How To Cook Frozen Taquitos In Air Fryer

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

When it comes to a quick and delicious snack or appetizer, frozen taquitos are hard to beat. These crispy, flavorful treats are a favorite among both kids and adults. While there are several cooking methods available, using an air fryer to cook frozen taquitos is a game-changer. With the air fryer’s unique ability to circulate hot air evenly around the food, you can achieve a perfectly crispy exterior without the need for oil. In this article, we will guide you through the simple and hassle-free process of cooking frozen taquitos in an air fryer.

Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s go over the equipment you will need for this delicious endeavor.

Equipment Needed

To cook frozen taquitos in an air fryer, you will need the following equipment:

• Air Fryer: Ensure that you have a reliable air fryer with adjustable temperature settings. Different air fryer models may vary in cooking times and temperature settings, so refer to your specific user manual if needed.
• Frozen Taquitos: Choose your favorite brand and flavor of frozen taquitos from the grocery store. You can find a variety of options, from chicken and cheese to beef and bean-filled taquitos.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: While air frying doesn’t require added oil for cooking, a light spritz of cooking spray or a brush of oil can help enhance the crispy texture of the taquitos.
• Tongs or Forks: These will come in handy for flipping the taquitos during the cooking process and removing them from the air fryer basket.

Once you have gathered all the necessary equipment, it’s time to start cooking those delicious frozen taquitos!

Step 1: Preheating the Air Fryer

The first step to cooking frozen taquitos in an air fryer is to preheat the appliance. Preheating the air fryer ensures that it reaches the optimal cooking temperature, resulting in perfectly crispy taquitos.

Here’s how to preheat your air fryer:

1. Plug in your air fryer and make sure it is placed on a heat-resistant surface with ample space around it.
2. Open the air fryer basket and remove any accessories or trays that may be inside.
3. Close the basket and set the temperature dial to the recommended temperature for cooking frozen taquitos. This temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, but a common temperature range is between 400-425°F (200-220°C).
4. Turn the timer dial to the desired cooking time. Frozen taquitos usually require around 6-10 minutes of cooking time, but it’s best to follow the instructions on the packaging for your specific brand and size of taquitos.
5. Press the “preheat” or “start” button on your air fryer and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes. Some air fryers have a preheating indicator light that will turn on to signal that the preheating process is in progress.

During the preheating process, you can take this time to gather your frozen taquitos and any other ingredients or toppings you plan to serve with them.

Once the air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you’re ready to move on to the next step: arranging the frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Arranging the Frozen Taquitos

Now that your air fryer is preheated and ready to go, it’s time to arrange the frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket. Proper placement of the taquitos will allow for even cooking and crispy results.

Follow these steps to arrange the frozen taquitos:

1. Open the air fryer basket and place it on a stable surface.
2. Take out the desired number of frozen taquitos from the packaging. Make sure to leave enough space between them for the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.
3. Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper airflow and cooking.
4. If your air fryer has separate trays or racks, you can use them to stack the taquitos, but make sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.

Once you have arranged the frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket, it’s time to move on to the next step: setting the cooking time and temperature.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F, then place the frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and heated through. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Step 3: Cooking Time and Temperature

Now that your frozen taquitos are arranged in the air fryer basket, it’s time to set the cooking time and temperature. The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on your air fryer model and the size and brand of the taquitos you are cooking. However, the following guidelines will give you a good starting point:

1. Set the temperature to 400-425°F (200-220°C). This temperature range is often recommended for cooking frozen taquitos in an air fryer.
2. Set the cooking time to 6-10 minutes. Again, the exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your taquitos, as well as your personal preference for crispiness.

It’s important to note that these are general recommendations. It’s always best to refer to the specific instructions on the packaging of your frozen taquitos and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Once you have set the cooking time and temperature, it’s time to move on to the next step: flipping the taquitos halfway through the cooking process.

Step 4: Flipping the Taquitos

To ensure that your frozen taquitos cook evenly on all sides and achieve that delightful crispy texture, it’s important to flip them halfway through the cooking process. Flipping the taquitos allows both sides to be exposed to the circulating hot air in the air fryer.

Follow these steps to flip the taquitos:

1. Set a timer for half of the total cooking time. For example, if your taquitos need to cook for 8 minutes, set the timer for 4 minutes.
2. Once the timer goes off, open the air fryer basket and carefully flip each taquito using tongs or forks. Be cautious as the taquitos may be hot.
3. After flipping, close the air fryer basket and continue cooking for the remaining time as per the original cooking instructions.

Flipping the taquitos ensures that both sides become uniformly crispy and delicious. It’s a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture and taste.

Once the remaining cooking time is complete, it’s time to move on to the next step: checking for doneness.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

As the cooking time for your frozen taquitos comes to an end, it’s essential to check for doneness to ensure they are cooked thoroughly. Checking for doneness helps you avoid undercooking or overcooking the taquitos.

Here’s what you need to do to check if the taquitos are done:

1. Carefully open the air fryer basket and use a fork or tongs to remove one taquito from the air fryer.
2. Insert a fork or toothpick into the center of the taquito. If it comes out hot and the filling is piping hot, the taquito is most likely cooked through.
3. If the taquito is not fully cooked, place it back into the air fryer and continue cooking for an additional minute or two, then re-check for doneness.
4. Repeat this process with another taquito if needed until they are all cooked through.

Remember that cooking times can vary depending on the brand, size, and thickness of the taquitos, as well as personal preferences for crispiness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly during this checking phase.

Once you have determined that the taquitos are cooked through, it’s time to proceed to the last step: serving and enjoying your delicious snack!

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

Congratulations, your frozen taquitos are now perfectly cooked in the air fryer! It’s time to serve them up and enjoy this tasty snack or appetizer.

Follow these steps to serve and enjoy your delicious taquitos:

1. Using tongs or forks, carefully transfer the cooked taquitos from the air fryer basket to a serving plate or platter.
2. Allow the taquitos to cool for a few minutes before handling, as they will be hot.
3. Serve the taquitos as they are, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
4. Garnish the taquitos with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
5. Serve the taquitos alongside some crispy tortilla chips or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Now, all that’s left is to dig in and enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade air-fried frozen taquitos. Grab one, take a bite, and savor the crispy shell and flavorful filling.

Experiment with different flavors and brands of frozen taquitos to find your favorites and make this quick and easy snack your go-to option for any occasion.

Remember to clean your air fryer basket and accessories after use, following the manufacturer’s instructions, for easy maintenance and longevity of your appliance.

That’s it! You have successfully mastered the art of cooking frozen taquitos in an air fryer. Enjoy your tasty creation and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!