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Have a crispy snack in 10 minutes when you cook frozen taquitos in air fryer! Get tips and cooking times for two major brands and how they compare to homemade.
Cooking frozen taquitos in the air fryer is an easy, quick way to make them perfectly crunchy! Luckily, I’ve done all the experimenting for you, so you can learn from my mistakes. With this method, you will get the perfect level of crispness and not a single soggy spot! I tested with Jose Ole and Delimex brands as well as my favorite homemade chicken taquito recipe. You’re going to make the best taquitos ever on your very first try!
Want more frozen favorites in the air fryer? Try this easy fish taco recipe, air fryer fish and chips, or this meatball sub recipe!
Air Fryer Taquito Ingredients
- Frozen Taquitos – I tested with both Jose Ole and Delimex frozen taquitos (beef with corn tortillas), but you can use your favorite brand and type.
- Optional: Spray oil – If you want maximum crispiness, a spritz of oil will make these perfect.
How to Air Fry Frozen Taquitos
This could not be any more simple; all you need is an air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer. I know the manual says you can skip this, but just 3 minutes really does give you a more even, reliable cook.
- Cook taquitos. Spray the basket/rack with oil, then place taquitos inside. Keep them in a single layer with a little space between each for better texture. Cook in batches if you have to because overfilling the air fryer is exactly how you get soggy, unevenly cooked taquitos. Spray with oil if you want them extra crispy, then cook 4-6 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip taquitos for the best crispy texture on both sides.
- Remove and cool. Once the shell is a sizzling golden brown, you can pull them out of the air fryer. Allow to cool for a minute before eating; the shell will get crispier as you let it cool.
Delimex vs. Jose Ole Air Fryer Times
These two brands cook at the same temperature, but the shells cannot withstand the same amount of cooking. Jose Ole consistently cooked best at 4 minutes because the filling would burst out of the shell if you kept going. Delimex has a sturdier shell that takes slightly longer to crisp up, so found those were best at 6 minutes of cooking.
What to serve with taquitos
We like these best with this copycat Taco Bell creamy jalapeno sauce (it’s what makes their chicken quesadilla so good!), an herby jalapeno ranch dressing, or the best avocado cream for those who don’t like any spice. Add a side of Mexican Street Corn Salad, Black Bean Tostadas, or cilantro lime chicken in the air fryer if you’re extra hungry.
Storage and Reheating
These are best fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing as they can get quite tough. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds to warm the inside, then air fry for 1 minute at 380 degrees F to crisp up.
Crispy Frozen Taquitos FAQs
Yes! If your homemade taquitos are frozen, cook as directed. If your taquitos are fresh and room temperature, cook at 390 for 3-5 minutes instead for the best texture.
No, frozen taquitos are meant to be cooked straight from the freezer. That’s why the preheat matters; hitting that frozen shell with consistent, hot, circulating heat is what crisps them up fast. Thawed taquitos would cook faster like the fresh, homemade taquitos in the previous question.
If you prefer a softer bite, the air fryer can still work for you! To cook them without making them super crispy, leave out the spray oil and open the basket every 60 seconds to shake. This lowers the temperature a bit, prevents any side from being on the hot metal for too long, and gives you a softer taquito.
When a taquito crosses into “overcooked” territory, the filling expands so much that it can split the shell and burst out. A stronger shell can withstand more cooking, that’s why Delimex cooks two minutes longer than the Jose Ole brand.
Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fry Tater Tots
- Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
- Frozen Egg Rolls in Air Fryer
- Hot Dog Air Fryer
- Pizza Rolls in Air Fryer
Check here for all of my Air Fryer Recipes!
How to Air Fry Frozen Taquitos
Equipment
Ingredients
- Frozen or homemade taquitos, Tested with frozen beef taquitos in corn shells with both Delimex and Jose Ole brand. Also tested with homemade taquito; recipe in notes
Instructions
- Allow air fryer to preheat for 3 minutes. If using frozen taquitos, preheat to 370 degrees F; if using homemade taquitos, preheat to 390 degrees F.
- Cook frozen taquitos 4-6 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking. Homemade taquitos will be finished quicker than frozen, so begin checking those at 3 minutes.
Notes
- Homemade Taquito Recipe: https://easywraprecipes.com/air-fryer-buffalo-chicken-taquitos/
- Jose Ole brand was best pulled at 4 minutes, and Delimex brand was best pulled at 6 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi, I’m Maggie! After obtaining a Master of Education degree in 2020, I decided to combine my love of teaching with my passion for food. Cooking good food feeds our bodies and souls, but it also helps give us a confidence that empowers us far beyond the kitchen. I hope to share my knowledge and experience to help cooks of all levels create delicious meals, snacks, and desserts for everyone they love!
