Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Taquitos (High Protein & Customizable)

Get ready for perfectly crispy taquitos in minutes, with a delicious, creamy chicken filling! Made easy in the air fryer, these are a healthier, high-protein alternative to traditional fried versions, perfect for a quick meal, snack, or party appetizer.

Yields: 12-16 taquitos (depending on tortilla size and filling amount) Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 7-9 minutes per batch (in air fryer)

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or quickly boiled/shredded chicken breast)
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for richer taste/keto, or non-fat for leaner)
• 1/4 cup salsa verde (check for low-sugar/keto-friendly brands if strictly tracking)
• 1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning (adjust to taste; ensure it’s low-sugar/keto-friendly)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)

For Assembly:

• 8-12 low-carb tortillas (e.g., Mission Carb Balance, La Tortilla Factory Zero Net Carbs) OR small corn tortillas (if not strictly low-carb)
• Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray

Equipment:

• Medium mixing bowl
• Air fryer
• Tongs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, plain Greek yogurt, salsa verde, taco seasoning, lime juice, and shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and the chicken is fully coated.
2. Warm Tortillas (Optional but Recommended): To prevent tortillas from cracking when rolled, lightly warm them. You can microwave them for 15-20 seconds for a stack of 3-4, or briefly warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat.
3. Assemble Taquitos:
   • Lay a warmed tortilla flat. Spoon a small amount (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the chicken mixture onto one end of the tortilla, spreading it in a thin line.
   • Roll the tortilla up tightly, starting from the filled end.
   • Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Prepare for Air Frying:
   • Lightly spray the outside of each rolled taquito with olive oil spray or avocado oil spray. This helps them get crispy and golden.
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray to prevent sticking.
5. Air Fry: Place the taquitos in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap (you’ll likely need to cook in batches).
   • Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve & Enjoy! Carefully remove the hot taquitos from the air fryer. Serve immediately with your favorite dips.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Dips: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa (red or salsa verde)
• Extra Veggies: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or a simple cucumber tomato salad.
• Cheese Sauce: A warm, low-carb cheese sauce for dipping.

Storage: Cooked taquitos are best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in the air fryer to re-crisp.

 

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Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification

This recipe is a winner for its ease, flavor, and health benefits!

• High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, and shredded cheese provide excellent protein, making these taquitos filling and satisfying.
• Low-Carb: This recipe is low-carb, provided you use low-carb tortillas. All the filling ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
• Keto: This recipe is keto-friendly, provided you use low-carb tortillas and choose keto-friendly versions of salsa verde and taco seasoning.
  • Shredded Chicken, Greek Yogurt (full-fat), Cheese, Lime Juice: All are great for keto.
  • Salsa Verde & Taco Seasoning: Crucially, check labels for added sugars, starches, and other non-keto ingredients. Many commercial versions have them.
  • Tortillas: This is the most critical component. Traditional corn or flour tortillas are NOT keto-friendly. You must use a low-carb, keto-friendly tortilla brand to keep the carb count appropriate for keto.
• Gluten-Free: If using corn tortillas (and checking ingredients for potential wheat fillers) or certified gluten-free low-carb tortillas, and ensuring your seasonings/salsa are GF, this recipe can be gluten-free.