If you love apple pie but do not love all the effort that comes with making one from scratch, you are going to love this recipe.
These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos give you everything you crave. Warm cinnamon apples.
A golden crunchy shell. That sweet sugar coating on the outside. And the best part is that you can make them in about 20 minutes.
The first time I made these, I simply wanted something sweet and quick. I had apples sitting on my counter and did not feel like rolling out pie dough or waiting for a full pie to bake.
So I grabbed some tortillas and used my air fryer instead.
They came out crispier than I expected and honestly easier than traditional apple pie.
If you want an easy air fryer dessert that tastes homemade but feels effortless, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Why You Will Love These Apple Pie Taquitos
There are so many reasons I keep making these again and again.
They are quick and easy
They use simple pantry ingredients
They are perfectly crispy in the air fryer
They are great for fall and holidays
They are kid friendly and party ready
You get that classic apple pie flavor without dealing with pie crust. And if you are anything like me, that alone makes this recipe a winner.
Ingredients You Will Need
You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
For the Apple Filling
2 cups apples, finely diced
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For the Taquitos
6 small flour tortillas
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional toppings
Caramel sauce
Vanilla ice cream
Powdered sugar
The Best Apples to Use
If you want the perfect texture, choose apples that hold their shape while cooking.
Honeycrisp
Granny Smith
Fuji
Gala
I personally love mixing Granny Smith with Honeycrisp. You get a balance of sweet and slightly tart that makes the filling taste even better.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos
Let me walk you through this step by step so yours turn out perfectly crispy and full of warm apple flavor.
Step 1: Make the Apple Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and let the apples cook for about 5–7 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the apples. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the filling thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Hot filling can make the tortillas soggy, so a little patience goes a long way.
You can taste and adjust the sweetness or spices here. I usually sneak a little bite — you should too.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. This will be the coating for your taquitos once they are cooked.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos
Lay a tortilla flat.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple filling in a line across the lower third of the tortilla.
Roll it tightly, keeping the seam side down. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Try not to overfill them. I learned the hard way — too much filling and they can burst open in the air fryer.
Optional tip: If the filling is a bit sticky, wet your fingers slightly to help seal the edges.
Step 4: Brush with Butter
Brush each rolled taquito lightly with melted butter. This is what makes them golden and crispy.
I like to brush the edges too, not just the top. It helps seal them and gives extra crunch.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Place the taquitos in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd them — air circulation is key for crispiness.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Once they are done, immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve them warm. You can add vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, or powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
I like to eat one right away and save a few for later. They are just as good at room temperature if you can resist.
Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Taquitos
Making these taquitos is simple, but a few small tricks will make them next-level crispy and delicious:
- Do not overfill – Too much apple filling can make the tortillas burst while air frying. Stick to about 2 tablespoons per tortilla.
- Use flour tortillas – They crisp up beautifully and hold the filling better than corn tortillas.
- Brush with butter generously – This step creates a golden exterior and helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
- Check your air fryer – Each model is slightly different. Start checking your taquitos at 6 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust sweetness to taste – Apples vary in sweetness. Taste the filling before rolling, and add more sugar if you like it sweeter.
- Keep an eye on the cinnamon sugar coating – Roll them immediately after air frying for the sugar to stick well.
These small tips are what I do every time to make mine look and taste like bakery-style taquitos.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you make these once, you will want to experiment.
Caramel apple version
Add caramel sauce inside before rolling.
Apple cheesecake taquitos
Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese before adding apples.
Nutty apple taquitos
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
Pumpkin apple twist
Add a spoonful of pumpkin puree to the apple mixture for fall flavor.
What to Serve with Apple Pie Taquitos
You can serve these with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert feel.
You can drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence.
You can dust them with powdered sugar for a bakery style finish.
If you are hosting guests, slice them in half and plate them with ice cream. It instantly looks impressive.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp again.
I do not recommend microwaving because they lose their crunch.
Can You Freeze Them
Yes.
You can freeze the rolled taquitos before cooking. Place them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer safe bag.
Air fry from frozen at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
This makes them perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make them ahead of time
Yes. You can roll them earlier in the day and air fry when ready to serve.
Why are mine not crispy
You may have overcrowded the basket or used too much filling. Make sure the apples are not watery.
Can I use corn tortillas
You can, but flour tortillas crisp better and hold the filling more securely.
Final Thoughts
I love recipes that feel nostalgic but are simple to make. These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos give you all the comfort of apple pie without the effort.
You get warm cinnamon apples wrapped in a golden crispy shell. And you only need simple ingredients and an air fryer.
If you try this recipe, I would love for you to see how easy it is to customize. Once you make them, you will start thinking about other fillings you can roll up and air fry.
This one is definitely a keeper in my kitchen, and I think it will become one in yours too.
