Air-Fryer Chimichangas: The Perfect Crunch?

Chimichangas are a popular Tex-Mex dish, often described as a deep-fried burrito. They are typically filled with shredded meat, beans, cheese, and vegetables. While chimichangas are usually deep-fried, they can also be cooked in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative that produces the same satisfying crunch. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of cooking chimichangas in an air fryer, exploring the benefits and providing a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect air-fried chimichanga.

Air fryer chimichangas: a healthier alternative to deep-frying

Chimichangas are a popular Tex-Mex dish, a type of deep-fried burrito. They are usually made by frying a tortilla stuffed with chicken and veggies. However, air-fried chimichangas are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they are also quicker and easier to make.

Ingredients

The ingredients for air-fried chimichangas are highly versatile. The tortilla is usually stuffed with meat, cheese, vegetables, and spices. Here is a list of ingredients that you can use:

• Chicken (breast or thighs)
• Ground beef
• Ground turkey
• Pork
• Turkey
• Beans (black or refried)
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Spices (cumin, garlic powder, salt, cinnamon, chili powder)
• Vegetables (onions, garlic, jalapenos, bell peppers)
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Avocado oil spray

Method

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Prepare the filling by cooking the onions, garlic, and spices in a skillet.
• Stir in the meat and sour cream, and remove from heat.
• Assemble the chimichangas by spreading the filling on the tortilla, adding cheese, and rolling it up tightly.
• Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each one.
• Spray the chimichangas with oil.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and browned.

Tips

• Use large burrito-sized tortillas to prevent splitting.
• Don't overfill the tortillas, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.
• Warm the tortillas before filling and rolling to prevent cracking.
• Brush the chimichangas with oil before air frying to get a crispy shell.
• Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

How to make chimichangas in an air fryer

Chimichangas are a popular Tex-Mex dish, a type of deep-fried burrito. They are usually filled with shredded meat (chicken, beef, or pork), beans, cheese, veggies, and spices. The great news is that you can make chimichangas in an air fryer, and they will be just as crispy as the deep-fried version, but minus the extra calories!

Ingredients:

• Oil (vegetable, avocado, or olive)
• Meat (chicken, beef, or pork)
• Spices (cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, cinnamon, etc.)
• Salsa
• Refried beans
• Flour tortillas (10-inch or burrito-sized)
• Cheese (shredded Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or cheddar)
• Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa (optional toppings)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, cook your chosen protein with spices, salsa, and/or cilantro. Stir in the refried beans and sour cream, and remove from heat. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas

Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spread a layer of refried beans on it. Top with the filling and cheese. Wrap the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides and rolling it into a burrito shape. Secure it with a toothpick if needed.

Step 3: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F. Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for air to flow. Spray or brush the chimichangas with oil. Air fry for 4-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.

Step 4: Serve

Serve your air fryer chimichangas warm with your choice of toppings and sides, such as Mexican crema, salsa, guacamole, greens, or rice. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful treat you've made!

Tips for making the best air fryer chimichangas

Choose the Right Tortillas

Burrito-sized tortillas are the best option for chimichangas, as they give you enough space to fill them with your chosen ingredients. It's also important to use soft tortillas that are resistant to splitting. Warming the tortillas before filling and rolling them makes them softer and easier to work with.

Prepare the Filling

Chimichangas are typically filled with a mix of shredded meat (chicken, beef, or pork), refried beans, cheese, and vegetables. You can also add spices and herbs such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt to taste. If you're using ground meat, cook it in a skillet with the spices, vegetables, and herbs before adding the remaining ingredients.

Assemble the Chimichangas

Place about 1/2 cup of the filling, 2 tablespoons of refried beans, and a sprinkle of cheese onto each tortilla. Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as this can cause them to burst during cooking. Roll the tortillas tightly, pulling the sides over the filling and then folding the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F. This will ensure that your chimichangas get as crispy as possible.

Cook the Chimichangas

Place the chimichangas seam-side down in the air fryer basket or tray. Brush or spray them lightly with oil to get that signature crispy shell. Cook for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chimichangas are golden and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your air fryer chimichangas warm with your favorite toppings and sides. Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and Mexican crema are all great choices. You can also serve them with Spanish rice, black beans, or a fresh salad.

Air fryer chimichanga ingredients

Air-fried chimichangas are a great, healthier alternative to deep-fried chimichangas, and they're quicker and easier to make. You can use a variety of ingredients to fill your chimichangas, but here are some of the most common ones:

Meat

You can use any type of meat you like in your chimichangas, including chicken, ground beef, pork, or turkey. You can also use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of the more traditional beef. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat altogether and use taco-seasoned roasted vegetables instead.

Beans

Refried beans are a classic filling for chimichangas, and you can either make your own or use canned beans. If you prefer, you can also use black beans or even leave out the beans altogether.

Cheese

Shredded Mexican-blend cheese is a popular choice for chimichangas, but you can use any type of cheese you like. Monterey Jack cheese is another option, and you can shred it yourself for the best melting results.

Vegetables

Onions, garlic, and jalapenos are commonly used in chimichangas, but you can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or spicy peppers.

Spices

To season your chimichangas, you can use chili powder, cumin, salt, and cinnamon. You can also add fresh cilantro, although some people prefer to leave this out or substitute it with parsley.

Other Ingredients

In addition to the main ingredients listed above, you can also use sour cream, salsa, enchilada sauce, or taco sauce as toppings or ingredients in your chimichangas. You can also serve your chimichangas with guacamole, rice, or Mexican sides like slow cooker black beans or instant pot Spanish rice.

How to store and reheat air fryer chimichangas

Air fryer chimichangas are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried chimichangas. They can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and reheated in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.

Storing Air Fryer Chimichangas

To store air fryer chimichangas, first let them cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic or foil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Chimichangas in the Air Fryer

To reheat air fryer chimichangas in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the chimichangas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spritz or baste them with a small amount of cooking oil. Reheat refrigerated chimichangas for 6-10 minutes, and frozen chimichangas for 10-12 minutes.

Reheating Air Fryer Chimichangas in the Oven

To reheat chimichangas in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread a small amount of butter or oil over the chimichangas, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

Reheating Air Fryer Chimichangas in the Microwave

If you're reheating chimichangas in the microwave, wrap them in a damp paper towel and lay them flat. Heat for 1-2 minutes, then let them sit for an additional minute.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Chimichangas

• To prevent sogginess, store the chimichangas separately from any toppings or sauces.
• When reheating, always let the chimichangas sit for 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow the heat to distribute and keep the shell crispy.
• For best results, reheat chimichangas in the air fryer or oven instead of the microwave, as this will help them retain their crispness.

Frequently asked questions