Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

5 from 4 votes

These crunchy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos are a healthier alternative to the classic Mexican dish. They're made with seasoned ground beef, a generous amount of shredded cheese, and crispy corn tortillas. This is the perfect recipe for when you’re in need of some major comfort food!

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings taquitos

Calories 174

Author Jessica Kwon

Equipment

Air fryer

Ingredients

12 corn tortillas
½ tablespoon cooking oil
¾ lb ground beef
¼ onion diced; about ¼ cup
1 jalapeno diced; about ¼ cup
1 tablespoon chili powder
1½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon paprika
2-3 cloves garlic minced
3 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
1½ cup shredded cheese I recommend cheddar, oaxaca, mozzarella, and/oor Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Sliced cabbage, salsa, lime, cilantro optional toppings

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Warm 2-3 tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over an open flame on medium heat. Heat for 30-60 seconds on each side until pliable, then wrap in foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas, then set aside.
High oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, paprika, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook and stir, crumbling beef, for about 2-3 minutes until beef is no longer pink. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and use slotted spoon to transfer to a heat-proof bowl, discarding as much fat as possible.
To the bowl, add hot sauce and cheese. Stir to combine and season to taste.
Spoon 2-3 tablespoon of the filling about ⅓ of the way from the edge of a tortilla. Fold the shortest end over the filling and keep rolling as tightly as possible. Secure with a toothpick through the sides.
Preheat air fryer to 380°F. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply turn it on at 380°F and let warm up for 3-4 minutes.
When hot, spray or brush basket with oil. Add taquitos in a single layer, making sure there's space in between each one. Spray taquitos with oil and air fry for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining taquitos.
Each air fryer is different and your temperature and time settings may be different. I recommend testing out a single taquito first.
Remove toothpicks. Option to top taquitos with shredded cabbage, salsa or pico de gallo, fresh lime, cilantro, green onion, sour cream, and/or avocado.

Notes

To Bake Taquitos: Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone mat for easy clean-up. Place a wire rack inside the baking sheet and place taquitos in a single layer on top. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
Storing Leftovers: Cool completely, then place into an air-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Let cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet with space between each taquito. Freeze for 2 hours, then place into freezer-safe zip-top bags or air-tight containers. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm up in the microwave or in the air fryer at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition