There’s a reason why Air Fryer Birria Taquitos have taken over kitchens across the country. Think tender, juicy beef birria stuffed into crispy tortillas, air-fried until golden and cheesy perfection. In this recipe, you’ll learn exactly how to make them crunchy, cheesy, and perfect—every single time.
If you’re tired of soggy taquitos or messy stovetop frying, this air fryer version is your new go-to. Oh—and don’t forget to grab some extra napkins. Things are about to get delicious.
🔗 Looking for more Mexican-inspired air fryer recipes? Check out our Air Fryer Chicken Flautas and Instant Pot Carnitas.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Birria Taquitos
- Super crispy without deep-frying
- Rich beef birria flavor packed in every bite
- Melty cheese + tender meat = unmatched combo
- Ready in under 30 minutes (after birria prep)
- Family-approved and freezer-friendly
- No messy oil or long cleanups
INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER BIRRIA TAQUITOS
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded beef birria
- 1 cup Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup birria consommé (for dipping)
- Cooking spray or neutral oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Optional Garnishes:
- Diced onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Jalapeños
- Sour cream or crema
Tip: Make your birria ahead of time. We recommend our Slow Cooker Beef Birria for flavor-packed results.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Warm tortillas on a skillet to make them pliable.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
2. Assemble Taquitos
- Spoon 2 tbsp birria onto each tortilla.
- Top with 1 tbsp cheese.
- Tightly roll into taquitos and place seam-side down.
3. Season & Spray
- Lightly spray or brush with oil.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and smoked paprika for added flavor.
4. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Air fry in batches for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Taquitos are done when golden brown and crispy on both sides.
5. Serve with Dipping Sauce
- Warm leftover consommé.
- Serve taquitos hot with your favorite toppings and dip.
STORAGE & REHEATING
Storage:
- Cool taquitos completely before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Air fry refrigerated taquitos at 350°F for 3–5 min.
- Reheat frozen taquitos at 375°F for 7–9 min.
VARIATIONS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick.
- Tortilla Tip: Use corn tortillas for authenticity, but flour tortillas work too.
- Make It Spicy: Add chipotle or jalapeño to the filling.
- Vegan Twist: Sub birria with jackfruit and vegan cheese.
- Get Them Extra Crispy: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Double Batch: Freeze extras for quick meals anytime.
Can you really stop at just one?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you cook taquitos in the air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is ideal for taquitos. It delivers crispness without oil splatter or deep-frying mess. Just a quick spray and your taquitos come out golden every time.
Are taquitos better in the oven or air fryer?
Air fryer taquitos turn out crispier and faster than oven-baked ones. Ovens require longer bake times and often don’t deliver the same crunch unless broiled.
Why are my birria tacos not getting crispy?
Common reasons include overcrowding the air fryer, not enough oil spray, or skipping the flip halfway. Make sure tortillas are warm and pliable before rolling.
How to heat up birria tacos in an air fryer?
Place them in a single layer and heat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. Avoid stacking, and always preheat your air fryer for best results.
RECIPES YOU MAY LIKE
- Birria Quesatacos – Dipped, cheesy, and just as addictive.
- Air Fryer Carnitas Tacos – Another crispy favorite.
- Mexican Street Corn Dip – A crowd-pleasing side.
CONCLUSION
These Air Fryer Birria Taquitos deliver the bold flavor of traditional birria with the convenience of air frying. They’re cheesy, crunchy, and endlessly snackable. Whether you’re making a quick dinner, prepping party appetizers, or meal planning for the week, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
Want to impress next time? Try pairing with homemade guacamole or Mexican red rice.