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

Making enchiladas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to whip up a tasty Mexican meal. This method of cooking enchiladas is a healthier alternative to deep frying, and it still delivers the same great taste and texture. You can use a variety of fillings, such as chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, or vegetables, and the air fryer ensures a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.

Air Fryer Enchilada ingredients

There are several ingredients you can use to make enchiladas in an air fryer. Here is a list of ingredients and some suggestions on how to prepare them:

Tortillas

You can use either corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are more traditional and are gluten-free, but flour tortillas are easier to roll. If you use corn tortillas, you may need a few extra as they are usually smaller. You can also use gluten-free flour tortillas if needed. Warming the tortillas first will make them more pliable and easier to work with.

Meat

You can use ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey for the filling. If using chicken or turkey, you can cut and flatten the meat into even pieces and season with olive oil and taco seasoning before cooking in the air fryer. If using beef, you can cook and crumble it in the air fryer first, then add seasoning.

Beans

Black beans are a popular choice, but you can also use pinto beans or any other type of bean you prefer. Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to your enchiladas.

Sauce

Red enchilada sauce is commonly used, but you can also use green sauce or any other type of salsa or sauce you like. You can make your own sauce or use a store-bought option.

Cheese

Shredded Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese is typically used, but you can also use Colby Jack or any other type of shredded cheese you prefer. You can add cheese to the filling and sprinkle it on top of the enchiladas before air frying.

Other Ingredients

You can add chopped fresh cilantro, chives, green chilies, or other herbs and spices to the filling for extra flavour. You can also include other vegetables such as boiled corn, diced jalapeños, bell peppers, or chopped onions.

Air Fryer Enchilada toppings

There are many toppings you can add to your air fryer enchiladas to make them even more delicious and flavourful. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fresh Herbs and Spices

Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as chopped cilantro or chives to your enchiladas for a bright, tangy flavour. If you like your food spicy, add some heat with a sprinkle of chili powder or red pepper flakes. Fresh jalapenos and chopped green onions also make great toppings.

Dairy

Top your enchiladas with shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or a combination of these ingredients. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice to add a tangy flavour to the dairy toppings.

Sides

While not exactly a topping, serving your enchiladas with sides can elevate your meal. Try serving your enchiladas with a side of refried beans, salsa, or a quick salad.

Sauces

In addition to enchilada sauce, you can top your enchiladas with salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo.

Customise

Feel free to get creative and experiment with your favourite taco toppings. Since the flavour of the enchiladas is similar to tacos, anything you would typically add to your tacos will taste great on your enchiladas.

Air Fryer Enchilada fillings

Air Fryer Enchiladas are a fun and tasty meal to make for the whole family. They are also a great way to switch up your regular Taco Tuesdays! The best part about making enchiladas in an air fryer is that it takes minimal time and effort. This gives you the freedom to experiment with different fillings and toppings. Here are some ideas for Air Fryer Enchilada fillings:

Ground Chicken or Beef

For a protein-filled meal, you can use ground chicken or beef as your enchilada filling. Start by cooking the meat in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked. Then, stir in some taco seasoning or homemade enchilada seasoning. You can also add black beans to this mixture for some extra flavour and texture.

Beans and Vegetables

If you want to make vegetarian enchiladas, you can fill your tortillas with beans and vegetables of your choice. Some options include refried beans, black beans, pinto beans, and zucchini strips. You can also add Mexican rice to the filling for a heartier meal.

Cheese

No enchilada is complete without a generous amount of cheese! Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese is a great option for enchiladas. You can sprinkle it on top of the enchiladas before air frying, or use it as a filling inside the tortillas. This will ensure that the cheese is melted and gooey when you take a bite.

Sauces

Enchiladas are typically served with a red or green enchilada sauce. You can make your own homemade sauce or use a store-bought option. If you want to switch it up, you can also top your enchiladas with salsa, guacamole, or any other sauce that you would typically add to your tacos.

Toppings

To add some extra flavour and texture to your Air Fryer Enchiladas, you can serve them with various toppings. Some options include sour cream, sliced tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, cilantro, jalapenos, green onions, and chilli powder.

Air Fryer Enchilada cooking times and temperatures

Air Fryer Enchiladas are a quick and easy meal to make for the whole family. The air fryer's hot air will give the enchiladas a crunchy texture, while the inside remains creamy and delicious.

The cooking time and temperature for Air Fryer Enchiladas may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary. As a guide, here is a step-by-step breakdown of the cooking times and temperatures for Air Fryer Enchiladas:

Step 1: Cooking the Chicken

First, you will need to cook the chicken in the air fryer. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thinner pieces, and season with olive oil and taco seasoning. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 370°F for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 2: Assembling the Enchiladas

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the enchiladas. Briefly heat the tortillas in the microwave to soften them. In each tortilla, add a couple of spoonfuls of your cooked chicken, along with some black beans and shredded cheese. Roll the tortillas around the filling and place them in a baking pan. Cover the enchiladas with enchilada sauce and more shredded cheese.

Step 3: Air Frying the Enchiladas

Place the pan of enchiladas in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the tortillas are crisp and the cheese is melted.

Step 4: Serving

Remove the enchiladas from the air fryer and serve with your favourite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.

Tips:

• If you are using a different brand of air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking times.
• For a crispy texture, put the folded side of the enchiladas down in the air fryer to keep the filling inside while cooking.
• You can substitute ground beef for chicken if desired.

Air Fryer Enchilada storage and reheating

Air fryer enchiladas are a quick and easy meal to make, but what do you do with the leftovers? Here are some tips and tricks for storing and reheating your air fryer enchiladas to ensure they stay delicious and crispy.

Storing Air Fryer Enchiladas:

Allow your cooked enchiladas to cool down completely before storing them. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Enchiladas in the Air Fryer:

Reheating enchiladas in the air fryer is a great way to restore their crispy texture and flavour. Here are the steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper (optional but makes cleanup easier).
• Place the enchiladas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Reheat for about 5-10 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they are heated through.
• Once they are thoroughly reheated, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips for Optimal Reheating:

• Use a non-stick spray on the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
• Reheat at a moderate temperature (around 350°F) to avoid overcooking the tortilla or drying out the filling.
• Flip the enchiladas halfway through reheating to ensure even browning on both sides.
• If your enchiladas are drier, brush them lightly with oil or sauce before reheating to add moisture.

Other Reheating Methods:

While the air fryer is an excellent option for reheating enchiladas, there are other methods you can use if you don't have an air fryer:

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the enchiladas on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat with a bit of oil or butter. Place the enchiladas in the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until heated through.
• Microwave Method: Place the enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. However, this method may result in soggy enchiladas.

Frequently asked questions