Description
These Air Fryer Beef Taquitos feature lean ground beef seasoned with taco spices, mixed with sharp cheddar cheese, and rolled in tortillas. Cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, they offer a delicious, low-fat, and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix (homemade or store bought, check for gluten-free)
- 4 ounce can diced green chiles, drained
- 1½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Taquitos
- 16 tortillas - fajita size flour, 6-inch corn, or 50/50 blend (corn for gluten-free)
- Avocado oil nonstick cooking spray (must be non-propellant)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and diced green chiles, cooking for another 2 minutes until well combined and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Combine with cheese: Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and mix in the grated sharp cheddar cheese thoroughly. This helps bind the filling and adds rich flavor.
- Assemble the taquitos: Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them tightly into cylinders. Use a toothpick if needed to hold the roll together.
- Prepare for air frying: Lightly spray each taquito with avocado oil nonstick cooking spray on all sides to ensure crispiness. Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
- Cook the taquitos: Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the taquitos carefully from the air fryer. Serve hot with optional sides like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce for a complete meal.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use corn tortillas and verify the taco seasoning is gluten-free.
- Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent cracking.
- If you prefer extra crispiness, spray the taquitos again halfway through cooking.
- Ground turkey or shredded chicken can be used as alternative proteins.
- Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 187 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 331 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
