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Air Fryer Beef Taquitos served on a plate

Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

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Air Fryer Beef Taquitos feature crispy corn tortillas tightly rolled around seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. The air fryer crisps the exterior in just 10-12 minutes while keeping the filling moist, making them a quick and delicious meal or appetizer.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, drain excess grease after cooking
  • 0.5 medium onion diced finely (about ¼-inch pieces)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8-12 count corn tortillas fresh, warmed 20 seconds in damp paper towel before rolling
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
  • to taste oil spray light spray on each side to brown tortillas

Equipment

  • Air fryer Used to crisp the taquitos without deep frying.
  • Skillet To brown the ground beef filling.
  • Microwave To warm tortillas for pliability before rolling.

Method
 

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the filling cool slightly for 5 minutes.
    1 lb ground beef, 0.5 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp chili powder, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper
  2. Stack the corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolling.
    8-12 count corn tortillas
  3. Lay one tortilla flat and spoon 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in a line down the center. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese on top. Roll the tortilla tightly from one edge to the other, tucking the filling in as you go. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
    1 lb ground beef, 8-12 count corn tortillas, 1 cup shredded cheese
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the taquitos with oil on all sides. Place 5-6 taquitos in a single layer in the basket, seam-side down, leaving space between each. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway at 6 minutes for even browning.
    to taste oil spray
  5. Remove taquitos from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 minutes to allow the filling to set and prevent spilling. Repeat with remaining taquitos. Serve warm with sour cream, salsa verde, or guacamole.

Notes

  • Preheat the air fryer to ensure even crisping from the start.
  • Drain excess grease from cooked beef to avoid soggy taquitos.
  • Lightly spray oil on tortillas to achieve golden browning without deep frying.
  • Warm tortillas wrapped in a damp towel to make rolling easier and prevent cracking.
  • Rest taquitos for 3 minutes after cooking so filling sets and doesn't spill.

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