Beef taquitos are a delicious Mexican dish that is loved by many. The combination of flavorful beef, crispy tortilla, and savory toppings make for a mouthwatering treat. Traditionally, taquitos are deep-fried, but if you’re looking for a healthier alternative without compromising on taste, using an air fryer is the way to go. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of making beef taquitos in an air fryer, and provide helpful tips along the way.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin making beef taquitos in an air fryer, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need the following:
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 small tortillas
– Cooking spray
– Toppings of your choice, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa
Prepare the Beef Filling
To start, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, remove any excess grease from the skillet.
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté them until they are soft and lightly browned. This will help enhance the flavor of the filling. Then, add the chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the spices are well incorporated into the beef filling.
Assemble the Taquitos
Now that the beef filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the taquitos. Lay out a tortilla on a clean surface and spoon a small amount of the beef filling onto the center of the tortilla. Be careful not to overstuff it, as it might be difficult to roll up. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, making sure the seam side is facing down. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, place the taquitos onto a plate or a baking sheet, seam side down. This will help prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
Once the air fryer has preheated, lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray. This will help them become crispy and golden brown. Place the taquitos into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Cook the taquitos for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the taquitos over to ensure even browning on all sides. Remove the cooked taquitos from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy Your Delicious Beef Taquitos
Once your beef taquitos have cooled slightly, it’s time to dig in and enjoy. Serve them with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa. The toppings add an extra layer of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the taquitos.
Beef taquitos made in an air fryer are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, as they require less oil. The air fryer helps achieve a crispy texture without the excess grease. Plus, it’s a quicker cooking method compared to traditional deep-frying.
Experiment with Different Fillings
While this article focused on beef taquitos, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different fillings. You can try using shredded chicken, cheese, or even vegetarian options like black beans and sweet potatoes. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize the taquitos to your liking.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of making beef taquitos in an air fryer is simpler than you might think. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can achieve crispy, flavorful taquitos that are sure to impress. Whether you’re having a Mexican-themed dinner or simply craving a delicious snack, give this recipe a try and elevate your culinary skills. Enjoy your homemade beef taquitos with family and friends and savor the amazing flavors that this dish has to offer!