Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Cottage Cheese Taquitos

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Craving something crunchy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying—but don’t want the mess or calories of deep frying? These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Cottage Cheese Taquitos are the answer. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they blend tender shredded chicken, creamy cottage cheese, melted cheddar, and bold seasoning all wrapped up in golden, air-fried tortillas.

Perfect for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or meal-prep lunches, this high-protein, low-effort recipe has become a family favorite in our kitchen.

Here’s why you’ll love this dish:

Ready in under 25 minutes from start to finish
Crispy without deep-frying—thanks to the air fryer
Packed with 28g of protein per serving
Made with simple ingredients and pantry staples
Kid-friendly and easy to customize
Great for meal prep—make now, reheat later

Whether you’re eating low-carb, gluten-free (with GF tortillas), or just want something crunchy and cheesy, these taquitos deliver on all fronts.

Ingredient Highlights

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this recipe such a win.

Cottage Cheese

This unexpected taquito filler brings creamy texture and a major protein boost. Cottage cheese keeps the filling moist and rich without the heaviness of cream cheese or sour cream. Using full-fat or 2% cottage cheese gives the best melt and flavor.

Chicken

Use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or poached breasts—whatever you have on hand. The key is to shred it finely so the filling stays well combined. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch.

Tortillas

Flour tortillas crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without cracking or tearing. For lower carbs, use low-carb wraps or almond flour tortillas.

Cheese & Spices

Cheddar adds a bold, melty finish, while paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper give the filling just enough smoky, savory warmth. Want more heat? Try chipotle powder or a dash of cayenne.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy taquitos at home:

Main Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or poached)
1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat or 2%)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8 small flour tortillas
Olive oil spray (for crisping)

Optional Add-Ins:

1 tsp adobo sauce or chipotle chili powder (for heat)
¼ cup chopped cilantro or green onions (for freshness)
1 tablespoon lime juice (for a tangy twist)
Low-carb or gluten-free tortillas (as substitutions)

Step-by-Step Instructions

These air fryer taquitos come together fast—just mix, roll, crisp, and eat!

Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and evenly mixed.
Warm the Tortillas
To prevent cracking, microwave the tortillas for about 15 seconds until soft and pliable.
Roll the Taquitos
Lay a tortilla flat. Spoon about ¼ cup of the chicken filling along one edge. Roll tightly into a taquito shape and place seam-side down. Repeat for the rest.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray each taquito with olive oil for extra crispness.
Air Fry in Batches
Arrange the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need two batches). Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook 4 more minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Let them rest for 1–2 minutes to firm up, then serve hot with your favorite dips—salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or chipotle mayo.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Taquitos

Use these tips to make sure your taquitos turn out golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor every time:

Warm tortillas before rolling – Cold tortillas crack and tear. A 10–15 second microwave zap makes them soft and pliable.
Don’t overstuff – Use about ¼ cup filling per tortilla. Too much and they’ll burst open during cooking.
Roll tightly and seam-side down – This keeps the taquitos sealed while crisping up evenly.
Light spray of oil – Don’t skip the olive oil spray. It gives you that irresistible crispy texture without deep frying.
Air fry in a single layer – Crowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking. Do multiple batches if needed.
Let them rest – A 1–2 minute rest lets the filling set slightly, so they don’t fall apart when you bite in.

Flavorful Variations

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can start playing with mix-ins and flavors. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Mix shredded chicken with cottage cheese, cheddar, and 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce. Serve with ranch for dipping.
Spicy Southwest Taquitos
Add ¼ cup black beans, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, and corn kernels for a bold Tex-Mex spin.
Greek-Style Taquitos
Use feta instead of cheddar, add diced olives, spinach, and a pinch of oregano. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
Breakfast Taquitos
Swap chicken for scrambled eggs and turkey sausage. Perfect make-ahead breakfast you can reheat all week.
Low-Carb Version
Use almond flour tortillas or egg wraps. Keep the cottage cheese but reduce the cheddar slightly to save fat.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy taquitos are versatile enough for any time of day. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:

As a Main Course: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, a fresh avocado salad, or roasted veggies.
As a Snack or Appetizer: Plate them with guacamole, salsa, or chipotle-lime crema for dipping.
For Meal Prep: Pack 2–3 taquitos with salsa and a slaw for an easy protein-packed lunch.
For Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fruit salad for a savory twist on your morning meal.
On Game Day: Make a big batch and keep them warm in the oven. They disappear fast with a side of queso!

Storage and Reheating

These taquitos reheat beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead meals or leftovers.

To Refrigerate:

Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

Place cooled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

Air Fryer: 375°F for 3–4 minutes (best method for crispness).
Oven: 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave: 45–60 seconds (not as crispy, but still tasty).

Nutritional Benefits

Each taquito clocks in around 360 calories, offering a fantastic balance of macros:

28 grams protein – thanks to chicken and cottage cheese
14 grams fat – for satisfying richness without going overboard
30 grams carbs – mostly from the tortilla, easy to adjust with low-carb swaps

These are especially great for anyone following a high-protein, low-sugar lifestyle. And they’re naturally low in sugar and made without processed junk.

Common Reader FAQs

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Yes, swap cottage cheese for mashed avocado or vegan cream cheese and use dairy-free cheddar.

Q: What’s the best chicken to use?
A: Rotisserie chicken is fastest, but poached or grilled chicken breast also works great. Just be sure to shred it finely.

Q: Can I bake them instead of air frying?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flip once for even browning.

Q: How can I make them spicier?
A: Add chipotle powder, adobo sauce, or a spoon of jalapeño cream cheese to the filling.

Q: Are corn tortillas okay?
A: You can use corn tortillas, but they are more prone to cracking. Warm them longer and use toothpicks to secure if needed.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Cottage Cheese Taquitos prove you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for simplicity. With minimal ingredients and big payoff in both texture and taste, they’re a go-to for quick dinners, snacks, or high-protein lunches.

The air fryer does all the work, creating a golden, crispy exterior while the inside stays creamy and savory. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—so you can tailor them to your family’s cravings and dietary needs.

Try them once and you’ll be hooked. Don’t forget to pin, save, or share this recipe with friends who need an easy dinner win!