The Rise of Air Fryers
In recent years, air fryers have become incredibly popular in kitchens around the world. These sleek and efficient appliances allow you to enjoy your favorite fried foods with significantly less oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying methods. One dish that you can easily prepare in an air fryer is the beloved toquito. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making delicious toquitos in an air fryer, ensuring a crispy exterior and flavorful filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make your toquitos:
For the Filling:
1. 2 cups of shredded chicken or beef
2. 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
3. 1/2 cup of diced onions
4. 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
5. 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning
6. Salt and pepper to taste
For the Assembly:
1. 12 small tortillas (corn or flour, based on your preference)
2. Cooking spray or oil for brushing
Preparing the Filling
Start by placing your shredded chicken or beef in a mixing bowl. Add the shredded cheese, diced onions, chopped cilantro, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Assembling the Toquitos
Take a small tortilla and place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring that the filling is securely wrapped within. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. While it’s heating up, lightly brush or spray the toquitos with cooking oil. This step will help achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
Place the toquitos in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the toquitos are golden brown and crispy.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the toquitos are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness.
Conclusion
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook our favorite fried foods, offering a healthier alternative without compromising on taste and texture. Making toquitos in an air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this popular Mexican dish. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create perfectly crispy toquitos with a flavorful filling. So, why not give it a try and elevate your snacking game with this air fryer recipe?