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Crispy and Irresistible: Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos Recipe

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Apple pie is one of those classic desserts that brings back fond memories of family gatherings, holidays, and cozy afternoons. But what if you could enjoy all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a new, exciting format? Enter Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos—a quick, easy, and irresistible dessert that combines the warmth and sweetness of apple pie with the crispy crunch of taquitos. These delightful treats come together in a matter of minutes, offering a fun twist on an old favorite.

Ingredients

  • Apple Pie Filling (21 ounces): This pre-made filling provides the sweet and spiced apple flavor that forms the base of the dessert. It’s convenient, but you can make your own filling with fresh apples, cinnamon, and sugar if you prefer.
  • Soft Flour Tortillas (6 medium): Flour tortillas are used for their soft, pliable texture, which makes them perfect for rolling. They also fry up beautifully in the air fryer, turning golden and crispy. Medium-sized tortillas are ideal for making small, bite-sized taquitos.
  • Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): The melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar coating adhere to the taquitos while also adding a rich, buttery flavor to the crispy exterior.
  • Sugar (½ cup): Sugar is mixed with cinnamon to create a sweet, crunchy coating for the taquitos. It also adds a glossy finish when the melted butter is absorbed into the tortilla.
  • Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the sugar, perfectly complementing the apples. This is what gives the taquitos that apple pie flavor, even without the crust.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tortillas

Start by laying your tortillas flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or countertop. Open the can of apple pie filling and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling across the center of each tortilla. You don’t want to overfill the tortillas, as this will make them difficult to roll and may cause the filling to spill out during cooking. Keep the filling toward the center and leave a bit of space around the edges.

Spread the apple filling evenly, so every bite of taquito will have a good amount of filling. The key is to keep the filling in the center and not too close to the edges of the tortilla.

2. Roll the Taquitos

Once the filling is in place, gently roll up each tortilla, starting from one side and rolling toward the other. Roll it as tightly as possible without tearing the tortilla. This will help ensure that the taquitos stay intact while cooking.

When you reach the end of the tortilla, you can lightly press the edge to seal it, or use a small dab of melted butter to help hold it in place. You’ll want to make sure the seam is facing down when placing them in the air fryer, so they stay sealed during cooking.

3. Brush with Butter

After you’ve rolled all the tortillas, brush the outside of each one with the melted butter. This will give the taquitos a golden, crispy finish and help the cinnamon-sugar coating stick.

Don’t be shy with the butter; the more you use, the crispier the taquitos will become. The butter also helps to balance out the sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and adds a delicious richness to the taquitos.

4. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar

In a shallow dish, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir it well to combine. Once the taquitos are brushed with butter, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. This is where the magic happens—the cinnamon-sugar gives the taquitos that sweet, spiced exterior that makes them irresistible.

5. Air Fry the Taquitos

Place the taquitos seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each one. If you crowd the basket, they may not cook evenly, and you’ll miss out on that crispy texture.

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the taquitos for 9-11 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the taquitos over using tongs to ensure both sides are golden and crispy. If you like your taquitos extra crispy, you can add another 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the taquitos are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. These taquitos are best served warm, so you can enjoy the gooey apple filling and the crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating at their finest.

Serve the taquitos on a platter with your favorite toppings. Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are all great options. You could even dust them with a little powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.

Notes

  • Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the tortillas with filling. If you use too much, it will be harder to roll them tightly, and the filling may spill out during air frying.
  • Roll Tightly: Make sure the taquitos are rolled snugly. This will prevent the filling from leaking out and ensure a tight, crispy roll.
  • Flip Carefully: When flipping the taquitos halfway through the cooking time, be gentle to avoid breaking them. Tongs are the best tool for this task.
  • Use the Right Tortillas: Medium-sized flour tortillas work best for this recipe. They’re soft enough to roll tightly, and they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
  • Work in Batches: If you’re making a larger batch, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air fry the taquitos in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.