Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos

Equipment

• Air Fryer (basket or oven style)
• Medium saucepan or skillet
• Cutting board and sharp paring knife
• Pastry brush
• Tongs
• Shallow dish or rimmed plate (for cinnamon sugar coating)

Ingredients

The Apple Pie Filling

• 3 medium firm baking apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces (approx. 2.5 to 3 cups)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water (cornstarch slurry)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

The Taquito Shell & Topping

• 8 small soft flour tortillas (6-inch fajita/taco size)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted (divided)
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray (neutral oil like avocado or canola oil; avoid aerosol propellant sprays on air fryer baskets)

Optional Serving Accompaniments

• Warm salted caramel sauce
• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Whipped cream

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Apple Filling

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the finely diced apples, maple syrup (or brown sugar), 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.
3. Stir well to coat the apples evenly in the melting spiced butter.
4. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and release their natural juices.
5. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir constantly for about 60 to 90 seconds until the sauce thickens into a glossy, bubbly glaze that clings to the fruit.
6. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Warm and Prep the Tortillas

1. Place the 8 flour tortillas between two damp paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Microwave on high for 20 to 25 seconds until warm, soft, and pliable. Warmed tortillas bend smoothly and will not crack or tear when rolled tightly.
3. In a shallow rimmed dish or pie plate, whisk together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to create the exterior dusting mix.

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos

1. Lay one warmed tortilla flat on a clean cutting board.
2. Spoon approximately 2 generous tablespoons of the warm apple filling across the bottom third of the tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border at each side edge. Keep the filling in a tight, compact horizontal strip.
3. Roll the tortilla tightly away from you around the apple filling into a secure cylinder. Repeat with the remaining 7 tortillas.

Step 4: Assemble and Pre-Fry Brush

1. Lightly brush the seam side and exterior of each rolled taquito with a thin layer of melted butter.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
3. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-aerosol cooking oil spray.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

1. Place the rolled taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, seam side down , making sure they do not overlap or touch. Leave a small gap between each so circulating air crisps every surface. If using a standard 4-quart basket, work in two batches of 4.
2. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes .
3. Open the basket, use silicone-tipped tongs to carefully flip each taquito, and air fry for an additional 3 to 4 minutes , until the shells are blistered, golden brown, and visibly crisp.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar & Serve

1. Immediately remove the hot taquitos from the air fryer basket using tongs.
2. Quickly brush the tops and sides with the remaining melted butter, then roll each hot taquito directly into the prepared cinnamon sugar plate until generously crusted.
3. Transfer to a serving platter. Allow them to rest for 3 to 4 minutes before serving so the spiced interior sauce settles slightly.
4. Serve warm as-is, or drizzle with warm salted caramel and serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 315 kcal — · Protein: 4 g 8% · Fat: 11.5 g 15% · Carbohydrates: 50 g 18% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 6.5 g 33% · Fiber: 3.5 g 12% · Sugar: 25 g — Includes Added · Sodium: 270 mg 12%