Ingredients
Scale
- 6 Large Eggs: The protein powerhouse of our breakfast taquitos, eggs provide a rich, creamy filling and are packed with essential nutrients. For the best flavor and texture, use large, fresh eggs. Consider organic or free-range eggs for potentially richer yolks and better animal welfare practices. The eggs will be scrambled to create the base of our filling, so their quality directly impacts the overall taste. If you’re looking to boost the nutritional value further, you can add an extra egg white or two to increase the protein content while slightly reducing the yolk’s richness. For those watching cholesterol, using more egg whites and fewer yolks can be a helpful modification. Egg substitutes can also be used for vegan options, though the texture and flavor will differ.
- 4 oz Cooked Breakfast Sausage (Ground or Crumbled): Sausage adds a savory, meaty element that perfectly complements the eggs and cheese. Pre-cooked breakfast sausage is recommended for convenience and speed. You can use ground breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled, or pre-cooked sausage crumbles. Consider different sausage varieties to customize the flavor profile. Pork sausage is classic, but you could also use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option. For a spicier kick, opt for hot breakfast sausage. For vegetarian or vegan options, plant-based sausage crumbles are readily available and work wonderfully. Ensure the sausage is thoroughly cooked before adding it to the taquito filling, even if using pre-cooked varieties, a quick reheat ensures it’s safe and flavorful.
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Blend): Cheese provides a creamy, melty texture and adds a delicious cheesy flavor that binds the filling together. Shredded cheese is essential for even melting. Cheddar cheese offers a classic, sharp flavor. Monterey Jack cheese is milder and melts beautifully, providing a creamy texture. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack (or a Mexican cheese blend) offers a balanced flavor and excellent meltability. Consider pepper jack cheese for a spicy cheesy kick. For a lower-fat option, you can use part-skim mozzarella, although it might not melt quite as richly. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own cheese from a block often results in better melting and flavor as it avoids the cellulose coating sometimes found in pre-shredded varieties.
- 6–8 Small Flour Tortillas (6-inch size): Tortillas are the wraps that hold our delicious filling and become wonderfully crispy in the air fryer. Small, 6-inch flour tortillas are the ideal size for breakfast taquitos. Flour tortillas are recommended for their pliability and ability to crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Corn tortillas can be used, but they tend to be more brittle and may crack more easily when rolled and air-fried. If using corn tortillas, warming them slightly before filling can help improve their pliability. Look for fresh, soft tortillas for the best results. You can also experiment with different types of flour tortillas, such as whole wheat tortillas for added fiber or flavored tortillas (like spinach or tomato) for a subtle flavor variation.
- Optional Seasonings: Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin: Seasonings are key to enhancing the flavor of the filling and making your breakfast taquitos truly delicious. Salt and black pepper are essential to season the eggs and sausage. Garlic powder and onion powder add savory depth. Chili powder and cumin offer a warm, slightly spicy Southwestern flavor profile that works beautifully with breakfast taquitos. Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, oregano for an herbaceous note, or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Taste and adjust the seasonings as you cook the eggs and sausage to ensure the filling is flavorful before assembling the taquitos.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil (for Air Fryer Basket): A light coating of cooking spray or olive oil prevents the taquitos from sticking to the air fryer basket and promotes even crisping. Cooking spray is convenient, but a light brushing of olive oil also works well. Using oil or spray is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy exterior without excessive sticking or burning.
- Optional Toppings and Dips for Serving: Toppings and dips take your Air Fryer Breakfast Taquitos to the next level, adding extra flavor and customization. Consider offering a variety of options to cater to different tastes. Popular toppings and dips include:
- Salsa (Mild, Medium, or Hot): Adds a fresh, vibrant, and often spicy element.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the crispy taquitos.
- Guacamole or Avocado: Adds richness, creaminess, and healthy fats.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh and flavorful salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like extra heat, offer a variety of hot sauces.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous garnish.
- Diced Green Onions: Green onions provide a mild oniony flavor and a pop of color.
- Queso Dip: For an indulgent cheesy dipping experience.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Egg and Sausage Filling
- Scramble the Eggs: In a medium bowl, crack the 6 large eggs. Add a splash of water or milk (about 1-2 tablespoons) for extra fluffiness, if desired. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and any other optional seasonings you are using, such as garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin. Whisk the eggs thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Cook the Sausage (if needed): If you are using raw ground breakfast sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until fully browned and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. If using pre-cooked sausage crumbles or pre-cooked crumbled sausage, you can simply warm it up in the skillet for a few minutes to heat through and enhance the flavor.
- Combine Eggs and Sausage: Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet with the cooked sausage. Reduce the heat to low-medium. Scramble the eggs gently, stirring occasionally, until they are set but still slightly moist. Avoid overcooking the eggs, as they will dry out.
- Add Cheese to Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in ¾ cup of the shredded cheese into the hot egg and sausage mixture. The heat from the filling will melt the cheese slightly, creating a creamy and cheesy filling. Reserve the remaining ¼ cup of cheese for topping the taquitos later, if desired.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the egg and sausage filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your preference. This is the time to ensure the filling is flavorful before assembling the taquitos.
Step 2: Assemble the Breakfast Taquitos
- Warm the Tortillas (Optional but Recommended): Warming the tortillas slightly makes them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking. You can warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel, or briefly heat them in a dry skillet on both sides until softened.
- Fill the Tortillas: Lay out a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the egg and sausage filling in a line down the center of the tortilla, leaving about an inch of space at both ends. Do not overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and may cause them to burst during air frying.
- Roll the Taquitos: Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting from one side and tucking in the filling as you roll. Roll it up like a cigar, ensuring it is snugly rolled. If needed, you can moisten the edge of the tortilla with a tiny bit of water to help seal it closed. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 3: Air Fry the Breakfast Taquitos
- Preheat Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended): While not always necessary, preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes can help ensure even cooking and crisping. Check your air fryer manufacturer’s instructions for preheating recommendations.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Taquitos in Basket: Place the rolled taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, seam-side down. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent even crisping. You may need to cook the taquitos in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry the Taquitos: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Flip the taquitos halfway through the cooking time (around 4-6 minutes) to ensure even crisping on all sides. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the desired level of crispness.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If you want extra cheesy taquitos, during the last 1-2 minutes of air frying, sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of shredded cheese over the top of the taquitos and continue air frying until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from Air Fryer: Carefully remove the crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Taquitos from the air fryer basket using tongs.
- Cool Slightly: Let the taquitos cool for a minute or two before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
- Serve with Toppings and Dips: Serve the Air Fryer Breakfast Taquitos immediately while they are hot and crispy. Offer a variety of your favorite toppings and dips, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or hot sauce, for dipping and topping. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 350-450
- Sodium: 500-800 mg
- Fat: 20-30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
- Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Cholesterol: 200-250 mg