Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the taquitos crisp up right away.
Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the basket. Leave a little space between each one so the air can circulate. Don’t stack.
Lightly spray with oil if you want extra crunch. This step is optional but helpful for certain brands or flour tortillas.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–5 minutes. Total time is usually 9–13 minutes depending on your brand, size, and air fryer model.
Check for doneness: the shells should be golden and crisp, and the filling hot and steaming. If they’re still pale, add 1–2 more minutes.
Rest for 2 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and reduces the risk of hot filling bursting out.
Serve with toppings like salsa, guac, and a squeeze of lime. Add shredded lettuce and cheese to make it a quick taquito platter.
