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These air fryer beef taquitos are a crunchy, cheesy and flavorful way to upgrade taco night. With seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted marble cheese, each bite is packed with bold, savory goodness. The air fryer crisps the tortillas perfectly without needing much oil, making this a lighter take on a classic favorite. Whether you’re planning a fun dinner or looking for a satisfying snack, these taquitos are easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Air fryer beef taquitos are crispy on the outside and packed with a cheesy, savory beef filling. They’re perfect for taco night or a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
If you love south of the border flavors, treat your taste buds to chicken enchilada casserole, BBQ chicken nachos and breakfast tacos too.
Why You’ll Love It
Crispy without deep frying: The air fryer gives them a golden crunch with less oil.
Bold flavor: Spices, peppers and onions make every bite rich and savory.
Cheesy goodness: Melted marble cheese adds creamy texture.
Fun to make: Rolling and tying the taquitos is simple and hands-on.
Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy them anytime.
Beef Taquitos in the Air Fryer Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Lean ground beef: A hearty and protein-rich base for the filling.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Green pepper: Brings color and a mild bite to the filling.
Garlic powder: Infuses the beef with warm, savory flavor.
Paprika: Adds a smoky, mild spice that enhances the beef.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and beef.
Corn tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for rolling and air frying.
Eggs: Help bind the beef mixture so it stays together while cooking.
Marble cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella for creamy melt and flavor.
Avocado oil spray: Lightly coats the taquitos so they crisp up in the air fryer.
How to Make Taquitos in an Air Fryer
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Cook the vegetables and beef: Sauté onions and peppers in oil, then add the beef and seasonings.
Cool the mixture: Let the beef mixture rest before mixing in eggs.
Assemble the taquitos: Fill each tortilla with cheese and beef mixture, then roll and tie.
Air fry the taquitos: Spray and cook in batches, flipping for even crisping.
Substitutions and Variations
Use ground turkey: A lighter option with the same great flavor.
Try flour tortillas: For a softer bite and slightly different texture.
Swap the cheese: Use Monterey Jack or cheddar if you prefer.
Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
With other snacks: Enjoy Mexican shredded chicken, chips with homemade guacamole and tomatillo red chili salsa, or jalapeno popper tacos with your taquitos.
Dessert: Finish with this delicious Mexican ice cream.
How to Store Beef Taquitos Air Fryer Snacks
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Wrap in a paper towel and microwave for a minute. Alternatively pop the taquitos back in the air fryer if you want them to keep their crunch.
Top Tips
Soften the tortillas: If your corn tortillas aren’t so fresh, you might need to steam them a little. Do this before rolling up the taquitos so they don’t crack when rolled.
Don’t overcrowd the fryer: Cook in batches so they crisp up properly.
Use a strong cheese: Shred your own for the best melt and flavor.
Let the beef cool slightly: Mixing hot beef with eggs can cook them too early.
Secure the rolls: Using strips of corn husk to tie the taquitos is an easy way to help them keep their shape and not open while they cook. Alternatively, you can use kitchen string (cut into 7-inch lengths) or toothpicks to close each end of the taquito. If using corn husks, soak in water for 5 minutes and dry before use, so they won’t snap so easily. Tear the corn husk into strips (by hand or with scissors), about ¼-wide wide per strip.
Cooking time: Cooking time depends on your air fryer. If in doubt, use less cooking time and keep checking the taquitos and adding more cooking time until they are crispy, flipping them over so that the other side can get crispy as well.
Beef Taquitos FAQs
Yes, but they may be softer and less crisp in the air fryer.
No, you can secure them seam-side down if you prefer, but tying helps hold shape.
Yes, freeze them rolled and uncooked, then air fry straight from frozen with a few extra minutes.
Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe
Air Fryer Beef Taquitos
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 ½ Pounds ground beef, lean
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, green, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground paprika
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 Pinch salt
- 1 Pinch black pepper
To Assemble
- 2 eggs
- 24 corn tortillas, soft
- 2 Cups marble cheese, shredded
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Make the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, and sauté onions together with the green peppers, stirring until the onions sweated and turned slightly brown and the green peppers softened.
- Add ground beef, stirring and breaking down any large pieces. Sauté until the meat turned slightly brown.
- Add garlic powder and paprika and continue to sauté until the ground beef are fully cooked and slightly crispy.
- Take the pan off the heat, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Taquitos
- Transfer the ground beef mixture into a bowl, stirring continuously to let the mixture cools.
- Whisk 2 eggs in a small bowl.
- Once the ground beef mixture is cool (about 10 minutes), add eggs and mix well.
- On a clean work surface or a plate, lay down one corn husk strip (or kitchen string) sideways (in horizontal position). Place a soft corn tortilla on top of the strip.
- Put 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese on the tortilla, forming a line from top to bottom (vertically). Add 1 ½ tablespoons of ground beef mixture on top of the cheese.
- Roll the tortilla. Start by taking the right side and bring it over to the left, covering the cheese and meat mixture. Tuck the edge under the filling mixture, then slowly and as tight as possible, roll the tortilla.
- Tie the corn husk strip/kitchen string securely around the middle of the roll. Push any filling that might have come out of the ends back into roll and cut off the excess length of the strip/string.
- Repeat the process for the remainder of the tortillas.
Air Frying the Taquitos
- Spray the base and sides of your air-fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, including the extra rack (if available).
- Place as many taquitos in the basket and rack as you can without crowding them and spray the top with nonstick cooking oil.
If Using Air Fryer Rack
- Set the heat to 375°F and timer to 8 minutes. Check the taquitos on the extra rack after 8 minutes, leave the ones on the basket below. Once the top surface is brown and crispy, flip them over, so the bottom side can get crispy as well.
- Fry for another 4 minutes and check again, adding another 2 minutes of cooking time if necessary.
- Once they are brown and crispy, remove the taquitos on the top layer along with the rack. Flip the remaining taquitos over, so the bottom side can get crispy, and fry for another 4 minutes.
If Using Basket Only
- Set the heat to 375°F and timer to 6 minutes. Check the taquitos and once the top surface is brown and crispy, flip them over, so the bottom side can get crispy as well. Air fry for another 3 minutes.
- Once the top and bottom side are golden brown and crispy, take the taquitos out of the fryer. Add 2 minutes of additional time if the taquitos are not yet crispy.
- Serve hot, with your preferred garnishes and sides.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the fryer: Cook in batches so they crisp up properly.
Use a strong cheese: Shred your own for the best melt and flavor.
Let the beef cool slightly: Mixing hot beef with eggs can cook them too early.
Secure the rolls: Using strips of corn husk to tie the taquitos is an easy way to help them keep their shape and not open while they cook. Alternatively, you can use kitchen string (cut into 7-inch lengths) or toothpicks to close each end of the taquito. If using corn husks, soak in water for 5 minutes and dry before use, so they won’t snap so easily. Tear the corn husk into strips (by hand or with scissors), about ¼-wide wide per strip.
Cooking time: Cooking time depends on your air fryer. If in doubt, use less cooking time and keep checking the taquitos and adding more cooking time until they are crispy, flipping them over so that the other side can get crispy as well.
Nutrition
If you’re after a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick dinner idea, air fryer beef taquitos are a perfect choice. The seasoned beef, melted cheese and crispy tortilla make every bite of these gluten free taquitos supremely satisfying, while the air fryer keeps things light and easy. You can make a batch in advance, switch up the fillings or customize your toppings. Serve this gluten free Mexican dinner along with salsa, sour cream or guacamole and enjoy every crispy bite!
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I have been craving this for days, and finally got to try it thanks to your recipe. It did not disappoint and satisfied my cravings.
I love Mexican food and these taquitos did not disappoint!
This was a total hit with our guests! Excited to make this again. 🙂
I just tried this recipe. It was so tasty! Will make again. Thanks!
I love that it’s gluten-free. And it tastes exceptionally good!
You need to simplify this recipe, tying string around the taquito. LOL!
You can try toothpicks if that is easier. You can also roll it very tightly. Then seal the edge of the tortilla with water, this isn’t always effective though.
WoooooowYUMMY<33333
oh my! I love taquitos! saving this recipe.