Crispy Air Fryer Pork Taquitos: Your New Favorite Easy Weeknight Meal
Get ready to discover your new favorite family meal: Air Fryer Pork Taquitos! These crispy, flavorful taquitos are incredibly quick and simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings. Featuring corn tortillas generously filled with a savory Southwest-seasoned ground pork mixture and melted cheese, they’re cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, skillet, or oven. For the ultimate experience, pile on your favorite toppings like fresh pico de gallo, vibrant cilantro, extra shredded cheese, and zesty red onion.
Today, the Ohio Pork Council and I are excited to partner and bring you this fantastic recipe for Air Fryer Pork Taquitos. This dish truly highlights the versatility and deliciousness of pork, making it an ideal choice for both experienced cooks and those new to the kitchen.
Crafting these taquitos couldn’t be simpler, resulting in a delightful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also freeze beautifully, offering a convenient make-ahead option for future meals. You might recall some of my previous pork recipes, such as How to Make Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker, How to Make Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker, and this hearty Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Roast Recipe. Today, however, we’re focusing on how incredibly easy it is to achieve perfectly crispy pork taquitos right in your air fryer!
While the air fryer delivers unparalleled crispiness with minimal oil, these ground pork taquitos are wonderfully adaptable. You can easily pan-fry them in a skillet for a traditional approach, or bake them in the oven for a hands-off method. Regardless of your chosen cooking technique, you’re guaranteed a delicious outcome.
When serving these savory pork taquitos, I love to dress them up with a vibrant array of fresh toppings. My go-to combination includes homemade or store-bought pico de gallo, thinly sliced red onion for a touch of sharpness, fresh cilantro for herbaceous notes, and a sprinkle of green onions for a mild onion flavor and pop of color. These toppings not only add visual appeal but also enhance the overall flavor profile, creating a balanced and refreshing contrast to the rich pork filling.
Ground pork is a true kitchen hero in my household, making an appearance in my weekly meal rotation in countless ways. Whether it’s these irresistible pork taquitos, a zesty Easy Thai Pork Stir-Fry, a comforting Easy Pork Chili, delicious Pork Meatballs, or a quick Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde, ground pork offers an economical, versatile, and flavorful base for a wide variety of dishes. Its ability to absorb flavors makes it perfect for the Southwest-inspired spices in this taquito recipe.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pork Taquitos
Crafting delicious Air Fryer Pork Taquitos requires a few simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key to success:
Recipe Ingredients
- Tortillas: For the best crispy taquitos, I highly recommend using 10-12 corn tortillas. Their texture becomes wonderfully crisp in the air fryer, providing that authentic taquito crunch. While flour tortillas can be used, corn tortillas typically yield a more traditional and satisfying result. Remember to warm them slightly before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is absolutely essential for building a robust flavor base for your ground pork. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be a convenient substitute, but fresh garlic offers a more vibrant and aromatic punch.
- Onion: Diced red onion adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of sharpness that complements the pork beautifully. Sweet onion or white onion are also excellent choices if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Pork: This recipe specifically calls for ground pork. It’s incredibly easy to work with, cooks quickly, and absorbs the Southwest spices wonderfully, ensuring a flavorful filling in every bite. Look for lean ground pork for a healthier option.
- Salsa: The salsa introduces moisture, acidity, and an extra layer of flavor to the pork mixture. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand, or take it up a notch with homemade options like my Homemade Salsa or fresh Homemade Pico de Gallo.
- Spices: A carefully balanced blend of cumin, chili powder, and oregano forms the heart of our Southwest seasoning. Cumin offers earthy warmth, chili powder provides depth and mild heat, and oregano adds a herbaceous note. Together, they create that distinctive, delicious flavor profile characteristic of Mexican-inspired cuisine.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese is the indulgent finishing touch that brings richness and a gooey texture to your pork taquitos. While I often use a sharp cheddar for its robust flavor, other fantastic choices include spicy pepper jack for a kick, or creamy mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheese pull.
Please see the comprehensive recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Pork Taquitos
Follow these simple steps to create delicious, crispy pork taquitos that your family will adore:
Preparing the Flavorful Pork Filling
Step 1: Cook the Meat Mixture: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté these aromatics for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Next, add the ground pork to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fully cooked through and beautifully browned. This browning step is crucial as it develops a rich depth of flavor. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Finally, stir in the salsa, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed and the cheese starts to melt into the warm pork.
Assembling Your Taquitos
Step 2: Soften Tortillas for Easy Rolling: Arrange your corn tortillas on a clean cutting board. To prevent them from tearing during rolling, it’s essential to make them soft and pliable. You can achieve this by heating them one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for 15-20 seconds per side, or by wrapping a stack of 3-4 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. This simple step makes a huge difference in the success of your taquito assembly.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos: Take one warmed tortilla and spoon about 3-4 tablespoons of the savory pork mixture into the center, forming a thin line. Carefully roll the taquito tightly, starting from one end and working your way to the other. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a plate to prevent it from unrolling. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and pork filling until all your taquitos are assembled and ready for cooking.
Air Frying for Maximum Crispiness
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and crispiness from the start. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil or your preferred non-stick spray. Using tongs, carefully place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. Crowding the basket will result in steamed, rather than crispy, taquitos. Air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of golden crispiness. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Once cooked, remove the taquitos and serve immediately. Garnish with the remaining shredded cheese, a dollop of fresh pico de gallo, a sprinkle of red onion, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions for a truly irresistible meal. Enjoy!
Customize Your Air Fryer Pork Taquitos: Endless Variations!
One of the best things about these Air Fryer Pork Taquitos is how easily they can be customized to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Add Beans for Extra Fiber and Flavor: To make your taquitos even heartier and more nutritious, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed beans to the pork mixture. Black beans, red beans, or pinto beans are all excellent choices that complement the Southwest flavors perfectly.
- Explore Different Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is a classic, the cheese possibilities are vast! Experiment with different shredded cheeses like creamy Monterey Jack, spicy Pepper Jack for a kick, a Mexican blend, or even a smoked gouda for a unique twist. The key is to use a cheese that melts well.
- Incorporate More Vegetables: Boost the veggie content and add more texture by finely dicing and sautéing additional vegetables with the garlic and onion. Bell peppers (any color), diced tomatoes, mild poblano peppers for a subtle smoky heat, or even finely grated carrots can be wonderful additions.
- Spice It Up (or Down!): The spice mixture is easily adaptable. For more heat, add a pinch of chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, a touch of smoked paprika or even a dash of your favorite taco seasoning blend can transform the dish.
- Vary Your Salsa: The type of salsa you use can significantly change the overall taste. I often use whatever salsa I have available, but a zesty salsa verde offers a brighter, tangier flavor, while a smoky chipotle salsa will add a deeper, spicier note. Don’t be afraid to try different styles!
Serving Suggestions
While taquitos are fantastic on their own, pairing them with a few side dishes can create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Classic Sides: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or black beans.
- Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a vibrant corn and black bean salad offers a refreshing contrast.
- Dipping Sauces: Beyond the mentioned toppings, offer bowls of sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce, or extra salsa for dipping.
Storage & Reheating Tips
These pork taquitos are great for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Cooked taquitos can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat taquitos in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Pork Taquitos
The trick to preventing cracks and tears, especially with corn tortillas, is to warm them before rolling. You can do this by wrapping a small stack in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds, or quickly heating them in a dry skillet. Warm tortillas become pliable and much easier to work with. If a taquito still wants to unroll, you can secure it with a toothpick during cooking – just remember to remove it before serving!
The key here is proper filling. Aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of the pork mixture per tortilla. Overfilling can put too much pressure on the tortilla, causing it to burst open during cooking. Also, make sure to roll them tightly from one end to the other, and always place them seam-side down in the air fryer or on the baking sheet.
For ultimate crispiness, a light spray or brush of avocado oil or another high-smoke-point oil on the outside of each taquito before air frying works wonders. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown, crunchy exterior. Be careful not to use too much oil, as it can make them greasy rather than crispy. Also, ensure you don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary so air can circulate freely around each taquito.
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with cooking oil and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Besides pico de gallo, excellent dipping options include sour cream, guacamole, a creamy avocado ranch dressing, queso fresco, or a spicy chipotle mayo. You could also make a simple lime crema by mixing sour cream with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt.
More Delicious Pork Recipes to Try
If you loved these Air Fryer Pork Taquitos, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our favorite pork dishes. Pork is an incredibly versatile meat, perfect for a wide array of flavors and cooking methods. From savory chops to hearty stir-fries, these recipes showcase the best of what pork has to offer, making meal planning both exciting and delicious for your family.
Pork
Juicy Baked BBQ Pork Chops
Pork
Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops
Pork
Easy Thai Pork Stir-Fry
Pork
Easy Pineapple Pork Chops
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Air Fryer Pork Taquitos
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Ingredients
- 10-12 corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 1 pound of ground pork
- 1/4 cup of salsa of your choice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, divided
Instructions
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Heat the 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the garlic and onion and saute for 2 minutes. Add the ground pork and continue to cook until the pork is cooked through and browned.
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Add the salsa, cumin, chili powder, oregano and 1/4 cup of cheese and stir well.
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Set the tortillas on a cutting board.
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Using a dry skillet or directly on the grates of a gas stove heat the tortillas until they are soft and pliable. This helps the tortillas so they don’t tear when you are rolling them.
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Spoon about 3-4 Tablespoons of the pork mixture into the center of the tortillas. Roll the taquitos and place on a plate seam side down.
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Continue this with each tortillas until they are all rolled.
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Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
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Spray the air fryer with avocado oil or non-stick spray. Use tongs and place the taquitos seam side down in the air fryer making sure they don’t touch.
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Air fry them at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes or until they are the crispiness you desire.
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Remove and serve with the remaining cheese, pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and green onion.
Notes
- Sometimes I will spray my taquitos with avocado oil before adding them to the air fryer to help them get extra crispy.
- You can easily fry these in a skillet with oil until they are crispy or bake them in the oven at 350 degrees for 5-8 minutes or until they are crispy.
- Feel free to add other ingredients to the pork mixture. I like chopped vegetables, beans or a blend of cheeses.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thanks to Ohio Pork for sponsoring today’s post. As always, opinions are 100% my own.