Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taquitos are versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them perfect for different tastes and dietary preferences. This recipe delivers perfectly crispy taquitos with a tender, flavorful filling inside. Whether you use chicken, beef, or a vegetarian option like black beans, these taquitos are easy to make, fun to eat, and always delicious. Plus, they can be made in advance and stored in the freezer for later, so you can enjoy them anytime you want a tasty, crispy snack.

Ingredients

For the Taquito Filling:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded) or ground beef (or black beans for a vegetarian option)

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)

  • 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas (depending on the size of your tortillas)

For Frying:

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or spray oil for air frying)

For Serving:

  • Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or any dipping sauce of your choice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Cook the meat: If using ground beef, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

    If you’re using shredded chicken, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts and shred them.

  2. Season the filling: Add the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and salt and pepper to the meat (or black beans, if using). Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. If desired, mix in some fresh cilantro for added flavor.

  3. Add cheese: Remove the filling from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and binds the filling together. Set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Taquitos:

  1. Warm the tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking.

  2. Fill the tortillas: Place a small amount of the filling in the center of each tortilla (about 2 tablespoons, depending on the size). Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, securing the ends. Repeat until all the tortillas are filled.

Cook the Taquitos:

  1. Frying method:

    • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the taquitos seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.

  2. Air frying method:

    • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the taquitos lightly with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

  1. Serve hot: Remove the taquitos from the pan and drain any excess oil on a paper towel. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

  2. Enjoy: Enjoy these crispy, cheesy taquitos as an appetizer, snack, or main course!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6 (depending on the size of the taquitos)

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes

  • Cooking time: 10-15 minutes (depending on frying method)

  • Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian taquitos: Use black beans, roasted vegetables, or refried beans as the filling for a vegetarian option. Add some sautéed onions, bell peppers, and corn for extra flavor and texture.

  • Spicy taquitos: Add jalapeños, diced green chilies, or a bit of hot sauce to the filling for some extra heat.

  • Breakfast taquitos: For a breakfast version, add scrambled eggs  to the filling.

  • Cheese-only taquitos: For a simpler option, you can just use cheese and some seasoning as the filling, making a delicious cheesy snack.

  • Baked taquitos: If you prefer not to fry, you can brush the taquitos with a little oil and bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

  • Reheating: To reheat, place the taquitos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas, though they tend to be a bit more fragile and may crack when rolled. To prevent this, heat them up before filling them.

2. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the taquitos and store them in the refrigerator before frying or baking. When you’re ready to cook, just fry or bake them until crispy.

3. Can I freeze taquitos?

Yes, you can freeze taquitos. To freeze, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, air fry or bake them directly from frozen for about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

4. Can I use store-bought fillings?

Yes, you can use store-bought fillings like rotisserie chicken or even canned refried beans to save time.

5. Can I make these taquitos without frying?

Yes! You can bake or air fry the taquitos for a healthier option. Baking or air frying will give them a crispy texture without the oil.

6. How can I make the taquitos extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, spray the taquitos with cooking spray before frying or baking. This helps create a golden, crunchy exterior.

Conclusion

Taquitos are the ultimate crispy, flavorful, and customizable Mexican dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you fry them, bake them, or air fry them, these golden, crunchy rolls filled with tasty fillings will be a hit every time. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish with your favorite sauces, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of homemade taquitos!

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Taquitos

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Fried, Air Fried, Baked
  • Cuisine: Mexican
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Description

Taquitos are a popular Mexican dish made by rolling seasoned meat or vegetables inside tortillas, then frying them until crispy and golden. These mini rolled tacos are easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded) or ground beef (or black beans for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas (depending on the size of your tortillas)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or spray oil for air frying)
  • Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or any dipping sauce of your choice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling:
    Cook the meat (if using ground beef), cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat. For shredded chicken, use leftover or cooked chicken breasts. Add garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and stir in chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add cheese:
    Remove the filling from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts. Set aside to cool.
  3. Assemble the Taquitos:
    Warm tortillas to make them more pliable. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each tortilla, then roll tightly around the filling.
  4. Cook the Taquitos:
    For frying: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook taquitos for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
    For air frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C), lightly spray with oil, and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Serve:
    Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Notes

For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.For vegetarian taquitos, use black beans or roasted vegetables as the filling.If you prefer to bake, brush the taquitos with a little oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taquito
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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