These Pulled Pork Taquitos are one of my favorite ways to turn leftover smoked pork into something fast, crispy, and cheesy. They're simple to make, freezer-friendly, and better than anything you'll find in a box. Bake them. Air fry them. Just don't skip them.
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Crispy Pulled Pork Taquitos
Real leftovers. Real flavor. These taquitos are made with just a few everyday ingredients-pulled pork, BBQ sauce, cheese, and tortillas. They're oven-baked or air-fried, so they're crispy without the mess.
No weird fillers. No canned soup, and no mystery cheese. Just warm, cheesy BBQ pork rolled up in golden, crunchy tortillas. Minimal effort, big payoff. If you like this recipe, make my Loaded Pulled Pork Fries next!
Recipe Ingredients
You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make one full batch (about 12 small taquitos):
- Pulled pork - Leftover smoked pork shoulder works best, but any cooked shredded pork is fine, even my Instant Pot pulled pork tenderloin.
- BBQ sauce - Use your favorite brand or a homemade version.
- Shredded cheese - Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Tex-Mex blends all melt nicely. Pre-shredded cheese is fine for this recipe.
- Small tortillas - You can use flour tortillas, corn tortillas, or my homemade 3-ingredient flatbread. If using store-bought ones, use them cold to prevent cracking when rolling everything up. If using larger tortillas, increase the amount of filling.
- Avocado oil spray - Or any neutral cooking spray for crisping the outside. You can also use olive oil.
📌 See the printable recipe card below for exact amounts and full instructions.
How to Make Pulled Pork Taquitos
Quick Overview
- Warm pulled pork and BBQ sauce
- Stir in shredded cheese
- Fill and roll tortillas
- Spray with oil
- Bake or air fry until golden and crispy
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F or your air fryer to 400°F. Line a baking sheet or air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, combine 2 cups pulled pork and ½ cup BBQ sauce (add more sauce if you want it saucier). Stir until heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in 1½ cups shredded cheese.
Step 3: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling into each tortilla. Roll tightly and place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket.
Tip
Cold tortillas roll better and are less likely to split.
Step 4: Lightly spray or brush the tops of each taquito with avocado oil. Bake for 15-18 minutes in the oven, or 8-10 minutes in the air fryer. Flip them halfway through, no matter which method you use.
Step 5: They're ready when the tortillas are crisp and the filling is slightly bubbling at the edges. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Top Tips
Use cold tortillas. They roll tighter without cracking. If yours are stiff, microwave for 5-10 seconds under a damp paper towel.
Don't overfill. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla so you don't have breakage or blowouts.
Flip halfway. This helps them crisp evenly on both sides.
Make-ahead tip: Assemble and freeze raw taquitos in a single layer. Cook straight from frozen-just add a few minutes to the time.
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Pork: Add chipotle or hot sauce to the filling.
- Creamy version: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese with the pork.
- Extra veggie: Add chopped green onions or canned green chiles.
- Cheesy top: Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking.
Optional Toppings & Dips
Use after baking or serve on the side:
- Avocado Lime Crema
- Pickled red onions
- Extra BBQ sauce or ranch
- Candied jalapeño slices or Homemade Hot Sauce
- Guacamole or fresh chunky salsa
Storage Tips
If you're not eating them all at once (but really-good luck with that), here's how to store them:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked taquitos flat on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. In the oven, bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
Can I use larger tortillas?
Yes, you can, but you'll have to increase the amount of filling.
What kind of pork should I use?
Smoked pulled pork has the best flavor, but slow cooker or Instant Pot shredded pork works too.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
More Easy Recipes To Try Next
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Printable Recipe
Pulled Pork Taquitos
Ingredients
- 2 cups pulled pork (leftover)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) (add more if you want them saucier)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Tex-Mex blend)
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas (use cold tortillas to prevent cracking)
- avocado oil spray (or any neutral oil for crisping)
Instructions
- Make the filling: In a skillet or pot over medium heat, combine pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Stir just until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese.
- Assemble the taquitos: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the pork mixture into the center of each cold tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into your air fryer basket. Lightly brush or spray each taquito with avocado oil. Tip: Cold tortillas are less likely to crack. If yours are stiff, microwave for 5-10 seconds under a damp paper towel.
- Cook: See Notes below for detailed Oven or Air Fryer methods.Oven: Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway.The taquitos are done when they are crisp and golden on all sides, and the filling is bubbling at the ends.
- Serve: Serve with avocado crema, salsa, or ranch for dipping, but be careful, the filling is extremely hot!
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Notes
Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange rolled taquitos seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil. Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. Watch closely near the end-every oven is different. Air Fryer Instructions:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place taquitos in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Spray tops lightly with oil. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Tip – If your air fryer runs hot, check early. Freezer Tips:
Freeze assembled (unbaked) taquitos in a single layer. Once frozen, store in a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time. Reheating:
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 5-7 minutes
- Oven: 375°F for 10-12 minutes
Flour tortillas roll easiest, but corn or flatbread work too. Cold tortillas are less likely to split. If needed, warm gently under a damp paper towel. You can use larger tortillas—just increase the filling. Storage:
Cooked taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat using the methods above for the best texture.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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