If you’ve been searching for a delicious, crispy, and satisfying snack or meal that’s quick to make, trust me, the Air Fryer Chicken and Black Bean Taquitos Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. These taquitos are golden and crunchy on the outside, bursting with tender chicken, hearty black beans, tangy salsa, and melty cheddar on the inside. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, they offer all the flavor of traditionally fried taquitos but with less mess and guilt. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or just a fun snack craving, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each element plays a unique role in balancing taste, texture, and that vibrant homemade feeling you want from your taquitos.
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken: provides a hearty, protein-packed base for the filling
- 1 cup salsa: adds a punch of zest and moisture to keep the filling flavorful
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: brings earthiness and a creamy texture while boosting fiber
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: melts perfectly for that gooey, savory finish on every bite
- 24 corn tortillas: the crisp shell that wraps everything in a traditional, gluten-free manner
- Cooking spray: ensures your taquitos crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without sticking
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by combining your chopped cooked chicken, salsa, and drained black beans in a large bowl. Mixing these ingredients evenly ensures every taquito has the perfect bite of protein, spice, and creaminess. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the salsa if you want a little extra kick here.
Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay out a corn tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese right on top of the filling for a rich, melty layer. Then, carefully roll up the tortilla tight, making sure the filling stays tucked inside.
Step 3: Prep for Air Frying
Spray the inside of your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the rolled taquitos seam side down in the basket so they hold their shape during cooking. Don’t overcrowd the basket because you want each taquito to crisp up evenly and beautifully.
Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection
Set your air fryer to 400ºF and cook the taquitos for 6 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them as every air fryer varies slightly. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden brown and crunchy exterior that clips your way to tasty bliss.
Step 5: Repeat and Serve
Once your first batch is done, carefully remove them and repeat the process with the remaining taquitos until all are cooked. This ensures each one gets that perfect crunch and melty inside.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken and Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes take this dish to the next level, adding freshness and color. Try topping your taquitos with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool the heat, fresh cilantro for brightness, a squeeze of lime for zesty tang, or even sliced jalapeños for an extra punch of spice.
Side Dishes
Pair these taquitos with a crisp green salad or a bowl of guacamole and tortilla chips. A simple Mexican-style rice or refried beans work wonderfully too, turning this snack into a full meal with balance and depth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the taquitos upright in a tall glass to showcase their crunchy edges. You can also turn them into mini taquito sliders using sliced avocado and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a party hit everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making weekday lunches or snacks quick and convenient.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked taquitos by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can air fry them straight from the freezer for a fast, delicious treat anytime.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen taquitos back to life with crispiness, pop them back into the air fryer at 350ºF for about 3-5 minutes. This reheating method keeps them crunchy and tasty, never soggy.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will work well and may be easier to roll if you prefer a softer texture, but corn tortillas give the authentic flavor and extra crunch that many love in taquitos.
Do I have to use cooked chicken or can I use raw?
For this recipe, cooked chicken is best as it allows you to mix evenly with the other ingredients. Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and ensures your taquitos cook perfectly without overcooking the filling.
What’s a good substitute for black beans?
If you’re not a fan of black beans or don’t have them on hand, pinto beans or refried beans make excellent alternatives that complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra black beans, or try adding seasoned sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions to keep the filling hearty and satisfying.
How do I know when the taquitos are done?
They’re done when the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted to gooey perfection. Most air fryers take about 6-7 minutes at 400ºF to achieve this.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into homemade taquitos that are perfectly crisped in the air fryer and bursting with flavor and warmth. This Air Fryer Chicken and Black Bean Taquitos Recipe is proof that simple ingredients can make a sensational dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, whip up a batch and watch these crowd-pleasers disappear in no time—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken and Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 24 taquitos
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken & Black Bean Taquitos are a quick and delicious snack or meal option. Crispy on the outside with a flavorful filling of chicken, black beans, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese, these taquitos come together effortlessly using the air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Assembly
- 24 corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, salsa, and drained black beans. Mix thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the taquitos: Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the 24 corn tortillas, placing the filling lengthwise in the center of each tortilla. Top the filling with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Roll the taquitos: Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly around the filling to form a taquito, making sure the seam side is tucked underneath to prevent unrolling during cooking.
- Preheat and prepare air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC). Working in batches, place the rolled taquitos seam side down into the air fryer basket to keep them sealed. Spray each taquito liberally with cooking spray to help them crisp up nicely.
- Cook the taquitos: Air fry the taquitos at 400ºF for 6 to 7 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove from the basket once done.
- Repeat cooking: Continue air frying the remaining taquitos in batches, spraying with cooking spray and air frying for 6 to 7 minutes per batch until all are cooked through and crispy.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- Use warm tortillas to make rolling easier and prevent cracking.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding diced onions, jalapeños, or other favorite seasonings.
- Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or additional salsa for dipping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for crispening.
