Air Fryer Chimichangas
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.
Contents
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer 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.
Recipe Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed for this Air Fryer Chicken Chimichanga recipe which makes 5 servings:
- Chicken (Cooked And Shredded): Is the primary protein in the dish, providing a hearty, satisfying base with a tender and juicy texture.
- Shredded Cheese: Adds a creamy, rich element that melts beautifully inside the chimichangas, binding the ingredients together.
- Diced Tomatoes And Green Chiles: Add a burst of bright, tangy flavor and a hint of heat, complementing the savory chicken and cheese.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Bring another level of heat but also a tanginess that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that enhances the overall savory flavors of the chimichangas.
- Large Flour Tortillas: Serve as the envelope for our flavorful filling, crisping up beautifully in the air fryer to provide a delightful contrast in texture.
- Butter (Softened): Brushing the tortillas with butter before air frying gives them a golden, crispy exterior that’s irresistibly delicious.
How To Make Air Fryer Chimichangas?
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making air fryer chicken chimichangas:
Step One: In a large mixing bowl combine your shredded chicken with cheese, tomatoes, diced jalapeños, and cumin. Add 1/2 cup of chicken filling to the center of the tortilla.
Step Two: Fold the left and right-hand sides of the tortilla edges. The fold should reach the inside fold. 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 Three: Place the chimichangas into the sprayed air fryer basket with the top fold face down. 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 Four: Cook the chimichangas at 400°f for 4 minutes, flip, and brush with butter. Cook for a further 4 minutes. Remove the air-fried chimichangas and let them rest. Once ready garnish with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese.
Pro Tips For Making Perfect Chimichangas
- Use Toothpicks: Secure the chimichangas with toothpicks to prevent them from opening while cooking in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overfill: Keep the fillings moderate to avoid the chimichangas bursting open and to ensure even cooking.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush or spray the chimichangas with oil before air frying for an extra crispy, golden texture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures the chimichangas cook evenly and get that crispy exterior.
- Flip for Even Crispiness: Flip the chimichangas halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get evenly crispy.
Variations
- Add Spice: To give your air fryer chimichanga spicier consider adding more diced green chilies, a dash of chili powder, taco seasoning or some garlic powder.
- Remove Cheese: 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.
- Use Cream Cheese: You can add cream cheese to the chicken mixture. Cream cheese adds a delicious cheesy flavor and creamy texture to the chimichangas.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Cool chimichangas, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate within 2 hours. Consume within 2-3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze chimichangas on a baking sheet, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Air fry refrigerated or thawed chimichangas until crispy. For frozen ones, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before air frying.
Enjoy the deliciousness of Air Fryer Chimichangas with these quick storage and reheating instructions!
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!
FAQ’S
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.
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.
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.
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.
Air Fryer Chimichangas
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine your shredded chicken with cheese, tomatoes, diced jalapeños, and cumin.
- Add 1/2 cup of chicken filling to the center of the tortilla.
- Fold the left and right-hand sides of the tortilla edges. The fold should reach the inside fold.
- Fold in the bottom edge and roll the chimichanga to the top, sealing the meat tight. Repeat steps 2-4 for all the tortillas.
- Place the chimichangas into the sprayed air fryer basket with the top fold face down.
- Brush the top, sides, and ends of the chimichangas with butter. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray. I like to use olive oil spray.
- Cook the chimichangas at 400°f for 4 minutes, flip, and brush with butter. Cook for a further 4 minutes.
- Remove the air-fried chimichangas and let them rest. Once ready garnish with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and/or cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
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 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
