Leftover turkey recipes

Easy Air Fryer Taquitos — Turkey Thanksgiving is my favorite little trick for the day after the big meal, when the fridge is packed but nobody wants another full plate of leftovers. You know that moment when you are hungry, but also kind of tired of turkey sandwiches? Same. These taquitos fix that in a crunchy, snacky way that still feels cozy and familiar. They are quick enough for a weeknight, but fun enough to serve when family is still hanging around. And yes, they reheat like a dream, which is honestly half the reason I love them so much.

Why This is the Best Recipe

There are a lot of leftover turkey ideas out there, but taquitos hit the sweet spot between easy and exciting. They feel like party food, but you are basically just rolling up turkey and cheese and letting your air fryer do the work. I also love that you can keep them simple for picky eaters or add a little heat for the spice lovers.

Here is what makes these Easy Air Fryer Taquitos — Turkey Thanksgiving a repeat recipe in my kitchen:

• Fast crunch without deep frying
• Uses up leftover turkey and random bits of sides like stuffing or mashed potatoes
• Freezer friendly for future snack emergencies
• Works with corn or flour tortillas, whatever you have
• Easy to scale up for a crowd

Also, if you are already in air fryer mode, I always like to throw in a quick veggie side. This deliciously easy air fryer asparagus is my go to when I need something green in a hurry.

One more thing. The filling is forgiving. Too dry? Add salsa. Too wet? Add cheese or a spoon of mashed potatoes. These taquitos do not judge.

Prepare the Turkey Taco Filling

This filling is the heart of the whole thing, and you want it flavorful but not soupy. I usually start with shredded leftover turkey, then build in some taco vibes with spices and a little moisture. If your turkey is already seasoned, just taste as you go.

Ingredients I actually use

Here is my typical line up. You can absolutely swap based on what is in your fridge.

• 2 cups shredded cooked turkey
• 1 teaspoon oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced (or 1 teaspoon onion powder when I am being lazy)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 to 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 1/3 cup salsa or canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Optional: chopped jalapeno, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make it, warm oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, then add garlic for about 30 seconds. Stir in turkey, taco seasoning, and salsa. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything is warm and the liquid is mostly soaked in. Turn off heat, then stir in cheese so it melts but does not disappear into a greasy puddle.

If you want a little extra texture, you can add a spoon of leftover stuffing right into the filling. It sounds odd until you try it. Then you are like, oh, okay, this is happening again next year.

And if you are feeling like a fun side snack while the filling cools, these easy air fryer banana chips are oddly perfect for nibbling while you cook. Sweet, crunchy, and they make the kitchen smell great.

Set Up an Assembly Line

Once the filling is ready, everything goes quickly. This is where I clear a little counter space and pretend I am on a cooking show for about five minutes. It also makes it easier if kids or a spouse want to help without getting in the way.

Tortillas, rolling tips, and keeping them closed

What you need on the counter:

Tortillas, filling, shredded cheese (extra), a pastry brush or spoon for oil, and toothpicks if they keep popping open.

Here is how I do it:

• Warm tortillas first so they do not crack. Microwave them under a damp paper towel for 20 to 30 seconds.
• Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling in a line near one edge. Do not overfill or they will burst.
• Sprinkle a pinch of extra cheese on top. This helps glue everything together.
• Roll tightly. Place seam side down right away.

If you are using corn tortillas, they are more likely to split. Warming helps a lot, and so does not rushing. Flour tortillas are easier to roll, but corn tortillas get extra crispy in the air fryer. Choose your adventure.

I also like to set up a little dipping station for later. Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, or even leftover cranberry sauce if you like that sweet salty thing. No judgment here.

On nights when I want a veggie that feels like a snack, I make these deliciously easy air fryer zucchini fritters alongside the taquitos. They are super friendly with the same dips, so it all feels coordinated even if dinner was thrown together fast.

I made these with leftover Thanksgiving turkey and my teenagers ate them like chips. I had to hide a few for lunch the next day. They came out so crispy, and the filling stayed juicy.

Oven Baking Instructions

Even though this is all about Easy Air Fryer Taquitos — Turkey Thanksgiving, I know not everyone wants to cook in batches, or maybe your air fryer is already working on something else. The oven method is great when you are feeding a bunch of people at once.

Here is the simple oven plan:

• Preheat oven to 425 F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
• Brush taquitos lightly with oil or spray them with cooking spray. This is what gives you that golden crunch.
• Bake for 12 to 16 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crispy and browned.

If your taquitos are not crisping, they may need a little more oil on the outside, or your oven might run cool. You can also broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch closely because they go from perfect to too dark fast.

For oven baking, I prefer flour tortillas because they hold their shape well, but corn can work if you are gentle and warm them before rolling.

Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

This is the part that makes me love this recipe so much. The air fryer turns these into crunchy little cylinders of happiness, and you do not have to stand over a pot of oil. Plus, they cook fast, which is exactly what I want when I am tired and hungry.

Timing, temperature, and batch cooking

My air fryer sweet spot is 380 F. Place taquitos seam side down in a single layer. Do not stack them. Lightly spray or brush with oil for the best crisp.

Basic timing:

• Cook at 380 F for 6 to 9 minutes total
• Flip around the 4 minute mark

They are done when the outside looks golden and you can hear that crispy sound when you tap them with tongs. If your filling was cold from the fridge, you might need the full 9 minutes.

Batch cooking tip: keep finished taquitos warm in a 200 F oven while you cook the rest. This keeps them crispy and avoids sad soggy bottoms.

Make ahead tip: you can assemble taquitos and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. Just keep them covered so they do not dry out. For freezing, lay them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a bag. Air fry from frozen at 370 F for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once. The freezer method is a lifesaver in January when you are like, wait, I still have turkey.

And if you want a super quick veggie on the side that cooks in about the same time, this air fryer asparagus in just 10 minutes is perfect. Or if you are more of a fritter person, I will link these air fryer zucchini fritters again because they are that good.

At this point, you have officially mastered Easy Air Fryer Taquitos — Turkey Thanksgiving. They are crunchy outside, warm and cheesy inside, and they make leftovers feel brand new.

Common Questions

1) What tortillas work best for taquitos?
Flour tortillas are easiest to roll and stay sealed well. Corn tortillas get crispier, but you need to warm them first so they do not crack.

2) How do I keep taquitos from unrolling in the air fryer?
Place them seam side down, do not overfill, and lightly oil the outside. If they still fight you, use a toothpick and remove it after cooking.

3) Can I make these dairy free?
Yes. Skip the cheese or use a dairy free shred. Add extra salsa or a little mashed avocado in the filling so it does not feel dry.

4) What dips go best with turkey taquitos?
Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chipotle mayo are all great. If you like sweet and savory, a tiny swipe of cranberry sauce is surprisingly good.

5) How do I reheat leftovers so they stay crispy?
Air fry at 350 F for 3 to 5 minutes. The microwave works, but the tortillas will soften.

A cozy leftover plan you will actually look forward to

If you have leftover turkey sitting in the fridge, these Easy Air Fryer Taquitos — Turkey Thanksgiving are the kind of meal that makes you feel like you are getting away with something. They are simple, crunchy, and honestly more fun than another sandwich. If you want more inspiration, I found this helpful guide for Low-Carb Air Fried Thanksgiving Taquitos Using Leftover Turkey and this solid option for Crispy Baked Turkey Taquitos {Oven or Air Fryer} – Peanut Blossom when you want to compare methods. Try a batch, play with the filling, and do not forget the dips. I promise, you will start hoping for extra turkey next year.