Fiery Buffalo Chicken Taquitos with Cotija & Cilantro Recipe

Crispy buffalo-style chicken taquitos promise a spicy adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Zesty flavors burst through crunchy tortilla shells packed with tender, shredded meat.

Creamy cotija cheese adds a tangy counterpoint to the fiery buffalo sauce.

Bright cilantro sprinkles freshness across each golden-brown roll, creating a perfect balance of heat and cool.

Quick and simple to prepare, these taquitos bring restaurant-quality appetizers straight to your kitchen.

Weeknight dinners or game day snacks just got a serious upgrade.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why Crispy Buffalo-Style Chicken Taquitos With Cotija & Cilantro Are So Addictive

• Blast Flavor Quickly: Packed with bold buffalo-style taste that delivers intense spiciness in minutes, making this recipe a perfect go-to for sudden cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable dish allows personalization with different cheese types, hot sauce levels, and optional dipping sauces to match individual preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Transforms classic chicken into irresistible crispy taquitos that guarantee to impress guests at game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Zero Complex Cooking: Requires minimal kitchen skills with straightforward air fryer technique, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results without stress.

What You’ll Need For Crispy Buffalo-Style Chicken Taquitos With Cotija & Cilantro

• Chicken: Shredded and perfect for creating a flavorful and tender filling for taquitos.

• Tortillas: Small corn tortillas that will crisp up and hold the spicy chicken filling.

• Hot Sauce, Butter: Combination creates a classic buffalo-style coating with tangy and rich flavor.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty and authentic touch to the dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a bright and herbaceous garnish.

• Sour Cream, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings and dipping sauce that balance the spicy buffalo flavor.

Step-By-Step For Crispy Buffalo-Style Chicken Taquitos With Cotija & Cilantro

Step 1: Crank Up The Air Fryer

Fire up your air fryer to a sizzling 400°F, getting it ready for some crispy magic.

Step 2: Position Your Taquitos

Carefully place the taquitos inside the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded and have some breathing room.

Step 3: Crisp Those Beauties

Cook the taquitos for about 8 minutes, watching them transform into golden, crunchy delights that’ll make your mouth water.

Step 4: Whip Up The Spicy Sauce

Grab a large skillet and melt butter over medium heat, creating a smooth, silky base for your flavor explosion.

Step 5: Create Buffalo Brilliance

Stir in hot sauce with the melted butter, mixing until you’ve got a perfectly blended, fiery coating that screams flavor.

Step 6: Coat With Flavor

Take those crispy taquitos straight from the air fryer and gently toss them in the spicy butter sauce, ensuring every inch gets a delicious bath.

Step 7: Garnish And Glamorize

• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Accompany your taquitos with a side of cool sour cream for dipping, and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll rock your taste buds.

Helpful Tips For Crispy Buffalo-Style Chicken Taquitos With Cotija & Cilantro

• Swap chicken for shredded jackfruit or tofu to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the same spicy, crispy texture.
• Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising the authentic buffalo-style flavor.
• Reduce hot sauce amount for a milder taste or increase for extra heat, allowing flexibility for different spice preferences.
• Prep taquitos ahead of time and freeze before air frying for a quick weeknight meal or unexpected guests.
• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container and reheat in air fryer to maintain their signature crispiness without getting soggy.

Easy Ways To Switch Up Crispy Buffalo-Style Chicken Taquitos With Cotija & Cilantro

• Smoky Chipotle Taquitos: Replace buffalo sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo for a deep, smoky heat that adds complexity to the chicken filling.
• Mediterranean Fusion Taquitos: Swap buffalo sauce for tzatziki and use feta cheese instead of cotija, creating a Greek-inspired version with tangy flavors.
• Honey Sriracha Taquitos: Mix honey and sriracha for a sweet-spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the crispy taquitos, offering a balanced flavor profile.
• BBQ Ranch Taquitos: Combine barbecue sauce and ranch dressing as a coating, topped with green onions for a crowd-pleasing alternative that brings classic American barbecue notes to the dish.

Top Pairings For Crispy Buffalo-Style Chicken Taquitos With Cotija & Cilantro

• Pair Tangy Blue Cheese Dressing: Create a cool, creamy companion that balances the spicy buffalo chicken with its sharp, tangy flavor profile.
• Sip Ice-Cold Mexican Lager: Select a crisp, light beer like Modelo or Corona that cuts through the heat and refreshes the palate with its clean finish.
• Match Crunchy Celery Slaw: Prepare a zesty side salad with shredded celery, green onions, and a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich taquitos.
• Complement Ranch Dipping Sauce: Whip up a homemade ranch with buttermilk, herbs, and a touch of garlic to offer a classic, cooling counterpoint to the spicy buffalo coating.

Keep Crispy Buffalo-Style Chicken Taquitos With Cotija & Cilantro Fresh

• Refrigerator Storage: Seal leftover taquitos in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them flat to maintain crispiness.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap individual taquitos in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 375°F, arrange taquitos on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Flip halfway to ensure even warming.
• Air Fryer Reheating: Warm taquitos in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket midway to restore their original crunchiness and prevent sogginess.

FAQ Guide For Crispy Buffalo-Style Chicken Taquitos With Cotija & Cilantro

• What makes buffalo-style chicken taquitos different from regular taquitos?

These taquitos are coated in a classic buffalo sauce made with butter and hot sauce, giving them a tangy, spicy kick that sets them apart from traditional chicken taquitos.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cotija?

While cotija adds a distinct salty flavor, you can substitute it with crumbled feta or queso fresco if cotija is not available. The key is to use a crumbly, salty cheese that complements the buffalo sauce.

• Do I need a special air fryer for this recipe?

No, any standard air fryer will work. The goal is to achieve a crispy exterior at 400°F, which most air fryers can easily accomplish. Just ensure you don’t overcrowd the basket for even cooking.

Crispy Buffalo-Style Chicken Taquitos with Cotija & Cilantro Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy buffalo-style chicken taquitos bring spicy Mexican-American fusion to your plate, offering a mouthwatering blend of zesty buffalo sauce and classic taquito crunch. Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro elevate these irresistible rolls, promising you a delightful appetizer or quick meal that sparks serious flavor excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 24 chicken taquitos

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) hot sauce

Toppings and Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 tablespoon (3 grams) finely chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

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Instructions

1. Warm the air fryer to a scorching 400°F, preparing for crispy perfection.
2. Strategically position the taquitos inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. Fry the taquitos for 8 minutes, rotating halfway through to achieve an even golden-brown exterior.
4. While taquitos crisp, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until it transforms into a silky liquid.
5. Pour hot sauce into the melted butter, whisking vigorously to create a uniform, fiery coating.
6. Remove taquitos from the air fryer and immediately bathe them in the spicy butter sauce, gently tumbling to ensure complete coverage.
7. Artfully arrange the glossy, sauce-coated taquitos on a serving platter.
8. Generously shower the taquitos with crumbled cotija cheese, creating a salty, crumbly blanket.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top, adding a vibrant burst of herbaceous flavor.
10. Present alongside a dollop of cool sour cream for a contrasting dipping experience.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce quantity for mild or extra spicy preferences.
• Select corn tortillas for authentic flavor and gluten-free option, ensuring they’re fresh and pliable to prevent cracking during rolling.
• Shred chicken while still warm for easier mixing and better sauce absorption, using two forks to create consistent texture.
• Prep extra taquitos and freeze uncooked for quick future meals, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg