If you’re craving a snack that’s packed with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch, let me introduce you to the Air Fryer Green Chile Chicken Taquitos Recipe. These taquitos are loaded with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and zesty green chiles, crisply cooked in the air fryer to perfection. They come together quickly and are perfect for a fun appetizer or a flavorful meal that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite for your snack and party menus alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building the perfect balance of creaminess, mild heat, and crispy texture. Using simple, everyday items means you can whip these taquitos up in no time.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: This is the hearty protein base—perfectly tender and ready to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 (4 oz each) green chiles: Adds a mild, smoky heat that brightens the dish without overpowering it.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates creamy richness that binds the filling beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness for that irresistible cheesy bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory depth that complements the chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the flavors in the filling.
- 12-15 small corn or flour tortillas: Flexible and tender, these wrap everything up perfectly for crisping.
- Canola or vegetable pan spray: Makes sure the taquitos get that golden, crunchy exterior without added oil.
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, lime wedges, and cilantro: Fresh garnishes that add brightness and a burst of flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Green Chile Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing your shredded chicken with the green chiles, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper until the mixture tastes just right—creamy and packed with flavor.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Warming your tortillas makes them pliable and less likely to crack when you roll. You can quickly heat each side in a skillet for about 15-30 seconds or nuke them in the microwave for 30 seconds; either way works perfectly.
Step 3: Roll the Taquitos
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto each warm tortilla. Roll them up tightly, making sure to tuck the seam underneath so they stay neatly rolled during cooking. Place them seam-side down on a sheet pan as you go.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Spray the basket generously with pan spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the taquitos in a single layer without overcrowding, then spray the tops lightly. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re beautifully golden and crisp, and the filling is bubbling warm. Repeat with remaining taquitos if needed.
How to Serve Air Fryer Green Chile Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh toppings take these taquitos to the next level. A dollop of sour cream provides cool creaminess, while diced tomatoes add juicy freshness. A squeeze of lime wedges brightens the flavors, and a sprinkle of cilantro brings a pop of herbal vibrance. These garnishes complement the smoky, cheesy filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a simple Mexican-style rice or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal. You could also offer some refried beans or a zesty avocado guacamole to make your spread even more irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing the crispy taquitos into bite-sized pieces and arranging them on a platter for easy snacking at parties. Another idea is to use colorful corn tortillas or blue corn tortillas for extra visual appeal. Serving them in mini baskets lined with parchment paper adds a charming touch to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover taquitos in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy texture may soften a bit, but a quick reheat in the air fryer will help bring back that satisfying crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze these taquitos either before or after cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the taquitos back in your air fryer at 375°F for 4-6 minutes until heated through and crisp again. This method keeps them from getting soggy like a microwave would, preserving that delightful crunch every time.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut because it’s already cooked and flavorful, making your Air Fryer Green Chile Chicken Taquitos Recipe even easier to prepare.
What type of tortillas work best for taquitos?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well, but corn tortillas tend to yield a firmer, crispier taquito when air fried. Make sure to warm them beforehand so they stay flexible when rolling.
Can I make these taquitos spicy?
Definitely! To add heat, consider using hotter green chiles or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the filling. You can even include diced jalapeños if you like it extra spicy.
Do I need an air fryer to make this recipe?
While this recipe shines in the air fryer for its crispy texture and speed, you can bake the taquitos in the oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, though they might not get as crisp.
What are the best dips to serve with these taquitos?
Sour cream is classic, but guacamole, salsa verde, or a creamy chipotle sauce also pair beautifully. Experiment with your favorites to find your perfect match!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Green Chile Chicken Taquitos Recipe enough—it’s quick, flavorful, and totally addictive. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these taquitos deliver that perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and crunchy in every bite. Give them a try soon and get ready to fall in love with an instant favorite you’ll keep making again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Green Chile Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Air Fryer Green Chile Chicken Taquitos are a quick and delicious appetizer made with shredded chicken, green chiles, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, rolled in warm tortillas and air-fried to crispy perfection. Perfect for a fun snack or party dish, they are easy to prepare and great for loading up with your favorite fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 (4 oz each) cans green chiles, drained
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taquitos
- 12–15 small corn or flour tortillas
- Canola or vegetable pan spray
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Lime wedges
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, drained green chiles, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference, and mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat each tortilla for 15-30 seconds on each side in a large skillet over medium-high heat until warm and pliable. Alternatively, you can microwave the tortillas for 30 seconds to soften them.
- Assemble the taquitos: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto each warmed tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is secure, and place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet or tray to keep them sealed.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for 3 minutes. While preheating, spray the air fryer basket generously with pan spray to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the taquitos: Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Spray the tops of the taquitos lightly with pan spray. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown, crispy, and the filling is hot and bubbly. Repeat with remaining taquitos if cooking in batches.
- Serve: Serve the crispy taquitos warm, accompanied by optional toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, fresh lime wedges, and chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness. Enjoy your delicious appetizer!
Notes
- Warming tortillas before rolling helps prevent cracking during assembly.
- You can use either corn or flour small tortillas according to your preference.
- If you don’t have green chiles, mild diced green peppers can be used as a substitute.
- Spraying the taquitos with pan spray ensures crispiness and prevents sticking in the air fryer.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
