Air Fryer Chimichangas

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Chimichangas are a favorite Mexican dish that many people love! Air-frying Chimichangas makes them even better – they’re crunchy, full of flavor, and much healthier than deep-frying.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a party-pleasing appetizer, air fryer chimichangas are the perfect option. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make our favorite version of chimichangas in the air fryer.

What Are Chimichangas?

Chimichangas are a Mexican dish made of deep-fried burritos. They’re usually filled with ground beef or shredded chicken, beans, cheese, and other fillings, such as onions and peppers. The burrito is then folded in half and deep-fried until golden brown.

How To Pronounce Chimichanga

This deep-fried burrito is pronounced as “chi-me-CHANG-uh”. It’s Mexican food without the need for a Mexican restaurant.

Why Make Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas?

Making air fryer chimichangas is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Air frying cuts down on the amount of oil used, as well as the calories and fat content. Plus, it’s much faster than traditional deep-frying methods.

Air Fryer Chimichanga Cooking Time

This air fryer chimichanga recipe takes 15 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Chimichangas Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed for this Air Fryer Chicken Chimichanga recipe which makes 5 servings:

• 3 Cups Chicken, Cooked And Shredded 
• 2 Cups Shredded Cheese 
• 1 Cup Diced Tomatoes And Green Chiles, Drained
• 3-4 Pickled Jalapeños 
• 2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
• 5 Large Flour Tortillas 
• 2 Tablespoons Butter, Softened 

How To Make Air Fryer Chimichangas?

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making air fryer chicken chimichangas:

Step One: Combine Chicken With Filler Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl combine your shredded chicken with cheese, tomatoes, diced jalapeños, and cumin.

Step Two: Add Filling To The Tortilla

Add 1/2 cup of chicken filling to the center of the tortilla.

Step Three: Fold The Tortilla

Fold the left and right-hand sides of the tortilla edges. The fold should reach the inside fold.

Step Four: Fold The Bottom Of The Tortilla

Fold in the bottom edge and roll the chimichanga to the top, sealing the meat tight. Repeat steps 2-4 for all the tortillas.

Step Five: Place Chimichangas Into Airfryer

Place the chimichangas into the sprayed air fryer basket with the top fold face down. 

Step Six: Add Butter To Chimichangas

Brush the top, sides, and ends of the chimichangas with butter. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray. I like to use olive oil spray.

Step Seven: Air Fry Chimichangas

Cook the chimichangas at 400°f for 4 minutes, flip, and brush with butter. Cook for a further 4 minutes.

Step Eight: Remove Chimichangas From Air Fryer

Remove the air-fried chimichangas and let them rest. Once ready garnish with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and/or cheese.

Enjoy your air fryer chicken chimichangas!

Can You Freeze Chimichangas?

Yes, you can freeze chimichangas for up to 3 months. To do this allow your air fryer chimichangas to cool. Once completely cool, place the chimichangas into an airtight container or freezer bag.

When ready to eat thaw the chimichangas in the refrigerator overnight and cook according to the recipe instructions.

Do I Need To Preheat Air Fryer?

No. This recipe does not require preheating of the air fryer. You can cook the chimichangas right away.

How Long To Cook Frozen Chimichangas In Air Fryer?

To cook a frozen chimichanga in air fryer, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How To Reheat Chimichangas In Air Fryer

To reheat a previously cooked chimichanga in air fryer, cook at 400°F for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Best Chicken For Chicken Chimichangas

We recommend using cooked and shredded chicken for this recipe. You could either use leftover rotisserie chicken or make your chicken mixture at home in the Instant Pot.

Preparing The Shredded Chicken In An Instant Pot

Here is a recipe for cooking shredded chicken in the Instant Pot.

Turn on the Instant Pot to saute mode (medium heat).

Heat oil and add chicken. Saute the breasts until lightly browned.

Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the pot and pressure cook the chicken for 5 minutes.

Once the breasts finish cooking, shred the chicken ready to make the filled tortilla.

Can You Add Cream Cheese To Chimichangas?

Yes, you can add cream cheese to the chicken mixture. Cream cheese adds a delicious cheesy flavor and creamy texture to the chimichangas.

Can You Make Chimichangas Without Shredded Cheese?

Yes, you can make air fryer chimichangas without shredded cheese. The recipe will still taste delicious even without the cheese. Alternatively, you can use vegan cheese if desired.

Can You Make Chimichangas Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make chimichangas ahead of time. To do this, prepare the chicken mixture and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When ready to eat assemble the chimichangas, cook in the air fryer, and enjoy.

Can You Use Flour Tortillas For Chimichangas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas for this recipe. Make sure to check the labels of your tortillas to make sure they are gluten-free if desired.

How To Make Chimichangas Spicy?

To give your air fryer chimichanga spicier consider adding more diced green chilies, a dash of chili powder, taco seasoning or some garlic powder.

Can I Air Fry Chimichangas Without Oil?

Yes, you can air fry your chimichangas without oil. To do this spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or brush with butter for even more flavor.

What To Serve With Chimichangas

Chimichangas are often served with Mexican rice, black beans, and/or refried beans. You could also serve them with guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, or cheese as a topping.

We hope you enjoy making air fryer chicken chimichangas! They’re a great weeknight meal or party appetizer that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you’re looking for more air fryer recipes, try these. We love using air fryers here on the Instant Pot Table:

• Air Fryer Beef Taquitos
• Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls
• Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken
• Air Fryer Carrot Fries
• Air Fryer Onion Rings
• Air Fryer Hot Dogs
• Air Fryer Orange Beef
• Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
• Air Fryer Salmon Patties
• Air Fryer Cauliflower Pizza