two: Warm Tortilla

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (200°C). Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable. For best results, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel.

Step Three: Assemble Homemade Taquitos

Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll up the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving a small space between each taquito in a single layer.  Spray the taquitos with cooking spray to help them brown and crisp up in the air fryer.

Step Four: Air Fry The Beef Taquitos

Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Step Five: Serving

Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Pro Tips For The Best Air Fryer Beef Taquitos​

• Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the filling. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative.
• Warm the tortillas before rolling them up to prevent them from cracking and breaking.
• Don’t overfill the tortillas with the beef mixture and cheese; it can cause them to burst open while cooking. A small amount of filling is all you need.
• Spray the taquitos with cooking spray to help them brown and get crispy in the air fryer. Or brush the tortillas with olive oil or avocado oil, giving you a crispy corn tortilla.
• Flip the taquitos halfway through cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
• Serve the taquitos hot with your favorite toppings and dipping sauces.
• Customize the filling by adding other ingredients, such as beans, onions, iceberg lettuce, or peppers, to make them more flavorful and nutritious.

Best Taquitos Toppings

Here are some popular toppings for beef taquitos:

• Guacamole: A creamy and flavorful topping made with mashed avocado, diced onions, tomatoes, and lime juice.
• Salsa: A classic tomato-based sauce with various ingredients such as onions, jalapenos, and cilantro that add a bit of heat and freshness to the taquitos.
• Sour cream: A cooling and tangy topping that balances out the spiciness of the taquitos.
• Shredded lettuce: A crunchy and refreshing topping that adds texture and nutrition to the taquitos.
• Diced tomatoes: Fresh and juicy tomatoes that add a burst of flavor and color to the taquitos.
• Cilantro: A fragrant and flavorful herb that adds color and freshness to the taquitos.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice on top of the taquitos adds a bright and zesty flavor to the dish.

Mix and match these toppings according to your taste preferences and create your perfect combination of flavors and textures.

​Frequently Asked Questions

​Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for the taquitos?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn, but remember that they may not get as crispy in the air fryer.

How do I prevent the taquitos from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Make sure to spray the taquitos with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. You can also line the basket with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking.

Can I make the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can make the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. To store in the fridge, let them cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and consume them within 1-2 months.

How can I make the taquitos healthier?

You can make the taquitos healthier by using lean ground beef or turkey, using low-fat cheese or skipping it altogether, and adding more vegetables to the filling, such as diced onions, peppers, or spinach.

Can I reheat the taquitos in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat the taquitos in the air fryer by cooking them at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Kielbasa Recipe
• Air Fryer Sausage
• Air Fryer Italian Sausage
• Air Fryer Potato Slices
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Bombs
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Hand Pies
• Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup
• Ninja Foodi Whole Chicken Recipe