01 -
First things first, let's prep those apples. Peel 'em, core 'em, and dice 'em into small, roughly 1/4-inch pieces. Small pieces cook faster and make for easier rolling, which is key for good Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos. I always get a little messy here, apple peels everywhere, but that's part of the fun, right? Once they're diced, toss them in a bowl with that fresh lemon juice to keep them from turning brown while you get the rest of your ingredients together.
02 -
Now, grab a medium skillet or a microwave-safe bowl. Melt 1 tablespoon of that unsalted butter over medium heat (or microwave for 30 seconds). Add your diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté on the stovetop for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. If you're microwaving, zap for 2-3 minutes, stir, then another 1-2 minutes until soft. This step makes your kitchen smell absolutely divine, honestly, it's half the enjoyment!
03 -
This is a super important step, don't skip it! Slightly warming your tortillas makes them pliable and prevents them from cracking when you roll them up. You can stack them and microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or wrap them in foil and pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. I've definitely tried to roll cold tortillas before, and they just split – total disaster. A warm tortilla makes perfect Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos!
04 -
Lay a warmed tortilla flat. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one end, leaving a little space around the edges. Don't overfill, or they'll burst in the air fryer – I learned that the hard way! Tightly roll the tortilla from one end to the other, making sure the seam is facing down. You want them snug, like a little apple burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, making sure each Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquito is ready for its close-up.
05 -
Brush the outside of each rolled taquito with the remaining melted butter. This helps them get beautifully golden and super crispy. Place the Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos in a single layer in your air fryer basket, seam-side down. Don't overcrowd the basket; you might need to do this in batches. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy. Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on them!
06 -
Once your Air Fryer Apple Pie Taquitos are perfectly golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the basket. Let them cool just slightly so you don't burn your tongue – but honestly, they're best warm! Dust them generously with powdered sugar. If you're feeling extra fancy (and you should!), drizzle them with warm caramel sauce. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water. Get ready for some happy sighs!