Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos

For the Filling:

• 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

For the Taquitos:

• 6 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)
• Caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Stir well to combine.
2. Cook the Filling:
   • Cook the apple mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Taquitos:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
   • Place a tortilla on a clean work surface.
   • Brush the tortilla with melted butter.
   • Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon over the buttered tortilla.
   • Spoon a portion of the apple filling onto the lower third of the tortilla.
4. Roll the Taquito:
   • Roll up the tortilla tightly, starting from the apple-filled end, and secure the seam side down.
5. Repeat:
   • Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and apple filling.
6. Air Fry the Taquitos:
   • Place the apple pie taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
   • Air fry for 6-8 minutes or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
   • Serve them warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes:

• Be sure to peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces so that they cook evenly and fit well inside the tortillas.
• You can adjust the sugar and cinnamon in the filling and coating according to your taste preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar.
• It’s important to brush the tortillas with melted butter and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on them before adding the filling. This helps create a crispy and flavorful crust.
• Monitor the taquitos closely in the air fryer to prevent them from overcooking. They should be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.
• Feel free to customize your taquitos by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a sprinkle of oats to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
• These taquitos are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
• Certainly, here are some additional tips and variations for making Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos:
  1. Variations in Apple Filling:
     • Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness. Combining different types of apples can also add complexity to the flavor.
     • Add a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
  2. Tortilla Options:
     • While the recipe uses flour tortillas, you can also use whole wheat tortillas or even corn tortillas for a different flavor profile and texture.
  3. Spice It Up:
     • Adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a unique twist on the flavor.
  4. Serving Suggestions:
     • Serve these taquitos with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup in addition to, or instead of, ice cream and caramel sauce.
     • If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can make a quick homemade caramel sauce by melting butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan until it thickens.
  5. Making Ahead:
     • If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can assemble the taquitos and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry them. This can be convenient for entertaining guests.
  6. Gluten-Free Option:
     • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas.
  7. Dipping Sauces:
     • Consider serving these taquitos with a variety of dipping sauces such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
  8. Portion Control:
     • If you’re looking to control portion sizes, you can make mini taquitos by cutting the tortillas into smaller rounds and using less filling for each one.
  9. Cleaning the Air Fryer Basket:
     • To prevent sticking, it’s a good idea to lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper before placing the taquitos in it.
  10. Leftovers:
      • If you have leftover apple pie taquitos, store them in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.
  Enjoy these delicious Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos as a sweet treat, snack, or dessert any time of the year!