Introduction

Oh friends, do I have a treat for you today! Close your eyes for a second and imagine that warm, comforting smell of apple pie baking. Now, imagine all that cozy goodness wrapped up in a crispy, golden shell you can hold in your hand. Yep, we’re talking Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos! This recipe takes everything you love about classic apple pie and turns it into the most fun, surprisingly easy dessert you’ll ever make. Forget the long baking time and complicated crust; your air fryer is about to work some serious magic. These little rolls of joy are ridiculously quick to pull together, making them perfect for a weeknight treat, a spontaneous dessert craving, or even a last-minute gathering. Get ready to fall in love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Still not convinced? Let me tell you why these Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos are about to become a staple in your kitchen:

Fast: From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 30 minutes. Seriously!
Easy: No pie crust skills required! If you can chop an apple and roll a tortilla, you can make these.
Giftable: Arrange these on a platter or in a nice box, and you’ve got a thoughtful (and delicious!) homemade gift.
Crowd-pleasing: Who doesn’t love apple pie? And who can resist a crispy, handheld version? They disappear fast!
Less Mess: Using the air fryer means way less greasy cleanup compared to deep frying. Score!

Ingredients

Gather ’round, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this magic. Most of these are probably already hanging out in your pantry and fridge!

4 medium Apples: Any good baking apple works! Think Granny Smith for tartness, or Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a sweeter filling. A mix is great too!
1 tbsp Lemon juice: Just a splash to brighten the apple flavor and keep them from browning too quickly.
1/4 cup Brown sugar: Packed is best! This adds that classic caramel-y sweetness to our apple filling.
1 tbsp ground Cinnamon: A generous amount for that essential apple pie spice warmth. Don’t skimp!
1/4 tbsp ground Nutmeg: Just a little pinch adds depth and complements the cinnamon beautifully. Freshly grated is lovely if you have it!
8 small Flour tortillas: Look for the “taco” or “fajita” size (around 6-7 inches). Soft and pliable is key!
2 tbsp unsalted Butter: Melted. This is what gives our taquitos that gorgeous golden color and helps them crisp up in the air fryer.

How to Make It

Ready? Let’s do this! Making these taquitos is as easy as pie… well, easier than pie, actually!

First things first, let’s get our apples ready. Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. We’re talking about 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes.
Toss those lovely apple pieces into a medium bowl. Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Give everything a really good stir until the apples are evenly coated in that warm spice mixture.
Now, you can cook the apple filling slightly to soften it up. You can do this quickly in a microwave-safe bowl (microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway) or in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are slightly tender but still hold their shape. This step helps prevent the tortillas from getting soggy and ensures the filling is perfectly cooked when the shell is crispy. Let the filling cool slightly.
While the filling cools, prepare your tortillas. If they seem a little stiff, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. This makes them easier to roll without tearing.
Melt your unsalted butter in a small dish. You’ll use this to brush the tortillas.
Okay, time to assemble! Lay a tortilla flat. Place a couple of tablespoons (don’t overfill!) of the apple filling near one edge.
Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting from the edge with the filling. You want a nice, snug roll!
Brush the outside of the rolled taquito with melted butter. Make sure to get the seam edge too, pressing it down gently to help seal.
Carefully place the rolled taquito seam-side down in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket! Cook in batches if necessary so the air can circulate and make them truly crispy.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as air fryers can vary!
Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the air fryer. They’ll be hot!
Let them cool for just a couple of minutes before serving. They are fantastic on their own, but even better with your favorite toppings!

Substitutions & Additions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Feel free to play around and make it your own:

Apples: Don’t have the specific apples listed? Use whatever baking apples you have on hand! Pears would also be a delicious swap or addition.
Sugar: You could use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar, or even a sugar substitute if you prefer. Maple syrup or honey could work in the filling too, just be mindful of moisture.
Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger, allspice, or cardamom to the apple filling for extra warmth. An apple pie spice blend is also a great option!
Tortillas: While flour tortillas crisp up nicely, you could try corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but they tend to crack more easily when rolled. Warm them very well first!
Upgrades: Drizzle with caramel sauce, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar right after air frying! Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Other Fillings: This technique isn’t just for apples! Try cherry pie filling, peach filling, or even a sweet cream cheese and berry mix.

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your Apple Pie Taquitos turn out perfect every single time? Here are a few things I’ve learned:

Dice the apples small: Uniform, small pieces ensure the apples cook evenly and the taquitos roll easily without lumps.
Don’t overfill: Too much filling will make the taquitos hard to roll and can cause them to burst open in the air fryer.
Warm the tortillas: This is a game-changer! Warm tortillas are pliable and less likely to tear when you roll them.
Roll them TIGHTLY: A tight roll helps the taquito keep its shape and ensures a consistent crispy texture.
Place seam-side down: Starting seam-down in the air fryer helps “seal” the taquito as it cooks.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. Give your taquitos space so they get crispy, not steamy. Cook in batches!
Prep Ahead: You can make the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This makes assembly even faster!

How to Store It

Assuming you have any leftovers (a big assumption in my house!), here’s how to keep them:

Let the taquitos cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat and get them crispy again, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a regular oven.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
A: Yes! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with melted butter, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway.

Q: What are the best apples to use?
A: A mix of sweet and tart is great! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady all work well. Choose apples that hold their shape when cooked.

Q: Can I use larger tortillas?
A: You could, but smaller ones (taco/fajita size) are perfect for that handheld, taquito shape. Larger ones might be trickier to roll and fit in the air fryer basket without bending.

Q: My taquitos aren’t getting crispy! What did I do wrong?
A: Make sure you aren’t overcrowding the air fryer basket. Air circulation is key! Also, ensure you brushed them with enough melted butter, as the fat helps with browning and crisping. Flipping them halfway is also important!

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos

Turn classic apple pie into a fun, easy, and crispy handheld dessert using your air fryer. Quick to make and perfect for a sweet treat or gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Servings 8 taquitos

Equipment

Air Fryer
Medium bowl For mixing filling
Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl For cooking apple filling
Small dish For melted butter

Ingredients

4 medium Apples Any good baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala
1 tbsp Lemon juice
0.25 cup Brown sugar Packed
1 tbsp ground Cinnamon
0.25 tbsp ground Nutmeg Pinch, freshly grated optional
8 small Flour tortillas Taco or fajita size (~6-7 inches), soft and pliable
2 tbsp unsalted Butter Melted

Instructions

Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes).
Toss the apple pieces into a medium bowl. Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
Cook the apple filling slightly to soften. Microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, or cook in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until slightly tender but still hold their shape. Let the filling cool slightly.
While the filling cools, prepare your tortillas. If stiff, warm them slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to make them pliable.
Melt your unsalted butter in a small dish.
Lay a tortilla flat. Place a couple of tablespoons (don't overfill!) of the cooled apple filling near one edge.
Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting from the edge with the filling. Roll snugly to keep its shape.
Brush the outside of the rolled taquito with melted butter, including the seam edge.
Carefully place the rolled taquito seam-side down in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary for proper air circulation.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them as air fryer times vary.
Once done, carefully remove them from the air fryer. They will be hot.
Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

To store leftovers, let taquitos cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also bake these: place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with melted butter, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.