Healthy Instant Pot Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos: Your New Favorite Easy Family Dinner
Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than these Healthy Instant Pot Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos! This recipe takes convenience to the next level by leveraging your Instant Pot or Crock Pot for a flavorful Salsa Lime Chicken filling, then crisps everything to perfection in your Air Fryer or oven. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and meal prep. This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with, meaning if you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Embrace the Crisp: Why We Love Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
I’m having a real moment with my Air Fryer lately, and I truly can’t get enough of experimenting with it. There’s something so satisfying about tossing ingredients in and watching them transform into something wonderfully crispy and delicious. From perfectly roasted Brussels Sprouts (a future post, trust me!) to these fantastic taquitos, the Air Fryer consistently delivers an incredible texture with minimal oil.
Today, the spotlight is firmly on these incredible Healthy Chicken Taquitos. Why? Because corn tortillas achieve an unparalleled crispness when air-fried, taking your taquito experience from good to absolutely amazing!
They go into the Air Fryer slightly warmed and emerge with a perfect, golden crunch that will have everyone reaching for more. The transformation is quick and effortless, making your taquito dreams a reality in minutes.
The Secret to Speed & Flavor: Instant Pot Salsa Lime Chicken
What truly sets this taquito recipe apart is its reliance on my incredibly popular Instant Pot | Crock Pot Salsa Lime Chicken. This filling isn’t just easy; it’s ridiculously simple to prepare, making it a staple in my kitchen. I often whip up a big batch on Sundays or Mondays, knowing it will save me from the mid-week scramble of ordering takeout or, let’s be honest, resorting to cookies for lunch!
The beauty of this Salsa Lime Chicken is its simplicity: literally three ingredients – chicken tenderloins, a jar of all-natural salsa, and a fresh lime. You simply combine everything in your Instant Pot or Slow Cooker, set it, and forget it. No chopping, no sautéing, no fuss. It’s the ultimate “dump and go” meal prep solution, delivering maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Once cooked, you’ll have tender, flavorful shredded chicken that is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for filling tacos, topping grain bowls, adding to salads, and of course, becoming the star of these amazing taquitos. While you can certainly add extra seasonings if you wish, the combination of salsa and lime is so perfectly balanced that you truly don’t have to. Why complicate things when simple tastes this good?
See the super simple process in action with this video:
Easy, right? And incredibly kid and family-friendly too! The versatility of this shredded chicken doesn’t stop at taquitos. You can also use it, or even other pre-prepped proteins, for a variety of delicious meals. For instance, consider making taquitos with leftover 21 Day Fix Pork Carnitas, Hidden Cauliflower Taco Meat, or even extra Turkey Taco Skillet. The possibilities for quick, healthy meals are endless!
And if you’re looking for the perfect healthy side dish to accompany your crispy taquitos, my 21 Day Fix Cauliflower Rice with Lime and Cilantro would be an absolutely perfect match, adding a fresh and vibrant component to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
What kind of tortillas do you use for these Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos?
For these healthy taquitos, I primarily use gluten-free corn tortillas. Not only do they fit our dietary needs, but on the 21 Day Fix, you can enjoy two corn tortillas for one yellow container equivalent, making them a great healthy option. While corn tortillas can sometimes be a bit trickier to work with – they can be prone to cracking if not properly warmed – the incredible crispness they achieve in the Air Fryer or oven is absolutely worth the extra step. If you prefer, however, you can certainly substitute with flour tortillas (gluten-free or whole wheat varieties work well too!).
To ensure your corn tortillas are pliable and won’t crack when rolling, wrap about 4 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds. If they’re still crumbling, dampen the towel more and heat them slightly longer until they’re soft and flexible. An alternative method is to spray them lightly with olive oil spray and warm them on a baking sheet in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven for a few minutes until they become pliable. This helps prevent cracking and makes rolling much easier, ensuring your taquitos hold their shape and crisp beautifully.
What healthy toppings do you add to these 21 Day Fix Chicken Taquitos?
The right toppings can elevate your taquitos from delicious to extraordinary! I love adding a generous dollop of fresh pico de gallo for a burst of vibrant flavor and a good dose of greens. For a creamy, cool contrast and an extra protein boost, plain Greek yogurt is my go-to, perfectly rounding out the red container portion. If you’re not concerned about dairy, you could even stir some Greek yogurt directly into your shredded chicken mixture before rolling for an extra creamy filling. We keep our chicken filling dairy-free for my son, so I usually add it on top.
Beyond that, sliced avocado or a scoop of homemade guacamole adds healthy fats and a rich, satisfying texture. If I have any blue container portions left for the day, a sprinkle of extra cheese is always a welcome addition. Don’t forget fresh cilantro for a final flourish of herbaceous flavor!
Can you freeze these Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos?
Absolutely! These healthy taquitos are fantastic for meal prepping and freezing. You have a couple of options: you can freeze the Salsa Lime Chicken filling alone for future use, or you can assemble your taquitos and freeze them for a quick, ready-to-cook meal or snack. To freeze assembled taquitos, lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab just a few when you need them.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw! You can easily reheat and crisp them up directly from frozen in your Air Fryer or oven. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time until they’re hot, crispy, and golden brown, making them an ideal solution for busy days.
I don’t have an Air Fryer. Can I make these Chicken Taquitos in the oven?
Yes, absolutely! While the Air Fryer provides an unbeatable crisp, you can definitely achieve delicious results in a conventional oven. The recipe card below includes detailed oven directions. In short, simply follow the taquito assembly steps, then arrange your rolled taquitos on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spray them lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 12-14 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Which Air Fryer should I buy for making healthy recipes like these taquitos?
Choosing an Air Fryer can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market! I personally use a Philips Air Fryer, and while I love its cooking performance, my main piece of advice for anyone looking to buy one is to consider the actual cooking basket size. A small basket, like the one I have, can be challenging if you’re cooking for a larger family or trying to make bigger batches. Look for an Air Fryer with a generous cooking capacity, ideally 5 quarts or more, especially if you plan on using it for family meals. Also, always check user reviews and compare features within your budget to find the best fit for your kitchen and cooking habits.
Here are some popular Air Fryer models that many of my readers love, offering various sizes and features:
- Power Air Fryer XL AF-530-5.3 5.3 QT Deluxe: A popular choice known for its larger capacity, with some versions even offering 6 quarts.
- Philips HD9630/98 Avance XXL Twin Turbostar Airfryer (3lb/4qt): Similar to my model, but with a larger capacity perfect for families.
- NuWave Brio 6 Quart Digital Air Fryer – Black with NuWave Brio Air Fryer 3 Piece Gourmet Accessory Kit: This one often comes with useful accessories and even offers a huge 10-quart version for bigger households.
- GoWISE USA GW22731 1700-Watt 8-in-1 Digital 50 Recipes for Your Air Fryer Book, 5.8-QT: A great option for those looking for a good price point without sacrificing size.
- Ninja Foodi TenderCrisp Multi-Cooker and Fryer All-in-One (OP305): This is my dream kitchen appliance! It’s an incredible multi-cooker that functions as both a pressure cooker and an air fryer, along with other modes. If I didn’t already have multiple Instant Pots and Air Fryers, this would be my top pick!
What other healthy foods can you cook in an Air Fryer?
I’m constantly testing new recipes, but the versatility of the Air Fryer truly knows no bounds. We’ve successfully made everything from eggs and crispy french toast sticks for breakfast to perfectly cooked chicken breasts, potatoes (both fresh and frozen!), and a wide variety of vegetables. Even frozen veggies come out with a fantastic texture, much better than steaming or boiling.
Beyond the incredible crispiness it imparts and the minimal oil required for healthy cooking, my absolute favorite aspect of the Air Fryer is how incredibly fast it cooks! This speed is a huge advantage, especially when preparing healthy meals for a busy family. You know me – I always prioritize fast and easy recipes!
For more inspiration, check out my comprehensive list of The BEST Healthy Air Fryer Recipes [21 Day Fix | WW].
Healthy Instant Pot Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 jar organic salsa
- 1 lime
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese of your choice
- 12 corn tortillas or sub gluten-free or whole wheat flour tortillas
- Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
- Salt
- 1 tablespoon salt-free taco seasoning optional
Optional toppings:
- Small container of Greek yogurt
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Avocado or guacamole
- Cilantro
Instructions
Chicken:
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Place chicken tenderloins in your Instant Pot.
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Pour the jar of salsa over the chicken. Secure the lid, then select the poultry setting or use the manual/pressure cook button and set the timer for 15 minutes.
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Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release.
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Remove the chicken and shred it thoroughly. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shredded chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and/or 1 tablespoon of salt-free taco seasoning, if desired.
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Alternatively, follow the Crock Pot directions provided in this post for slow cooker preparation!
Taquitos:
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To make tortillas pliable, wrap 4 corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. **Note – if your tortillas are crumbling, wrap again with a more damp paper towel and heat them longer until soft. **Update – Another effective method is to spray tortillas with olive oil spray and heat them on a baking sheet in a 400°F (200°C) oven for a few minutes until just pliable.
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Working one by one, place 2 tablespoons of the prepared shredded chicken along the top edge of a warm tortilla. Add 1.5 tablespoons of shredded cheese. Gently roll the tortilla into a tight taquito shape, using a toothpick to secure it if necessary. **Optional – for extra creaminess, stir some Greek yogurt into your chicken mixture before rolling.
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Lightly spray the basket of your Air Fryer with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Arrange 2-4 taquitos in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray the taquitos with olive oil spray and sprinkle lightly with salt. Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Repeat the cooking process with the remaining corn tortillas and chicken filling until all taquitos are cooked.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh avocado/guacamole (or more cheese), fresh pico de gallo, cilantro, and a drizzle of Greek yogurt if desired.
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**To make the Taquitos in the oven, simply follow all assembly instructions above. Instead of Air Frying, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange taquitos, spray with olive oil, and bake for 12-14 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until crispy and golden.
Video
Notes
WW (Weight Watchers): Per 2 Taquitos – 6 points (calculated using reduced-fat cheese, plus additional toppings)
Nutrition