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Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos with Slow-Cooked Chipotle Chicken

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These crispy air fryer taquitos feature tender slow-cooked chipotle chicken wrapped in corn tortillas and air fried to golden perfection. A quick, easy, and flavorful recipe perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sour cream or Mexican crema, fresh lime wedges, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Add the chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, chopped onion, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then natural release.
  3. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to soak up the flavorful juices while you prepare the tortillas.
  4. Warm the corn tortillas briefly in a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel or quickly on a hot skillet for 10-15 seconds each side to soften and prevent cracking.
  5. Lay a tortilla flat, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the shredded chicken along one edge, sprinkle a little shredded cheese if using, and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  6. Lightly spray or brush each taquito with cooking oil to promote crispiness. Place taquitos seam side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on all sides.
  8. Carefully remove taquitos and serve hot with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.

Notes

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. Lightly spray or brush taquitos with oil before air frying for best crispiness. Flip taquitos halfway through cooking. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Flavors deepen if chicken filling is refrigerated overnight before assembling. Freeze uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag; air fry frozen for 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: taquitos, air fryer, chipotle chicken, slow cooker, Mexican, crispy, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/crispy-air-fryer-taquitos-with-slow-cooked-chipotle-chicken-recipe-easy-and-delicious/