This apple pie taquito turned into one of my favorite quick desserts the first chilly evening I needed something warm and nostalgic without a lot of fuss. I grew up with family apple pies that required hours of rolling dough and fussing over a lattice top. One night I wanted that same cinnamon-apple comfort but only had a can of pie filling and a stack of flour tortillas. The result — little rolled pockets that crisp up golden in the air fryer and keep a soft, saucy apple center — became an instant hit. They capture the sweet-tart apple filling, a crisp buttery shell, and that cinnamon-sugar sparkle everyone reaches for first.

I discovered this method on an impulse: roll, brush, coat, and air-fry. It compresses all the best elements of a pie into a handful-sized treat ready in under 25 minutes. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the bubbling apple inside is what keeps people coming back. I often make a double batch for family movie nights and tip the extra rolls into a basket wrapped in a towel so they stay warm as guests arrive. This version uses simple pantry ingredients—apple pie filling, tortillas, butter, sugar, and cinnamon—so it’s perfect for last-minute entertaining or a comforting after-school snack.

Ingredients

• Apple pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): Look for a brand with chunky apple slices and a thick syrup so it won’t run out of the tortilla when heated. Avoid overly runny fillings; store-brand or name brands labeled "for pies" work well.
• Flour tortillas (6 medium, about 8 inches each): A slightly thicker, flexible tortilla resists tearing while rolling. I prefer white flour tortillas for their neutral flavor—look for packages labeled "medium" or 8-inch size.
• Melted butter (4 tablespoons): Unsalted gives you control over sweetness; melted butter helps the sugar adhere and creates a crisp, golden finish. You can use light butter spread for a lower-fat option but expect less color and crunch.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Standard white sugar caramelizes nicely and pairs perfectly with cinnamon. If you like a deeper flavor, substitute half brown sugar.
• Cinnamon powder (1 tablespoon): Use fresh, aromatic ground cinnamon. If it’s been sitting in your cabinet a long time, replace it for best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the work station: Lay out a clean counter or cutting board and open the can of apple pie filling. Drain any excess syrup if it seems overly thin—use a spoon to scoop primarily apple pieces. Line a shallow dish for cinnamon sugar and have a pastry brush and tongs nearby. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking. Fill and roll: Place a medium tortilla flat. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling across the center, leaving about 1/2 inch clear at the edges. Rolling tightly is key: tuck the edge toward you and roll away in a snug motion to compact the filling so it won't burst open while cooking. Brush with butter: Using a pastry brush, coat each rolled taquito generously with melted butter. Don’t skimp—this fat ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks and the tortilla will crisp rather than steam. If you want a glossier finish, brush again halfway through cooking. Coat with cinnamon sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a flat, shallow dish. Roll each buttered taquito in the mixture, pressing lightly so the sugar adheres evenly. For a more pronounced crust, roll each taquito twice so the coating is thick and even. Air-fry first side: Arrange taquitos seam-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes until the underside is golden and starting to crisp. Visual cue: edges should look set and lightly browned. Flip and finish: Use tongs to carefully flip each taquito and air fry for an additional 3–4 minutes until fully golden and crisp. Total cook time is generally 12–15 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before serving—the filling retains heat and can be very hot.

Storage Tips

Store cooled taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, flash-freeze them in a single layer on a sheet tray for 45–60 minutes, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated pieces in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness; frozen pieces reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving unless you plan to crisp them briefly afterward in the air fryer or oven, as the shell becomes soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a less sweet exterior, reduce granulated sugar to 1/3 cup and add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to the apple filling to slightly thicken syrup if it seems runny. Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for a different texture—keep in mind gluten-free tortillas can be more fragile and may need gentle handling or a shorter cooking time. For a dairy-free version, brush with melted coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute; expect a subtle flavor change but similar crisping performance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a brunch spread, pair with coffee, spiced cider, or yogurt parfaits. Garnish with thin apple slices and a mint sprig for color, or drizzle lightly with warmed caramel for a richer presentation. These are perfect as finger food at parties: arrange on a platter with small ramekins of caramel or cream cheese dip for guests to enjoy.

Cultural Background

While not a traditional pie, this handheld adaptation channels the spirit of classic American apple pie—sweet-cinnamon filling wrapped in a pastry-like shell. The idea of encasing filling in tortillas echoes many culinary traditions that transform leftovers or pantry staples into portable treats. Using the air fryer modernizes the approach, borrowing crisping techniques from both frying and baking to produce a hybrid that’s fast and familiar.

Seasonal Adaptations

In fall, use spiced apple pie filling or add a pinch of ground cloves and nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth. In summer, swap the apple filling for canned peaches or cherry pie filling and reduce sugar on the outside slightly to prevent excessive browning. For holiday versions, fold in chopped toasted pecans with the filling or brush with a maple-butter glaze after cooking for a festive touch.

Meal Prep Tips

Assemble and roll the taquitos up to 24 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined tray. When guests arrive, brush with butter, coat with cinnamon sugar, and air fry directly from chilled—this saves active prep time. For bulk entertaining, bake in batches and keep warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) on a tray-lined sheet until serving.

These taquitos are proof that a few pantry staples and a helpful appliance can turn simple ingredients into memorable moments. They’re an easy way to offer something homemade and comforting without the usual pie fuss—give them a try and make the recipe your own with little tweaks and favorite toppings.