Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos

If you love the taste of apple pie but are looking for a quicker, easier, and slightly healthier way to enjoy this classic dessert, you’ve come to the right place. Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos are the perfect answer to your cravings. They bring together the comforting flavors of apple pie—cinnamon, apples, and sugar—in a crispy, crunchy shell that’s air-fried to perfection. These taquitos are the ultimate combination of sweet, spiced, and crunchy, and they come together in no time with the help of your air fryer.

The air fryer makes this treat healthier than traditional deep-fried desserts by using a fraction of the oil, while still giving you that irresistibly crispy texture. Whether you’re serving them up as a quick weeknight dessert, a fun party snack, or even a special breakfast treat, these apple pie taquitos are sure to become a family favorite. And the best part? They’re incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.

Let’s get into the step-by-step guide to creating these amazing apple pie taquitos, and you’ll see why they’re the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: These taquitos take only a few minutes to prepare and cook, making them an ideal dessert when you need something sweet fast.
2. Healthier Dessert Option: Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll use far less oil, resulting in a lower-calorie dessert without sacrificing taste or texture.
3. Perfectly Crispy: The taquitos come out golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the filling is sweet and gooey, just like a classic apple pie.
4. Kid-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for kids to help with, from rolling the taquitos to sprinkling on the cinnamon sugar. Plus, they’ll love eating them!
5. Portable and Party-Ready: Serve these at your next gathering, and they’re sure to be a hit. They’re easy to hold, making them a perfect finger food dessert for any event.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 8-10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Makes 8-10 taquitos
• Serving Size: 1 taquito

Nutritional Information (per taquito)

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 190mg

(These values are approximate and may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos:

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best), peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent the apples from browning)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Taquitos:

• 8-10 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)

For Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
• Caramel sauce for drizzling
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

1. Peel and Dice the Apples:

Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough to fit comfortably inside the taquitos without bursting out during cooking.

2. Cook the Apples:

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (if using). Stir to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spices.

3. Simmer Until Tender:

Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons water to the skillet, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the apples cook for 5-7 minutes or until they soften but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Thicken the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the apple mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Warm the Tortillas:

To make the tortillas easier to roll, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make them more pliable and less likely to crack.

2. Fill the Tortillas:

Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the apple pie filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Spread the filling out slightly but leave space at the edges so you can roll the tortilla without the filling spilling out.

3. Roll the Taquitos:

Carefully roll each tortilla up tightly, starting from the edge with the filling and rolling toward the opposite side. Place the taquitos seam-side down to keep them from unrolling.

Step 3: Prepare for Air Frying

1. Brush with Butter:

Once all the taquitos are rolled, brush the outside of each one with melted butter. This will help them get crispy and golden in the air fryer.

2. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered taquitos, ensuring they’re well-coated for that classic apple pie flavor.

Step 4: Air Fry the Taquitos

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. This ensures the taquitos cook evenly and get nice and crispy.

2. Cook the Taquitos:

Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping to allow proper air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

3. Fry Until Golden and Crispy:

Air fry the taquitos for 6-8 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Check them halfway through cooking and turn them over to ensure even crisping on all sides.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the taquitos are done, transfer them to a serving plate and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a picture-perfect finish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos

These taquitos are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a few serving suggestions:

• As a Dessert: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast between the warm, crispy taquitos and the cold, creamy ice cream is unbeatable.
• At Breakfast or Brunch: Pair the taquitos with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a fun and indulgent breakfast treat.
• For a Party: Cut each taquito in half and serve them on a platter with a selection of dips like whipped cream, caramel sauce, and melted chocolate for dipping.
• With Coffee or Tea: These taquitos make a great afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot apple cider.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use the Right Apples: For the best texture, use a combination of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This balance will give you a filling that’s both sweet and slightly tangy, perfect for dessert.
2. Don’t Overfill the Taquitos: Be careful not to add too much filling, as this can make the taquitos difficult to roll and could cause them to burst during cooking.
3. Adjust the Cinnamon-Sugar: If you prefer a sweeter or more spiced taquito, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or cinnamon to your liking.
4. Check for Crispiness: Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on your taquitos as they cook. If they need more time to get crispy, add an extra minute or two.
5. Make Ahead and Reheat: These taquitos can be made ahead and reheated in the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispiness.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few delicious variations to try:

1. Chocolate Apple Pie Taquitos:

For an indulgent twist, add a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the apple filling before rolling up the taquitos. The chocolate will melt and create a rich, gooey center.

2. Caramel Apple Taquitos:

Drizzle a little caramel sauce inside each tortilla along with the apple filling for a caramel apple-inspired treat.

3. Peach Pie Taquitos:

Replace the apples with peaches for a summery take on this recipe. Use the same process, but cook the peaches slightly less to prevent them from getting too mushy.

4. Cinnamon Roll Taquitos:

Instead of apple filling, spread the inside of each tortilla with cinnamon-sugar butter, roll them up, and air fry. Drizzle with cream cheese icing for a fun twist on cinnamon rolls.

5. Apple and Brie Taquitos:

For a more sophisticated take, add a slice of brie cheese to each taquito along with the apple filling. The brie will melt beautifully, creating a savory-sweet combination that’s irresistible.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover taquitos (which is rare because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Freezing:

These taquitos can be frozen for future enjoyment. To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen taquitos to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Reheating:

For the best results, reheat the taquitos in an air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the taquitos soggy.

Special Equipment

• Air Fryer: The air fryer is essential for getting the taquitos perfectly crispy without deep frying.
• Muffin Tin (Optional): If you want to ensure the taquitos hold their shape, you can place them seam-side down in a muffin tin while air frying.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the melted butter onto the taquitos for that extra golden finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these taquitos in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the taquitos in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.

2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

While you can use corn tortillas, they may not roll as easily and tend to crack. If using corn tortillas, warm them up in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable before rolling.

3. Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour tortillas or your favorite gluten-free tortilla alternative for a delicious gluten-free version.

4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to get them crispy again.

5. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just air fry them as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos are the perfect combination of sweet, crispy, and spiced goodness. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dessert, a party snack, or just because you’re craving something sweet, they’re sure to hit the spot. With minimal ingredients and an air fryer, you can have these delightful treats ready in under 30 minutes.

So grab your apples, tortillas, and cinnamon, and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible apple pie taquitos. They’ll quickly become a favorite in your household!

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