Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Simple and Tasty

If you crave a quick, tasty snack, you will love these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos! They combine spicy buffalo chicken and creamy cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This simple recipe is perfect for game day or a weeknight treat. In just a few steps, you can have a crunchy, flavorful bite that satisfies your taste buds. Let’s dive into these delicious taquitos and discover how easy they are to make!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
– 6 small flour tortillas
– ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
Seasonings and Optional Ingredients
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish
In this recipe for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, the key ingredients shine through. You need shredded chicken, which is the base of your filling. Use cooked chicken for easy prep. Next, buffalo sauce adds that spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste.
Shredded cheese brings creaminess and great flavor. Cheddar or pepper jack works well here. The flour tortillas are your wrap, and they hold the taquitos together. Cream cheese adds richness and helps bind the filling.
For seasonings, garlic and onion powder enhance the taste. Olive oil gives a nice golden color and crispness when air frying. Salt and pepper are essential for flavor balance.
You can garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch. These little extras can brighten your dish and make it look appealing. With these ingredients ready, you are set for a tasty cooking adventure!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
To start, grab a mixing bowl. In this bowl, add 2 cups of shredded chicken. Pour in ½ cup of buffalo sauce. Adjust the sauce to your taste for spice. Then, mix in ¼ cup of cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheese. I prefer cheddar or pepper jack for this recipe. Next, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Combine all the ingredients well. This ensures every bite is full of flavor.
Preparing the Tortillas
Now, let’s make the tortillas easy to roll. Warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This softens them up nicely. Once they are warm, lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center. Roll the tortilla tightly. Be sure to fold the sides inward to keep the filling inside. Repeat this for all six tortillas to make your taquitos.
Air Frying the Taquitos
Next, it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the taquitos cook evenly. While it heats, brush or spray the outside of each taquito with olive oil. This will give them a nice, crispy finish. Once preheated, place the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; this may require cooking in batches.
Air fry the taquitos for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through. This helps them become crispy on all sides. When they turn golden brown, carefully take them out. Let them cool for a few minutes before you serve. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfectly Crispy Taquitos
To get crispy taquitos, I use olive oil in two ways. First, I brush or spray the outside of each taquito. This helps them get a nice golden color. Second, I recommend cooking them in batches. If your air fryer is small, don’t crowd the taquitos. This way, each one gets the heat it needs to crisp up perfectly.
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost the flavor by adding more spices. A pinch of paprika or cayenne can make them zing. You can also add extra fillings. Try black beans, corn, or diced peppers for a fun twist. Mix and match to find your favorite combination.
Serving Suggestions
For dipping, ranch dressing pairs well with these taquitos. You can also serve extra buffalo sauce on the side for a spicy kick. As for sides, consider a fresh salad or some crunchy veggies. They balance the richness of the taquitos and add a nice crunch.
Variations
Different Types of Chicken
You can use different types of chicken in your taquitos. Rotisserie chicken works great. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred it up and mix it in. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can also use cooked chicken breasts or thighs. You can even use turkey if you have it on hand.
Spicing It Up
Adjusting the buffalo sauce can change the heat level. If you want more spice, add more buffalo sauce. You can also mix in jalapeños for an extra kick. For those who like it hot, a splash of hot sauce does wonders. Start small and taste as you go to find your perfect level.
Cheese Options
Cheese is key for creamy taquitos. Cheddar and pepper jack are popular options. However, you can try mozzarella for a milder taste. Cream cheese can also add a rich texture. Mixing different types of cheese can create unique flavors. Experiment to find the combination you love best.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Taquitos
To keep your taquitos fresh, store them properly.
– Refrigeration guidelines: Place leftover taquitos in an airtight container. They will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing them up. This helps prevent sogginess.
– Freezing for long-term storage: For longer storage, freeze the taquitos. Wrap each taquito in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy later, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Suggestions
When it’s time to enjoy your taquitos again, reheating is key.
– Best methods for reheating taquitos: The air fryer is the best choice for reheating. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the taquitos in the basket and heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm.
– Maintaining crispiness when reheating: To keep your taquitos crispy, avoid using the microwave. If you do use a microwave, heat them for a short time. Use a paper towel under them to absorb moisture. This will help keep them crunchy.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?
It takes about 25 minutes to make these taquitos. You spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. Then, the cooking in the air fryer takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Preheating the air fryer takes an extra 5 minutes.
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these taquitos ahead. Prepare the filling and roll them up. Store the rolled taquitos in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer. This saves time for busy days or parties.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?
These taquitos pair well with many sides and dips. Here are some great options:
– Ranch dressing for dipping
– Blue cheese dressing for a classic touch
– Celery sticks to balance the spice
– Carrot sticks for crunch
– Guacamole for a creamy addition
These sides enhance the meal and add flavors. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite combinations!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are simple and fun to make. You mix chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese, then roll them in tortillas. Air fry to get them crispy and golden. Remember, you can switch up the ingredients based on your taste. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer and reheat easily. These taquitos are great for parties or quick meals. Enjoy them with dips and sides for a tasty treat. Don’t hesitate to customize your recipe. Happy cooking!
