Air-Fried Enchiladas: A Tasty, Quick, And Easy Recipe

Yes, you can make enchiladas in an air fryer! They are a delicious alternative to tacos, burritos, and bowls, and can be made with a variety of fillings, including chicken, beef, and cheese. Air-fried enchiladas have crispy edges and melty, golden-brown cheese. They are also quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

How to make enchiladas in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Enchilada sauce (homemade or canned)
• Ground beef or chicken cooked with taco seasoning or homemade enchilada seasoning
• Corn or flour tortillas (you could make your own homemade corn tortillas)
• Black beans (optional)
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
• Chopped chives or cilantro (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Guacamole (optional)
• Avocado (optional)
• Tomatoes (optional)

Method:

First, butterfly your chicken breasts to make four pieces (open them up and cut them in half—this way, they cook more evenly). If they are thicker than 1/4 of an inch, flatten them down with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer. Drizzle olive oil on the chicken breasts and season with taco seasoning.

Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer and cook at 370°F for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a cutting board. Line the bottom of your air fryer with foil or parchment paper.

Next, add a little of the meat to the enchilada sauce and then put a few spoonfuls of sauce in the bottom of a baking pan that will fit in your air fryer. Spread it out to cover most of the bottom of the pan.

Heat the tortillas briefly in the microwave to soften them and make them pliable. Add a couple of spoonfuls of the meat to each tortilla along with a little cheese and black beans (if using). Roll the tortilla around the filling and place it in the baking pan.

Once you've filled the baking pan (you'll likely need to cook in 2 batches), cover the enchiladas generously with sauce, making sure they are fully covered with sauce, and top with more cheese.

Place the pan in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, until the tortillas are crisp and the cheese is fully melted.

Tips:

• You can add some Mexican rice to the mixture or keep it as a separate side dish.
• If you want to make this low-carb, use zucchini strips instead of tortillas.
• You can add some heat with chili powder or red pepper flakes, or add fresh jalapenos, green onions, or cilantro.
• For a crunchy texture, spray the enchiladas with olive oil cooking spray before air frying.
• To store leftovers, let them cool down completely and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your delicious air fryer enchiladas!

What ingredients do you need for air fryer enchiladas?

Making enchiladas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to whip up a tasty Mexican meal. The ingredients you'll need are:

• Enchilada sauce (red or green)
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Ground beef or chicken
• Taco seasoning
• Black beans
• Cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or Mexican)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. sour cream, avocado, guacamole, cilantro, salsa, or jalapenos)

You can also add chopped green chilies, boiled corn, diced jalapenos, bell peppers, chopped onions, or pickled radishes to your enchiladas. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas.

Expert tips for making air fryer enchiladas

Air fryer enchiladas are a delicious and easy meal to make for the family. Here are some expert tips to ensure your enchiladas turn out perfectly:

Preparation

To save time, you can use store-bought enchilada sauce, or make your own if you prefer. You can also use either corn or flour tortillas, but if you're using corn, it's a good idea to warm them up first to make them more pliable. If you're using flour tortillas, a tip is to use gluten-free tortillas, as these tend to hold together better.

Filling

When it comes to the filling, you can be creative and use a variety of ingredients such as ground beef, chicken, black beans, rice, or any leftover veggies you have in your refrigerator. Just be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as they may burst during cooking.

Cooking

To get that crispy texture on the outside, spray the enchiladas with olive oil cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. It's also important to note that you may need to cook the enchiladas in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer basket. For an air fryer with a capacity of 5 quarts, you can cook around 5-8 enchiladas at a time. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer, but generally, it should take around 5-10 minutes at 350-375°F.

Serving

Air fryer enchiladas go well with a variety of sides, such as refried beans, salad, salsa, guacamole, or Mexican rice. You can also top them with sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Storage

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer or microwave for a quick, tasty meal.

How do you store leftover air fryer enchiladas?

To store leftover air fryer enchiladas, let them cool down completely, then place them in an airtight container or a casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover enchiladas, you can reheat them in the air fryer or the microwave. Reheating in the air fryer will help retain the crispy texture, but the microwave is a quicker option if you're short on time.

If you're reheating in the air fryer, line the bottom of the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper, and place the air fryer basket on top. This will make cleanup easier. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking, unless your basket is non-stick. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes. Carefully place the enchiladas in a single layer inside the preheated basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. Air fry for 5 minutes, then check for doneness. If they need a little longer, continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments until heated through, being careful not to overcook.

If you prefer your enchiladas with a crispy outer layer, you can cook them for an extra minute or two. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once they're perfectly reheated, remove them from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.

What are some air fryer Mexican-inspired meals?

Air fryers are a great way to cook Mexican-inspired food, allowing you to achieve a crispy texture without the excess oil used in traditional deep-frying methods. Here are some Mexican-inspired meals that can be made in an air fryer:

Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a delicious Mexican dish that can be easily made in an air fryer. You can make chicken or beef enchiladas, and even mix in some black beans for added texture and flavour. Simply fill your tortillas with seasoned chicken or beef, roll them up, and place them in the air fryer basket. Top with enchilada sauce and cheese, and air fry until the tortillas are crisp and the cheese has melted.

Chimichangas

Chimichangas are another Mexican favourite that can be made in an air fryer. Fill your tortillas with your choice of meat, beans, and cheese, and roll them up. Place in the air fryer and cook until crispy. Serve with salsa, sour cream, avocado, and more cheese on top.

Taquitos

Taquitos are typically deep-fried, but an air fryer allows you to make a healthier version without sacrificing flavour. You can make chicken, beef, or even vegan taquitos by filling your tortillas with your choice of filling and air frying until crispy. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and Mexican tomato sauce on the side.

Fajitas

Air fryers are perfect for making fajitas, as they allow you to cook the meat and vegetables together. Simply marinate strips of skirt steak, bell peppers, and onions, and place them in the air fryer. Serve with warm tortillas and your favourite salsa. You can also make shrimp fajitas or turkey fajitas for a lean protein option.

Churros

For a sweet treat, try making churros in your air fryer. This Mexican dessert is usually deep-fried, but an air fryer allows you to make a healthier version that's just as delicious. Make the churro dough, pipe it into the shape of churros, and air fry until golden brown. Serve with a Mexican chocolate sauce for a true Mexican-inspired dessert.

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