Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to experience a taquito explosion of flavor that’s so good, it’ll make you question whether you ever *needed* deep-fried anything again? Because that’s exactly what these air fryer birria taquitos deliver! Imagine this: perfectly crispy corn tortillas, brimming with tender, slow-cooked birria beef and melty Oaxaca cheese. Then, the grand finale – dipping them into a rich, flavorful consommé. It’s a party in your mouth, guaranteed.

What makes these taquitos truly special is the air fryer magic. They achieve that incredible crunch without all the excess oil, making them a guilt-free indulgence. They’re also incredibly quick to make – perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend appetizer. The taste? Oh, the taste! That incredible birria flavor shines through, complemented by the smoky paprika and warm cumin. Each bite is a textural journey: the satisfying crunch of the tortilla, the juicy tenderness of the birria, and the creamy pull of the Oaxaca cheese. Prepare to be transported to a Mexican fiesta with every single bite! This recipe is friendly, fun, and frankly, irresistible.

What You’ll Need

Let’s gather those ingredients for your taquito adventure! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups shredded birria beef: The star of the show! You can use leftover birria or make a batch specifically for these taquitos. The more tender the better!
1 cup Oaxaca cheese: This melting cheese is key for that gooey, stringy goodness inside your taquitos. If you can’t find Oaxaca, Monterey Jack is a great substitute.
12 corn tortillas: Choose small corn tortillas for easy handling and perfect portion sizes. Look for the kind that are slightly pliable.
½ cup consommé (for dipping): The birria consommé adds an extra layer of flavor and richness. You can find this readily made at many Mexican markets or make your own!
1 tbsp avocado oil: This healthy oil adds a subtle flavor and helps the tortillas crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
1 tsp cumin: This warm spice complements the birria beautifully and adds depth of flavor.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that elevates the birria flavor profile to another level.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing birria taquitos:

Prepare the tortillas: Warm the tortillas slightly. You can do this by microwaving them for 10-15 seconds or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds. This makes them more pliable and less likely to break.
Assemble the taquitos: Lay a tortilla flat. Place about 2 tablespoons of shredded birria beef in the center, top with 1-2 tablespoons of Oaxaca cheese. Tip: Don’t overfill – you want them to roll easily and cook evenly.
Roll the taquitos: Carefully roll up the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides to prevent any filling from escaping. To make them extra sturdy, you can lightly brush the edges with a little water before rolling.
Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Lightly brush the taquitos with avocado oil to enhance crispiness. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; work in batches for even cooking.
Air fry the taquitos: Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them – air fryers can vary slightly. If they need a little extra time, add another 2-3 minutes.
Serve and enjoy! Once cooked, immediately serve your crispy birria taquitos with a generous bowl of consommé for dipping. Garnish with extra cheese or your favorite toppings.

Pro Tip: For extra crispy taquitos, spray them with a little cooking spray once they’re halfway cooked.

Tips for Success

To ensure your birria taquitos turn out perfectly crispy and delicious, here are a few helpful tips:

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: This will prevent even cooking and result in soggy taquitos. Work in batches to ensure each taquito gets its time to shine.
Warm your tortillas: Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and less likely to crack during rolling. A few seconds in the microwave or a quick wrap in a damp paper towel does the trick.
Use high-quality cheese: Oaxaca cheese melts beautifully, but if you can’t find it, a good quality Monterey Jack is a great substitute.
Don’t overfill the taquitos: Overfilling can cause the filling to spill out during cooking and prevent the tortillas from crisping up properly.
Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your taquitos while they’re cooking. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer.

Variations to Try

Feeling creative? Here are some delicious variations to try:

Spicy Taquitos: Add a pinch of chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the birria filling for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Taquitos: Substitute the birria beef with seasoned jackfruit or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
Gluten-Free Taquitos: Use gluten-free corn tortillas to make these taquitos suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Different Cheese: Experiment with other melting cheeses like queso quesadilla or even a blend of cheeses.
Add Some Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped onions, peppers, or cilantro into your birria filling for added flavor and texture.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze them, place the cooled taquitos in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, you can air fry them again for a few minutes until heated through and crispy, or you can microwave them for 30 seconds to a minute until heated through (though they may lose some of their crispiness). For best results, always reheat in batches to maintain even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about these delicious air fryer birria taquitos:

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes! While Oaxaca cheese is ideal for its melty texture, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, or even a blend of cheeses.
Q: How long do the taquitos keep? A: Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will keep for up to 3 days. Frozen, they’ll last for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes! You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Just increase the air frying time slightly.
Q: What if my tortillas break while rolling? A: Don’t worry! If a tortilla breaks, just carefully patch it up with a little bit of water. It won’t affect the final result much.
Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying? A: While air frying yields the best results, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. However, the texture might not be as crispy as with air frying.

The Final Word

These crispy air fryer birria taquitos are a game-changer! They’re incredibly flavorful, wonderfully crispy, and surprisingly easy to make. The air fryer makes all the difference, achieving that perfect crunch without all the greasy guilt. The combination of tender birria, melty cheese, and the rich consommé is simply irresistible. So, ditch the deep fryer and give these taquitos a try. You won’t regret it!

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out – and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Birria Taquitos (Better Than Deep-Fried!)

Crispy birria taquitos made in an air fryer for a healthier, easier alternative to deep frying. Served with delicious consommé for dipping.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Servings 6 taquitos

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer Large enough to fit taquitos in a single layer
Mixing bowls

Ingredients

Birria Filling

2 cups shredded birria beef
1 cup Oaxaca cheese shredded

Other Ingredients

12 corn tortillas
0.5 cup consommé for dipping
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, gently combine the shredded birria beef and Oaxaca cheese.
Warm the corn tortillas slightly; you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds or heat them in a dry skillet.
Fill each tortilla with approximately 2 tablespoons of the birria mixture.
Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
Lightly spray the taquitos with avocado oil and sprinkle with cumin and smoked paprika.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve immediately with the consommé for dipping.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the birria beef in a mixture of your favorite spices before shredding.

Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Birria Taquitos (Better Than Deep-Fried!)