Name: Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 2 eggs; 24 corn tortillas, soft; 2 Cups marble cheese, shredded; Nonstick cooking spray; Salsa; Guacamole, or sliced avocado; Cilantro; Sour cream; Hot sauce; Iceberg lettuce; Cotija cheese, crumbled

If you love bold, crunchy snacks, you're going to adore this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe. These little rolled delights come packed with spiced ground beef, sautéed veggies, and ooey-gooey marble cheese, all crisped to perfection in the air fryer. Trust me—once you try them, they’ll become your go-to for game day, parties, or anytime hunger strikes.

A white rectangular plate holds four rolled golden brown tortillas placed side by side, each topped with white sauce drizzles and brown sauce lines, garnished with small pieces of green cilantro leaves. In the top left corner of the plate, there is a lime wedge. The plate sits on a colorful tiled surface with patterned blue, orange, and white designs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I couldn't get enough of these crispy beef taquitos after making them the first time. The mix of smoky paprika and garlic powder with the fresh crunch from sautéed onions and bell peppers just hits all the right spots. Plus, air frying makes them lighter yet perfectly crispy—no excess oil needed!

Fast & Easy: Ready from start to finish in just 35 minutes, perfect for quick snacks or appetizers.
Healthy & Crispy: Air frying cuts down on oil without sacrificing that satisfying crunch.
Loaded with Flavor: Spiced ground beef combined with fresh veggies and melted cheese makes every bite irresistible.
Customizable: Top them off with your favorite garnishes like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream to personalize.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients really takes these air fryer beef taquitos from good to unforgettable. Look for lean ground beef to keep things flavorful without too much grease, and pick soft corn tortillas to roll easily without cracking. Fresh vegetables and shredded marble cheese add great texture and rich flavor.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh ground beef, a whole white onion chopped into pieces, a green bell pepper chopped, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a stack of soft corn tortillas, a small heap of shredded marble cheese with white and orange hues, a few sprigs of fresh cilantro, a quarter avocado sliced showing creamy green flesh, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of bright red salsa, a small white bowl of smooth sour cream, a small white bowl of crumbled white cotija cheese, sprinkled coarse black pepper and salt crystals, all ingredients arranged symmetrically around the center on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: I use lean to keep the taquitos juicy without excess fat.
Onion: Adds a natural sweetness when sautéed.
Green bell pepper: Brings a mild crunch and fresh flavor.
Garlic powder: For that warm, savory base note.
Ground paprika: Adds smoky, earthy depth to the beef.
Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing veggies without overpowering flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Eggs: Help bind the filling and keep the taquitos together once rolled.
Corn tortillas: Soft ones are key to rolling without cracking.
Marble cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that gooey, indulgent finish.
Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures a perfect crisp in the air fryer without sticking.
Optional garnishes: Salsa, guacamole, cilantro, sour cream, hot sauce, iceberg lettuce, and cotija cheese—because who doesn’t love options?

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to spice things up, lighten the filling, or add a seasonal twist, there’s plenty of room to get creative and make it your own.

Vegetarian Variation: I love swapping the ground beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms and black beans seasoned with the same spices. It adds a rich, meaty texture while keeping it plant-based and just as satisfying.
Extra Heat: Adding finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder to the beef mix gives these taquitos a smoky kick that really wakes up the flavor. I like to pair that with a cooling dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side.
Cheese Swap: Using a sharp cheddar or pepper jack instead of marble cheese changes the flavor profile subtly but deliciously. It’s an easy way to experiment with different tastes without altering the cooking process.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to toss in some diced zucchini or corn kernels with the peppers and onions when sautéing. In the summer, fresh corn adds a wonderful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spiced beef.
Gluten-Free Option: Since this recipe uses corn tortillas, it’s naturally gluten-free — perfect for anyone who needs to avoid wheat but still wants a tasty snack or appetizer that’s crispy and fun to eat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe

A white plate holds four rolled tacos arranged side by side. Each taco is golden brown and crispy, filled with dark cooked meat that shows at the open ends. On top of the tacos, thin lines of white cream and red sauce are drizzled softly, with small green pieces of cilantro and chopped green onions scattered over them. In the background, a white bowl filled with chopped green vegetables sits slightly out of focus on a white marbled surface with colorful patterned tiles nearby. The image looks bright and fresh, captured with a clear focus on the tacos. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Beef Filling

Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and green bell pepper, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to cook until the onions sweat and start to turn a light golden brown, and the peppers soften—this usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Then, crumble in the ground beef and break it apart with your wooden spoon. Sauté everything until the beef turns brown and starts to get a little crispy on the edges, which adds fantastic texture. Sprinkle in garlic powder and ground paprika, stirring well to coat the beef evenly. Once the beef is fully cooked and slightly caramelized, remove the pan from heat and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors.

Step 2: Mix in the Eggs and Prepare to Roll

Transfer the beef mixture into a bowl to cool down for about 10 minutes — this step is key to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely. Meanwhile, whisk the 2 eggs in a small bowl until smooth. Once the beef mixture is cool, stir the eggs in thoroughly to bind everything together. Lay out a strip of corn husk or kitchen string on a clean surface, then carefully place one soft corn tortilla on top. Add 1 tablespoon of shredded marble cheese in a vertical line down the center of the tortilla, then spoon about 1½ tablespoons of the beef mixture right on top of the cheese.

Step 3: Roll and Secure Each Taquito

Roll the tortilla tightly from right to left, tucking the edge under the filling to keep everything inside. Wrap the corn husk strip or kitchen string around the middle of the roll to secure it firmly. Trim any excess from the strip or string. This trick helps your taquitos hold their shape and keeps them from unraveling during cooking. Repeat this rolling and tying process for all 24 tortillas—it’s a bit of an assembly line but so worth it!

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer and Cook the Taquitos

Spray the base, sides, and extra rack (if you’re using one) of your air fryer basket generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the taquitos in a single layer without crowding to ensure even crisping. Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos as well. If your air fryer has an extra rack, set the temperature to 375°F and air fry for 8 minutes. Check the top rack taquitos — once they look golden and crispy, flip them and cook for an additional 4 minutes, adding 2 minutes more if needed. Remove the top rack, then flip the taquitos in the basket and cook for another 4 minutes to get the bottoms crispy. Using only the basket? Air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes, flip, then cook 3 more minutes. If they need a little extra crispness, add 2 more minutes. Keep an eye on them; the goal is a beautifully crunchy exterior without burning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Carefully remove the taquitos from the air fryer, untie the corn husk strips or kitchen string, and plate them while hot. Serve with your favorite garnishes like salsa, creamy guacamole, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. They’re perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or even a fun weeknight meal. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and bold flavors with every bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of perfectly crispy taquitos in the air fryer is easier than you think! These tips have helped me get that ideal crunch every single time, making this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe a family favorite.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking too many taquitos at once traps steam and prevents crispiness. I always cook in batches to make sure each taquito gets plenty of hot air circulation for that golden crunch.
Cool the Beef Filling: I learned that mixing hot beef with eggs can lead to uneven cooking. Letting the filling cool for about 10 minutes before adding eggs keeps everything perfectly incorporated.
Secure Your Rolls Well: Using soaked corn husk strips or kitchen string keeps the taquitos tightly rolled so they don’t unravel in the fryer. This little trick has saved me from a messy air fryer more than once!
Check Crispness and Adjust Timing: Every air fryer varies a bit in heat distribution, so I always check and flip halfway through cooking, adding a few extra minutes if needed to reach that perfect crispy finish.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe

The image shows four steps of making rolled tortillas in a square collage. In the top left (step 5), a woman's hand sprays oil on a flat white tortilla placed on a wooden board with a small, folded tortilla piece above it, all on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth on the left. The top right (step 6) shows four rolled tortillas on the wooden board, with one open tortilla below filled with a yellow and brown mix of cooked filling and shredded cheese. In the bottom left (step 7), six rolled tortillas are neatly placed inside a black air fryer basket on the white marbled surface with the striped cloth partially visible. The bottom right (step 8) shows the same six rolled tortillas cooked to a golden brown inside the air fryer basket, ready to serve. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of these crispy beef taquitos is how wonderfully they pair with fresh, vibrant garnishes. I love serving them with dollops of cool sour cream, creamy guacamole or sliced avocado, and zesty salsa for dipping. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese really amps up the flavor and adds a festive touch. If you like a little heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce is the perfect finishing kick.

Side Dishes

For a complete Mexican-inspired spread, these taquitos are fabulous alongside crisp iceberg lettuce or a refreshing cabbage slaw. A simple black bean salad or Mexican rice can turn this snack into a hearty meal. Light, fresh sides balance the richness of the beef and cheese perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, cool the taquitos completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll keep well for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy that crispy goodness again without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the uncooked, assembled taquitos before air frying. Lay them on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together and freeze until solid (a few hours). Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 months and can be cooked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the air frying time to ensure they’re crispy all over.

Reheating

To reheat cooked taquitos and keep them crispy, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for about 3-5 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can—reheating in the air fryer helps revive that irresistible crunch that makes this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe so special.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Absolutely! While corn tortillas give authentic flavor and a great texture, you can use soft flour tortillas if you prefer. Just be careful when rolling to avoid tearing and adjust cooking time if needed, as they may crisp up a little differently.

What if my corn tortillas crack when rolling?

This is common with less fresh tortillas. To prevent cracking, steam them briefly or warm them slightly until pliable before assembling your taquitos. This will make rolling easier and help keep your beef taquitos intact during cooking.

Can I omit the eggs in the filling?

The eggs help bind the beef mixture together, making it easier to roll and less likely to fall apart while cooking. Skipping them might cause the filling to be looser, but if needed, you could try a small amount of flour or masa harina as a binder instead.

How do I get my taquitos extra crispy?

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer and give them enough space for hot air to circulate. Spray with a light coat of nonstick cooking spray before frying and flip halfway through cooking. If you want them crispier, add 1-2 extra minutes but keep a close eye so they don’t burn.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crispy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos Recipe becomes your go-to for quick, flavorful snacks or appetizers that everyone will rave about. It’s a joy to make and even more satisfying to share with family and friends—perfect for game day, casual dinners, or any time you're craving something crunchy and delicious. Happy cooking and even happier eating!