It’s probably no secret that the air fryer is my favorite go to option for cooking frozen foods. Let’s face it, we’ve all been in a hurry and needed that quick meal or snack option! You’re going to love these crispy Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos in the air fryer for a fast, Mexican-inspired meal!
You can enjoy some crispy, delicious Trader Joe’s frozen taquitos from your air fryer in under 10 minutes! Best of all, there’s no defrosting required – just pop them in, cook, and enjoy!
Taquitos are a versatile food, making for a perfect appetizer or snack, but you can also pair them with some sides to make a meal!
Trader Joe’s currently makes 3 varieties – chicken, beef, and a black bean and cheese vegetarian option for their taquitos. While I’m making the chicken version, note that this recipe will work for any flavor you have!
Ingredients List
18-ounce package Trader Joe’s frozen taquitos, any flavor
Ingredient Notes and Tips
Each 18-ounce package contains 10 taquitos with a serving size being 2. You can cook as many at a time as fit in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
As I mentioned before, TJ’s makes several flavors, so while I’m making frozen chicken taquitos, the beef and black bean options work the same
If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby, make sure to check out my recipe for Delimex Taquitos in the Air Fryer for an option available at most national grocers
Trader Joe’s Taquitos Air Fryer Instructions
Remove taquitos from all packaging and place into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, pausing halfway through to flip the taquitos (or just gently shake the basket). Chicken taquitos are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is crispy. Different air fryers can vary slightly, so add small increments of additional time as needed
Cool for 2-3 minutes (they will be hot) and then serve with your favorite dipping sauces or sides if desired
What to Serve With Chicken Taquitos
Street corn
Refried beans
Mexican rice
Salsa
Black bean salad
Corn salad
Avocado salad
Guacamole
Avocado fries
Sour cream or crema
French fries
Jicama slaw
Taco dip
Buffalo chicken dip
Queso
There are lots of great sides you can serve with chicken taquitos, whether as dippers or more robust sides to make them a meal!
Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos are crispy rolled corn tortillas filled with seasoned shredded chicken, cheese, and other flavorful ingredients.
They can usually be found year round in the freezer section at Trader Joe’s stores.
How Do I Cook Trader Joe’s Chicken Taquitos in the Air Fryer?
To cook Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos in the air fryer, place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Allow some air space between them for best results.
Air fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking, about 8-10 minutes at 400°F. If you preheat your air fryer, reduce cooking time to 7-8 minutes.
What Ingredients Are in Trader Joe’s Chicken Taquitos?
The ingredients in Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos contain corn tortillas, boneless skinless chicken breast with rib meat, boneless skinless chicken thigh, water, diced onion, canola oil, cornstarch, salt, dried chicken stock, garlic powder, and onion powder.
They are fried in canola oil or soybean oil before packaging (consult the label to confirm which version you are getting if you have a sensitivity).
Are Trader Joe’s Chicken Taquitos Gluten Free?
Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos do not contain ingredients which naturally have gluten. However, they are not certified as gluten free.
As such, you should assume they may have been exposed to cross contamination and use your discretion based on your specific dietary needs.
How Do I Prevent Trader Joe’s Chicken Taquitos from Getting Soggy in the Air Fryer?
To prevent Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos from getting soggy in the air fryer, ensure they are cooked in a single layer with space between each taquito.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can trap moisture and lead to soggy results. Flipping at least once during cooking is also essential to getting an even crisp around the tortilla.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Trader Joe’s Chicken Taquitos?
Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, including salsa, guacamole, sour cream, lime-based sauces, or chipotle mayo.
You can also dip them into hot dips, like taco dip, buffalo chicken dip, or queso cheese dip.
Recipe Pro Tips
I did not preheat my air fryer for this recipe. If you do, you can reduce cooking time to 7-8 minutes usually
My TJ’s chicken taquitos were cooked (verified via instant read thermometer) after 9 minutes total in my Ninja air fryer. Other brands and models may vary, so adjust as needed
You do not need to add any oil before cooking these frozen taquitos, as they are fried in oil prior to freezing and still contain plenty
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not refreeze after they have been cooked once
To reheat chicken taquitos, air fry at a temperature of 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway, until warmed through and re-crisped. Time can vary between air fryers, so adjust as needed
At this point, I’m pretty sure I’m working my way through every frozen Trader Joe’s offering out there, but I’m glad that I tried their frozen chicken taquitos!
With under 10 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer, they came out hot and crispy, for a super quick and easy meal or snack option.
They are not spicy at all, so if you prefer your taquitos to pack some Mexican heat, then I suggest grabbing a spicy salsa or hot sauce for dipping.
While I liked the filling, the filling-to-wrapper ratio was a bit off for me. In the center of the taquito, the tortilla overlapped, which made it too much corn and very little chicken. Out near the ends, though, where it was thinner, it was really tasty!
The chicken is shredded and moist, and nicely seasoned. Overall I’d get these again, but they’re probably about a 6.5 for me. I’d be interested in trying the other flavors (beef and the bean and cheese) which I haven’t yet.
Frozen taquitos are a great option to have on hand, and make a perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal, so they’re definitely a convenient and tasty choice!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delicious, crispy treat for Cinco de Mayo (or any time) then you’ll love these Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos, which cook up in under 10 minutes in your air fryer.
With shredded chicken and seasonings tucked into a crispy corn shell, they’re great for dipping or just enjoying on their own. Make them for game day to go with your dips for a fun dipper alternative!
Regardless of which flavor you choose, TJ’s frozen taquitos are a tasty snack, appetizer, or even a meal when paired with some other Mexican inspired sides like rice, corn, salsa, or even a nice salad.
If you want to try your hand at making your own instead of a frozen variety, make sure to check out my recipe for homemade Beef Taquitos in the Air Fryer!
Trader Joe’s Chicken Taquitos Air Fryer Recipe
Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos cook directly from frozen to crispy perfection in under 10 minutes! They’re a great snack, appetizer, or meal when paired with sides.
Remove taquitos from all packaging and place into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
18 ounce package frozen Trader Joe's taquitos
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, pausing halfway through to flip the taquitos (or just gently shake the basket). Chicken taquitos are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is crispy. Different air fryers can vary slightly, so add small increments of additional time as needed
Cool for 2-3 minutes (they will be hot) and then serve with your favorite dipping sauces or sides if desired
Notes
Each 18-ounce package contains 10 taquitos with a serving size being 2. You can cook as many at a time as fit in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
As I mentioned before, TJ’s makes several flavors, so while I’m making frozen chicken taquitos, the beef and black bean options work the same
I did not preheat my air fryer for this recipe. If you do, you can reduce cooking time to 7-8 minutes usually
My TJ’s chicken taquitos were cooked (verified via instant read thermometer) after 9 minutes total in my Ninja air fryer. Other brands and models may vary, so adjust as needed
You do not need to add any oil before cooking, as they are fried in oil prior to freezing and still contain plenty
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not refreeze after they have been cooked once
To reheat chicken taquitos, air fry at a temperature of 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway, until warmed through and re-crisped. Time can vary between air fryers, so adjust as needed
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only, based on Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
