Air Fryer Cherry Pie Taquitos

If you are craving a quick treat with tart cherry flavor and an addictive crispy shell, these air fryer cherry pie taquitos are just the answer. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that feels both nostalgic and new. The golden tortillas burst with gooey cherry filling, making them irresistible straight from the air fryer or finished with a snowy shower of powdered sugar.

This recipe was a huge hit at my last movie night. Every guest asked for seconds and the air fryer made them so easy to keep making hot and fresh.

Ingredients

• Cherry pie filling: For a juicy tart center and a shortcut to classic pie flavor. Choose bright red filling with whole cherries for the best texture
• Medium soft flour tortillas: To create the sturdy golden shell. Avoid extra thin tortillas for easy rolling
• Butter: Melted for brushing so the taquitos toast up rich and flaky. Go for real butter for best results
• Powdered sugar (optional): Adds a pretty finish and that pie shop vibe. Sifted powdered sugar will look the best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling and Tortillas:

Lay each tortilla flat on your work surface. Scoop about two tablespoons of cherry pie filling and place it right down the center of the tortilla. Evenly spread the filling from edge to edge but leave a slight border on each side to help with rolling.

Roll the Taquitos:

Gently fold each side of the tortilla over the cherry filling then roll it up tightly to keep all the filling inside. The key here is to keep them snug so they will not unravel during cooking. Avoid overfilling as this may cause the filling to spill out while frying.

Brush with Butter:

After rolling, generously brush the outside of each taquito with melted butter. Make sure to cover every bit of the tortilla so the entire taquito browns evenly and develops that craveable crispness.

Arrange in the Air Fryer:

Place the taquitos seam side down in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer without any stacking or overlapping so they cook and brown evenly.

Air Fry to Golden Perfection:

Set the air fryer to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for nine to eleven minutes, checking at the nine minute mark for doneness. The taquitos are ready when they are golden with crisp edges and the filling starting to bubble.

Add a Sweet Finish and Serve:

Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and arrange on a plate. While they are still warm, sift powdered sugar over the top to finish. Let them cool a few minutes for the filling to set slightly before serving.

Cherry pie filling is my go to because every bite is packed with flavor and color I remember my family gathering around the table for these after summer BBQs where the sweet and tart cherries always signaled something special

Storage Tips

Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days Reheat in the air fryer for two to three minutes to restore their crispness Avoid reheating in the microwave as the tortillas will become soggy If you want to prep ahead roll the taquitos in advance and air fry just before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping the cherry pie filling for other flavors like blueberry apple or peach You can also use gluten free tortillas for a celiac friendly option If you do not have powdered sugar a simple cinnamon sugar topping works well Just make sure to always brush with butter for that golden crunch

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm taquitos as a dessert taco bar with bowls of whipped cream melted chocolate or vanilla ice cream This is a fun setup for parties or family nights Another option is to slice them in half on the diagonal for easy bite size treats at potlucks

Cultural or Historical Context

Taquitos or rolled filled tortillas are a staple of Mexican cuisine traditionally filled with savory meats This fun dessert version borrows the technique but brings a sweet surprise pie inspired twist My family loves how this recipe takes something familiar and gives it a whole new dessert identity

There is nothing better than sitting around the table and splitting a batch of these warm taquitos with a scoop of vanilla ice cream My kids love to shower the tops with powdered sugar themselves and the playful mess makes for the best memories

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use homemade cherry filling?

Yes, homemade cherry filling can be substituted for canned. Ensure the consistency isn't too runny for easy rolling.

→ Which tortillas work best?

Medium soft flour tortillas are ideal as they roll tightly and crisp well without cracking in the air fryer.

→ How do I prevent taquitos from unrolling?

Place each taquito seam side down in the air fryer and avoid stacking to help them hold their shape during cooking.

→ Can I make these taquitos ahead?

They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble ahead and air fry just before serving for peak crispness.

→ Should I add powdered sugar before or after cooking?

Sprinkle powdered sugar on the taquitos after air frying for a delicate, sweet finish without melting.