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Air Fryer Ground Chicken Taquitos - Crispy, Fast, and Flavorful

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 10–12 small corn tortillas (6-inch) or flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack), optional
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Cooking spray or a little oil for the air fryer basket

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil so the taquitos don’t stick.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  3. Brown the chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
  4. Season it up: Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Add moisture and flavor: Pour in tomato sauce or salsa. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Off the heat, add lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust salt. Let it cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to roll.
  6. Warm the tortillas: For corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave 30–45 seconds until pliable. Keep them covered so they don’t dry out.
  7. Assemble: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Add a sprinkle of cheese if using. Roll tightly into a slim cylinder. Place seam-side down on a plate.
  8. Brush for crispiness: Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil. This helps them turn golden and crisp.
  9. Air fry in batches: Arrange taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd. Cook 7–9 minutes at 380°F, flipping halfway, until crisp and lightly browned. Thicker flour tortillas may need an extra minute.
  10. Serve: Let them cool 1–2 minutes so they hold together. Serve with your favorite sides and dips.