Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the shells crisp up fast.
Arrange the taquitos in a single layer. Don’t stack or crowd.
Leave a little space between each one so the air can circulate.
Lightly mist with oil spray if you want extra crunch. This is optional but helps with browning.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes. Then flip and cook another 3–5 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Thicker taquitos may need up to 12–14 minutes total.
Check doneness. The shells should be crunchy and the center hot.
If the ends split slightly, that’s normal—just avoid overcooking so the filling doesn’t dry out.
Season and serve. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt right out of the fryer. Add toppings and serve with your favorite dips.