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Air Fryer Pulled Pork Taquitos: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

If you’re on the lookout for a delightful snack or a satisfying dinner that’s quick to prepare, look no further than air fryer pulled pork taquitos. This dish marries the rich, smoky flavours of pulled pork with crispy, golden tortillas, creating a treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying by yourself on a cosy evening. With the added benefit of the air fryer, you’ll enjoy that irresistible crunch with less oil, making it a slightly healthier option without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

To whip up a batch of air fryer pulled pork taquitos, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pulled Pork:

• 500g pork shoulder or pork butt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 200ml chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (optional)

For the Taquitos:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 200g grated cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pulled Pork

1. Season the Pork: In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.

2. Cook the Pork: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour the chicken stock around the meat, and set the cooker to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. If you prefer, you can also cook the pork in a pressure cooker for about 60 minutes.

3. Shred the Meat: Once the pork is tender, remove it from the cooker and shred it using two forks. If desired, stir in some barbecue sauce for added flavour.

Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Prepare the Tortillas: If using corn tortillas, heat them in a dry pan for a few seconds on each side to make them pliable. Flour tortillas can be used directly.

2. Fill the Tortillas: Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface. Place a generous amount of the pulled pork and a sprinkle of cheese in the centre of each tortilla.

3. Roll Them Up: Gently roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring that you tuck in the ends to prevent the filling from escaping.

Step 3: Air Fry the Taquitos

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and preheat for about 5 minutes.

2. Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with a little olive oil to encourage browning.

3. Air Fry the Taquitos: Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your air fryer pulled pork taquitos with an array of delightful dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. For a zesty twist, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice over the top or topping with fresh herbs like cilantro.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer pulled pork taquitos are not only a fantastic way to make use of leftover pulled pork, but they also make for an easy and crowd-pleasing dish. Whether for a game day feast, a family dinner, or as a fun appetiser for a gathering, these crispy delights are bound to be a hit. With the air fryer making the cooking process quick and efficient, you can have this scrumptious treat ready in no time. Enjoy your cooking and, most importantly, enjoy your taquitos!