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.