These air fryer taquitos are the ultimate weeknight dinner! With just five ingredients and 15 minutes from start to finish, they’re crispy, cheesy, and satisfying enough that our whole family requests them weekly.
When I first got my air fryer, I was skeptical about whether it was as great as everyone claimed. But after one test batch of these taquitos (and this air fryer chicken), I was sold! These air fryer taquitos come out golden and crispy without any oil, and they take a fraction of the time that traditional versions require.
What I love most is how this recipe transforms just five simple ingredients—refried beans, salsa, cheese, tortillas, and a touch of chili powder—into a dinner that satisfies everyone in our house! From our pickiest eater to Alex and me, these taquitos hit all the right notes: creamy filling, crispy exterior, and melted cheese in every bite. This is a crowd favorite in our weeknight dinners!
Why this air fryer taquitos recipe is a great fast dinner idea
After making these countless times, I’ve discovered why the air fryer method works so much better than traditional cooking methods:
- Super speedy: At 390°F, these cook in about 7 minutes total, with no oven preheating time required. Perfect for when you’re hungry…now!
- No oil needed: The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates that perfect crispy exterior without any added oil, making these healthier than deep-fried versions while still delivering amazing texture.
- Minimal cleanup: No oil splattering, no large baking sheets to wash—just the air fryer basket to clean, which takes seconds.
Air fryer recommendation
I use this air fryer with a large basket that fits multiple pieces comfortably and is surprisingly easy to clean. For taquitos, it fits 8 taquitos comfortably. The non-stick surface is a game-changer for quick cleanup.
Two pro tips for making air fryer taquitos
Here are a few tips I’ve discovered after testing this air fryer taquitos recipe multiple times:
- Flour tortillas stay together better: Traditional Mexican taquitos are made with corn tortillas. You can use them here (which makes them gluten free), but I’ve found they often split when rolled. I suggest microwaving the corn tortillas with a damp paper towel to help with the rolling. Typically we use flour tortillas for this recipe (even though that’s more traditional for flautas, it’s easier for assembly).
- Use a toothpick: When making taquitos in the air fryer, they easily become unrolled. The solution? A toothpick! It keeps them together while they cook.
Serving suggestions that make dinner complete
While these air fryer taquitos are delicious on their own, I like to set up a little “taquito bar” for dinner:
- Essential dips: Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream are the classics—mix a little hot sauce into the sour cream if you like a spicy kick.
- Quick sides: A simple side salad, some fresh tomato slices, or even just a bag of salad greens dressed with lime juice makes this feel like a complete meal. You can also make ahead something like cilantro lime rice.
- Make it festive: Add some sliced green onions or jalapeños, diced onions, and fresh cilantro for people to customize their plates.
Storage and reheating tips
These air fryer taquitos are great for meal prep:
Leftover storage: Store cooled taquitos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer option: You can freeze assembled, uncooked taquitos for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Best reheating method: The air fryer reheats these perfectly! Just 2-3 minutes at 350°F will restore that crispy exterior. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it makes them soggy.
Make-ahead tip: You can assemble these in the morning, refrigerate, and air fry them when you get home for an even quicker dinner solution.
Dietary notes
These air fryer taquitos are vegetarian and gluten-free with corn tortillas. For vegan and dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese (we like the brand Daiya).
Air Fryer Taquitos
These air fryer taquitos are the ultimate weeknight dinner! With just five ingredients and 15 minutes from start to finish, they’re crispy, cheesy, and satisfying enough that our whole family requests them weekly. For a baked version, go to Baked Flautas (Taquitos).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 14 taquitos
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Tex Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 15-oz can refried beans
- ¼ cup salsa, plus more to serve
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (quantity is approximate; add a handful to each taquito)
- 14 6-inch flour or corn tortillas*
- Olive oil, for brushing (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, for sprinkling
- For serving: guacamole, hot sauce, sour cream, etc
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F while you make the taquitos (or 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, mix together the refried beans, salsa, and chili powder.
- If using corn tortillas, microwave for 30 seconds on a plate with a damp paper towel. (We find using flour tortillas works best.)
- Lay a tortilla on a work surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the bean mixture in a dollop onto the bottom half of the tortilla. Be careful not to use too much! Tightly roll the tortilla from the bottom (the filling will spread out and hold the tortilla together). Secure with a toothpick.
- When all taquitos are assembled, brush or spray with oil (optional; we generally skip this because the air fryer makes them very crispy).
- Place in a single layer (our air fryer basket fits 8 at a time) and cook about 5 minutes until lightly browned. Then carefully remove the taquitos from the basket, remove the toothpicks, flip and cook for about 2 minutes more until lightly browned. (Keep in mind, if you forgot to preheat it just takes a few extra minutes to cook!)
- Cool 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with toppings as desired.
Notes
For a baked version, go to Baked Flautas (Taquitos).
