Frying Chimichangas: Air Fryer Method Explored

Chimichangas are a popular Mexican dish, but can they be made in an air fryer? The short answer is yes! Chimichangas are essentially fried burritos, and while they are traditionally deep-fried, they can be made in an air fryer for a healthier, less oily option. Air-fried chimichangas are just as crispy as their deep-fried counterparts, and they're quick and easy to make, making them a perfect busy-night dinner option.

Air fryer chimichangas are healthier than deep-fried ones

Chimichangas are a popular Tex-Mex dish, essentially a deep-fried burrito. They are usually made by frying a tortilla stuffed with meat, cheese, vegetables, and spices. However, deep-frying chimichangas can be messy, expensive, and even dangerous.

Air-frying chimichangas is a healthier alternative that delivers the same crispy texture and delicious taste without the extra calories and mess. Here are some reasons why air fryer chimichangas are a better option:

Less Oil and Calories

Air fryers use little to no oil, resulting in chimichangas that are just as crispy as their deep-fried counterparts but with significantly less fat and calories. This makes air fryer chimichangas a healthier option, especially for those watching their calorie intake or looking to reduce their fat consumption.

Quick and Easy

Air fryer chimichangas are also quicker and easier to make than deep-fried ones. There is no need to heat up a large pot of oil, and the clean-up is minimal. Air fryer chimichangas are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, tasty, and healthier dinner option.

Customizable

Air fryer chimichangas offer the flexibility to experiment with different ingredients. While traditional chimichangas use chicken, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, pork, turkey, or even go meatless and fill your chimichanga with taco-seasoned roasted vegetables. You can also add more or less spice to suit your taste.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Prepare the filling by cooking your choice of protein and vegetables with spices.
• Stir in some sour cream to add moisture and prevent the filling from drying out.
• Spread a layer of refried beans on a flour tortilla.
• Top with your prepared filling and shredded cheese.
• Fold the tortilla into a tight burrito shape.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap.
• Air fry for 4 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or cilantro.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, healthier chimichangas that are crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside.

Chimichangas are like fried burritos

Chimichangas can be deep-fried or air-fried. Air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses less oil and produces fewer calories. It is also quicker, easier, and less messy. Air-fried chimichangas are just as crispy as their deep-fried counterparts and can be made in an air fryer with a basket or an air fryer oven.

To make chimichangas in an air fryer, you will need to prepare the filling and assemble the chimichangas by wrapping the filling in tortillas. The filling can vary according to your preference, but it typically includes meat, such as chicken, and other ingredients like beans, cheese, and spices. It is important to ensure that the chimichangas are wrapped tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Once the chimichangas are assembled, they can be placed in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Set the temperature and cooking time according to your recipe and air fryer model. During cooking, the chimichangas should be flipped and sprayed with oil or cooking spray to ensure even browning and crispness.

Chimichangas can be served with various toppings and sides, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, avocado, cilantro, rice, or salad. They can be enjoyed as a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy nights or when you're craving Mexican food without the fuss.

You can use chicken or beef for the filling

Chimichangas are a Mexican-American dish that can be made with either chicken or beef. The choice of meat will depend on your preference, as both are delicious options. Here is a detailed guide on how to make chicken or beef chimichangas in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

For the chicken chimichangas:

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Vegetable oil
• Cheese (Neufchâtel, Mexican blend, or Pepper Jack)
• Chicken broth
• Chicken taco seasoning mix
• Ground black pepper
• Flour tortillas
• Avocado oil cooking spray

For the beef chimichangas:

• Ground beef or shredded beef
• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Rice (optional)
• Black beans or pinto beans (optional)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Sour cream
• Green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
• Lime juice

Instructions:

• Prepare the filling by cooking the chicken or beef with the desired seasonings. For chicken, you can use shredded leftover or rotisserie chicken breast. For beef, you can use ground beef or shredded beef, such as Mexican shredded beef.
• In a bowl, combine the cooked meat with the remaining filling ingredients. For chicken chimichangas, you can add citrus juice, garlic, cumin, and green chilies. For beef chimichangas, you can add rice, beans, and cheese.
• Place a tortilla on a flat surface and add about 1/3 cup of the filling to the center. If using chicken, sprinkle with cheese.
• Fold the tortilla: pull the sides over the filling, then fold the bottom up and over, and finally, roll it into a tight cylinder or burrito shape.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly spray or brush the chimichangas with oil. This will help create a crispy exterior.
• Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, making sure they are seam-side down and not overcrowded.
• Air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. For beef chimichangas, you can also bake them in the oven at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.
• Serve with your favorite toppings and sides, such as lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado, salsa, or cilantro.

Tips:

• Roll the chimichangas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Don't overstuff the chimichangas, as this can cause the tortilla to tear.
• You can make chimichangas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, use the air fryer, oven, or microwave. For the best crispness, the air fryer is recommended.

Chimichangas can be baked in the oven

To bake chimichangas in the oven, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the chimichangas on a baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Baking chimichangas in the oven is a convenient way to make a large batch without having to cook in batches, as you might with an air fryer. It's also a good option if you don't own an air fryer or prefer to use your oven for cooking.

The key to successful oven-baked chimichangas is to ensure they are baked long enough to become crispy. You may need to adjust the baking time depending on your oven and the size of your chimichangas. It's also important to place them on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking to the pan.

Additionally, you can finish off oven-baked chimichangas in a skillet on medium-high heat to get that extra crispy exterior. This can be a great option if you want the convenience of baking but still want that deep-fried texture.

So, if you're looking for an alternative to frying chimichangas, baking them in the oven is a great option. They'll come out crispy and delicious, and you can cook a large batch all at once.

Air fryer chimichangas are quick and easy to make

Air Fryer Chimichangas: Quick and Easy to Make

Chimichangas are a delicious fried food, but frying can be messy and use a lot of oil. Fortunately, air fryers offer a simple and convenient alternative that is just as crispy as deep-frying, without the extra calories.

Ingredients

The ingredients for air-fried chimichangas are very similar to those for the traditional dish. You will need:

• Oil (vegetable, olive, or avocado)
• Chicken (breast, thigh, or rotisserie)
• Spices (cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, ground black pepper)
• Beans (refried or black)
• Flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
• Cheese (shredded Mexican blend or pepper jack)
• Toppings (sour cream, salsa, guacamole, hot sauce, cilantro, etc.)

Method

The method for making air fryer chimichangas is straightforward and perfect for a busy night dinner. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F.
• Heat oil in a skillet and cook your desired fillings. This could include cooking onions until soft, then adding chicken, beans, spices, and other ingredients. Stir until well combined.
• Heat your tortillas in a skillet or on a gas stove until soft and pliable.
• Place your desired amount of filling in the center of each tortilla. Top with cheese and any other desired toppings.
• Wrap the tortillas into a tight and secure burrito/chimichanga shape. There are various methods for this, but the key is to ensure the filling is secure and will not leak out.
• Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray with cooking spray or oil.
• Air fry for 4-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until lightly browned and crispy.
• Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• To get the perfect crispness, check your air fryer frequently while cooking.
• For frozen chimichangas, cook directly from frozen at the same temperature and time as fresh chimichangas.
• Experiment with different fillings, such as ground turkey or beef, sautéed vegetables, taco-seasoned roasted vegetables, or beans and cheese without meat.
• For a simple side dish, try a light salad, such as a Mexican-inspired corn salad.

Frequently asked questions