These taquitos are a delicious combination of tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and zesty ranch dressing all wrapped in a crisp tortilla. The air fryer makes them super crispy with minimal oil, making them a healthier and easy-to-make snack or meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 6 slices of cooked bacon (crumbled)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing (more if desired for dipping)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 8-10 small flour tortillas (6-inch size is ideal)
• Olive oil spray or cooking spray (for crisping)

---

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon (if not already cooked)

1. Cook the Bacon: If you’re starting with raw bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. You can also bake it in the oven or microwave it.
2. Crumble the Bacon: Once crispy, remove it from the pan, let it cool slightly, and crumble it into small pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Filling

1. Shred the Chicken: If you’re using leftover chicken, shred it with a fork. You can also use rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts and shred them.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder (if using). Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them. This will make them easier to roll without cracking.
2. Add the Filling: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and bacon mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
3. Roll the Taquitos: Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling, folding in the sides to ensure the ends are sealed. If necessary, use a toothpick to secure the ends, though this usually isn’t required.

Step 4: Air Fry the Taquitos

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure the taquitos cook evenly and get crispy.
2. Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up during cooking.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd them to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Cook the Taquitos: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the taquitos for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden and crispy.
   • Tip: Check after 8 minutes to see if they’re crisp and golden; cook a bit longer if needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the taquitos are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer.
2. Serve the taquitos immediately with ranch dressing, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite dipping sauce.

---

Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on whether you’re cooking the chicken and bacon or using leftovers)
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 20-25 minutes (depending on air fryer and how many batches you need to cook)

---

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overfill the Taquitos: Be careful not to overstuff the tortillas. About 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla is ideal.
• For Extra Crispy Taquitos: Use a little more olive oil spray or brush the tortillas lightly with olive oil before cooking.
• Baking Option: If you prefer baking in the oven, place the taquitos on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden, flipping halfway through.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the taquitos and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them for longer storage and cook from frozen—just increase the air fryer time by 3-5 minutes.

---

Enjoy these crispy, cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Taquitos—they make the perfect snack, appetizer, or meal!