Warm cinnamon apples wrapped in a crispy tortilla, all golden and bubbling from the air fryer. Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos are like handheld apple piebut faster, lighter, and way more fun to eat.
I started testing this recipe during fall 2022, when my daughter asked if we could “make dessert taquitos.” The first batch came out crackly and sweet, with that perfect contrast between crisp shell and soft apple fillingno heavy crust, no long baking time. After tweaking the tortilla folding technique and adjusting the spray for even browning, I’ve made these dozens of times, and they never last more than ten minutes on the counter.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos Recipe Easy and Delicious
Ingredients
Method
- Spread tortillas out flat and add about 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling down the center of each.
- Roll each tortilla up tightly and coat the outside with melted butter using a brush.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish, then roll each buttered taquito in the mixture to cover evenly.
- Arrange the taquitos seam side down in the air fryer basket without stacking or overlapping.
- Cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 9 to 11 minutes until the outside turns a crispy golden color.
- Flip each taquito carefully using tongs and air fry for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to reach your desired crunch.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 6 taquitos. Be careful not to overfill so that rolling each taquito tightly is easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sweet little hand pies are perfect when you want something indulgent but don’t want to turn on the oven or roll out pie dough. The air fryer gives you that gorgeous golden crunch in under 15 minutes of cooking timeno waiting, no fuss.
- Quick and easy: From start to finish, you’re done in about 20 minutes, making this ideal for last-minute dessert cravings or surprise guests.
- Minimal ingredients: Just a can of apple pie filling, tortillas, butter, sugar, and cinnamonthings you probably already have on hand.
- Healthier twist: By using the air fryer instead of deep frying, you get all that crispy texture with a fraction of the oil, so you can enjoy a lighter treat without sacrificing flavor.
- Kid-approved fun: Rolling these up feels like a little kitchen project, and kids love the handheld formatno fork required.
What You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. You’re working with pantry staples and one convenient shortcut that makes everything come together fast.
Apple pie filling is your star hereit’s already sweetened, spiced, and ready to go. Soft flour tortillas become your crispy “crust,” while melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar coating stick and adds richness. The sugar and ground cinnamon mixture gives you that classic churro-like finish that makes every bite feel special.
Pro Tip: Make sure your tortillas are fresh and pliable. If they’re a little stiff from the fridge, warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds so they roll without cracking.
| Ingredient | Why It Works | Swap Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Apple pie filling | Pre-spiced, sweet, and softno prep needed | Try cherry or peach pie filling for variety |
| Flour tortillas | Pliable and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer | Use whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber |
| Butter | Adds richness and helps coating stick | Use melted coconut oil for dairy-free option |
| Cinnamon-sugar | Creates that irresistible sweet, spiced crust | Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth |
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos
The process is wonderfully straightforward. Lay your tortillas flat, then spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling across the center of each one. Don’t overfillyou want to be able to roll them tightly without any filling squeezing out the sides.
Roll each tortilla snugly, then brush the outside with melted butter. Stir your sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish, and roll each buttered taquito through the mixture until it’s completely coated. Place them seam side down in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching or stacked.
Air fry at 350 degrees F for 9–11 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip with tongs and cook for another 3–4 minutes. After years of testing air fryer desserts, I’ve learned that flipping halfway through is the secret to even browning and that perfect crunch on all sides.
Tips for Perfect Results
Getting that ideal crispy-outside, soft-inside texture is all about a few small details. First, don’t skip the butterit’s what helps the cinnamon-sugar stick and gives you that bakery-style golden color.
- Watch the filling amount: Two tablespoons per tortilla is the sweet spot. Any more and they’ll be hard to seal and might burst during cooking.
- Leave space in the basket: Crowding prevents even air circulation, which means soggy spots instead of all-over crispness.
- Check early: Air fryers vary in power, so peek at the 9-minute mark. If they’re already golden, flip and finish; if not, give them another minute or two.
- Serve warm: These are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer while the outside is still crackly and the filling is warm and gooey.
Serving and Storage Ideas
Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence. They’re also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
| Storage Method | Instructions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Store in an airtight container up to 1 day | Next-day snacking (reheat in air fryer 2–3 minutes) |
| Refrigerator | Keep in airtight container up to 3 days | Meal prep or leftovers |
| Freezer | Wrap individually, freeze up to 1 month | Make-ahead desserts; reheat from frozen at 350°F for 5–7 minutes |
Note: To keep them crispy when reheating, always use the air fryer instead of the microwave. A quick 2–3 minute reheat at 350 degrees brings back that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos )
What tortillas work best for this recipe?
Small flour tortillas (6-8 inch) work perfectly for rolling and crisping. They hold the filling better than corn tortillas and don’t crack when rolled. Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier rolling without tearing.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Don’t overfill the tortillas and make sure your apple mixture isn’t too wet. Drain excess juices before filling. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the air fryer to help seal the edges during cooking.
What temperature and time should I use?
Cook at 375F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Start checking at 6 minutes since air fryer models vary. They’re done when golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 4 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month. Cook frozen ones for an extra 2-3 minutes, no need to thaw first.
What apples are best for the filling?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their shape and don’t get mushy. Honeycrisp and Braeburn also work well. Avoid Red Delicious as they break down too much and create excess moisture.
You’ll love how these Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos turn outgolden and crackly on the outside, warm and sweet inside. They take about 20 minutes start to finish, and that cinnamon-sugar coating tastes like the best part of fall baked into every bite. The filling stays soft and gooey while the tortilla crisps up beautifully, giving you all the comfort of apple pie without any of the fuss.
If you want to mix things up, try swapping in cherry or peach pie filling for a fun twist. You can also sprinkle a little nutmeg into your cinnamon-sugar for extra warmththat’s a trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen, and it makes them taste so cozy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in the air fryer for a couple minutes to bring back that perfect crunch.
I’d love to hear how yours turned outsnap a picture and share it with me! Did you grow up making handheld desserts like this, or is this your first time trying something like it? Either way, save this recipe and make a batch with someone you love. There’s nothing quite like enjoying something warm and sweet together on a chilly afternoon.
