Description
Air-Fryer Tortilla kebab Skewers (aka tortilla kebab skewers) are crispy on the outside, melty in the middle, and ready in about 20 minutes. Roll tortillas with a thick, not-too-wet filling, slice into pinwheels, skewer, then air fry for the easiest party appetizer or snack—perfect with salsa, guac, or ranch!
Ingredients
6 medium (8-inch) flour tortillas
12–16 skewers (wooden or metal)
Oil spray or 1–2 teaspoons oil (for brushing)
FILLING (choose what you like; don’t overstuff)
1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken OR cooked seasoned ground beef/turkey OR black/pinto beans (drained + lightly mashed)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella OR shredded cheddar (or 1 cup pepper jack)
1 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup thin-sliced onion
1 cup chopped baby spinach (optional)
1/2 cup corn (drained or thawed)
SEASONING + “GLUE” (keep it thick, not saucy)
1–2 teaspoons taco seasoning (or smoked paprika + cumin)
2–4 tablespoons salsa OR enchilada sauce OR sour cream/Greek yogurt
Salt + pepper, to taste
FOR SERVING (optional)
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, ranch, or chipotle mayo
Instructions
1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent singeing.
2. In a bowl, mix your protein (or beans), cheese, veggies, seasoning, and 2–4 tablespoons salsa/cream/enchilada sauce. The filling should be cohesive, not drippy.
3. Warm tortillas 10–15 seconds (microwave under a barely damp paper towel) so they roll without cracking.
4. Lay one tortilla flat. Spread a thin line of filling across the lower third. Roll snugly like a taquito (do not overstuff).
5. Cut each roll into 3–4 pieces (about 2-inch segments).
6. Thread the pieces onto skewers like pinwheels, leaving a tiny bit of space for airflow.
7. Lightly spray or brush the outside of the tortilla pieces with oil for even crisping.
8. Preheat air fryer (optional but recommended) for 2–3 minutes.
9. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, turning once halfway if your air fryer has hot spots.
10. Rest 2 minutes (the filling is very hot), then serve with dips.
Notes
KEY TIP: Keep the filling thick, not saucy—too much salsa/sauce causes soggy skewers and leaking.
Don’t crowd the basket. Steam kills crisp. Cook in batches if needed.
To prevent unrolling: warm tortillas, roll tight, cut smaller segments, and skewer through the center.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes (microwave makes them soft).
Make-ahead: assemble skewers, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying.
Freezer: freeze cooked skewers up to 2 months; reheat from frozen at 360°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping once.
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary based on fillings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 18mg