Looking for a tasty and easy meal? Let’s dive into making Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos! This crowd-pleaser combines crispy texture with spicy flavor for a dish you’ll love. I’ll guide you through simple steps, ingredient options, and useful tips to perfect your taquitos. Whether you’re cooking for a party or just for yourself, this recipe is a winner. Ready to get cooking? Let’s go!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
To make these tasty taquitos, you need some key ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 small corn tortillas
– Olive oil spray for coating
These ingredients come together to create a spicy, cheesy filling. The shredded chicken gives a good base, while buffalo sauce adds heat. Cream cheese keeps the mixture creamy.
Additional Ingredients for Flavor
For extra flavor, consider adding these:
– Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)
Cilantro adds a fresh touch, making your dish look bright and appealing. You can also use green onions or jalapeños if you like.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out a few ingredients if needed:
– Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
– Try a different cheese, like Monterey Jack.
– Swap buffalo sauce for a milder hot sauce if you prefer less heat.
These substitutions make your cooking easier and still keep the flavor tasty. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
To start, gather your ingredients. You need cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix them well. Next, add the cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Blend these ingredients until they are fully combined. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, your buffalo chicken mixture is ready!
Assembling the Taquitos
Next, get your corn tortillas. Heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to roll. Take one tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture at the bottom third. Carefully roll the tortilla, tucking in the edges as you go. This keeps the filling inside. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used. You should have about ten rolled taquitos.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, lightly spray the taquitos with olive oil. This helps them become crispy. Place the taquitos in a single layer in the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the taquitos for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken taquitos!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crispiness
To make your taquitos crispy, spray them with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for best results. Cook them in a single layer, and don’t crowd the basket. Flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Watch them closely; they should be golden brown in about 8-10 minutes.
How to Roll the Taquitos Correctly
Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to roll. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling at the bottom third of each tortilla. Tuck in the sides and roll tightly. If you roll them too loosely, the filling may spill out during cooking.
Best Sauces for Serving
Buffalo chicken taquitos are great with sauces. The classic choice is extra buffalo sauce for a kick. Ranch dressing is a cool and creamy option. You can also try blue cheese dressing for a bold flavor. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for a nice touch!

Variations
Different Protein Options
You can switch up the meat in your taquitos. Use shredded beef or pork for a fun twist. Ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just mix it with buffalo sauce like usual. This keeps the flavor strong and tasty. You can even try using cooked shrimp for a seafood version. Each protein brings a unique taste and texture to your meal.
Vegetarian Alternatives
If you want to skip the meat, I have great options. Try using black beans or lentils for protein. Just mash them up and mix with buffalo sauce. Add in some diced bell peppers and onions for crunch. You can also use a mix of vegetables like zucchini, corn, and spinach. These add flavor and color. Don’t forget the cheese for that creamy touch!
Flavor Experimentations with Sauces
Buffalo sauce is fantastic, but don’t stop there. You can try different sauces for a new taste. BBQ sauce gives a sweet twist. Sriracha adds heat for spice lovers. For a creamy version, mix ranch or blue cheese dressing into your filling. You could even make a sweet chili sauce for a fun blend. Explore these options to find your favorite flavor combo!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Taquitos
To store leftover taquitos, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To prevent them from getting soggy, you can use paper towels inside the container. This absorbs any moisture.
Reheating Tips for Taquitos
For reheating, the air fryer works best. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the taquitos for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy on the outside. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soft. If using a microwave, cover with a paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze taquitos for later. After you roll them, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas for this recipe. Flour tortillas are softer and may be easier to roll. However, corn tortillas give a nice crunch and flavor. If you choose flour, heat them briefly to make them more pliable. This helps prevent breaking when you roll them.
How do I make these taquitos spicier?
To spice up your Buffalo chicken taquitos, add more buffalo sauce. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or some crushed red pepper flakes. Another option is to use spicy cheese, like pepper jack or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling. Adjust the heat to your taste.
What dipping sauces pair well with Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?
Buffalo chicken taquitos taste great with ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also serve them with extra buffalo sauce for a kick. If you prefer something different, try a creamy avocado dip or a zesty cilantro lime sauce. These options add extra flavor and make your meal more fun.
In this blog post, we explored all you need to know about Buffalo Chicken Taquitos. We discussed the main and additional ingredients, along with tasty substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking these snacks in an air fryer. You also learned tips for crispy taquitos, rolling techniques, and best sauces for dipping. Remember, you can change up proteins or go vegetarian too. With the right storage and reheating methods, your leftover taquitos will stay delicious. Enjoy making this fun dish your own!
