Go Back
Homemade Chicken Taquitos (Baked or Air-Fryer) recipe photo

Chicken Taquitos (Baked or Air-Fryer)

Crispy baked or air-fried chicken taquitos filled with cheesy seasoned shredded chicken—easy to make and great for snacking or a meal.
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12 taquitos

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Sheet Pan
  • Air Fryer
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Brush or cooking spray

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder use 1 teaspoon combined with the other spices
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder use 1 teaspoon combined with the other spices
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin use 1 teaspoon combined with the other spices
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese or cheddar or your favorite melting cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened or at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup salsa of choice
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • oil or cooking spray for brushing or spraying taquitos
  • toppings (optional) sour cream, guacamole or avocado, tomato, cilantro, lime

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) if baking, or preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) if using an air fryer.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack (or chosen cheese), salsa, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste; mix until evenly combined.
  • Lay the tortillas flat and evenly divide the chicken mixture among the 12 tortillas, placing filling in a line near one edge, then roll each tortilla tightly to enclose the filling.
  • Place rolled taquitos seam-side down on a sheet pan (for oven) or prepare them for the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
  • Lightly brush each taquito with oil or spray all sides with cooking spray to promote browning and crisping.
  • To bake: arrange taquitos in a single layer on the sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, or until the outsides are golden and very crispy.
  • To air-fry: place taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer and air-fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, checking at 12 minutes to avoid burning, until crispy.
  • Remove taquitos when crispy, let cool slightly, and serve with optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole or avocado, tomato, cilantro, and lime.

Notes

  • Use warm-soft tortillas to prevent cracking when rolling.
  • Don’t overfill tortillas to keep taquitos sealed while cooking.
  • Check air fryer at 12 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Softened cream cheese blends more easily into the filling.