Reheating Enchiladas: Air Fryer Magic In Minutes

Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish, but reheating leftovers can often result in soggy tortillas or dried-out fillings. One way to reheat enchiladas is by using an air fryer, which helps to revive the crunchy outer layer while preserving the moistness of the filling. This method also produces great results in a shorter amount of time compared to a full-size oven.

How to prepare your air fryer

Preparing your air fryer for use is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your air fryer:

Step 1: Unbox and Clean

First, remove all the packaging materials from your air fryer. Then, clean all the parts and accessories that come with the air fryer. Most air fryers consist of two removable pieces: a basket and a crumb or drip tray. You can wash these with warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Make sure to dry the parts before putting them back together.

Step 2: Find a Suitable Location

Place your air fryer on a level, flat, and dry surface. Ensure that there is proper clearance around the air fryer as per the owner's manual instructions. If you plan to store your air fryer on the countertop, make sure there is enough space between the air fryer and the wall for ventilation.

Step 3: Prepare Food for Air Frying

When preparing food for air frying, lightly coat or spritz your proteins or vegetables with oil, and then add your desired seasonings. Avoid using too much oil, as this can affect the crispiness of your food. Also, avoid air frying foods with wet batters or delicate leafy greens, as they may not cook properly.

Step 4: Preheat (Optional)

Some air fryers require preheating, while others do not. Check your air fryer's manual to determine if preheating is necessary. Preheating can help you achieve more consistent results, and it usually only takes a few minutes.

Step 5: Arrange Food in the Basket

Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with an oil spray to prevent sticking. Then, place your food in a single layer across the bottom of the basket to ensure even cooking. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the airflow and browning of your food.

Now that your air fryer is prepared, you can set the temperature and cooking time according to your recipe and let the cooking begin!

How to arrange the enchiladas in the air fryer

To arrange enchiladas in the air fryer, first, prepare the air fryer basket. Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper, then place the air fryer basket on top. This will make cleaning up easier after air frying. If your enchiladas are saucy, lining the basket with parchment paper will catch any drips.

Next, place the enchiladas in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure the enchiladas are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat the enchiladas in batches.

If your enchiladas are stuck together, carefully separate them before reheating to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.

How long to reheat for

Reheating enchiladas in an air fryer is a great way to get that crispy texture while keeping the filling warm and juicy. The time it takes to reheat your enchiladas in an air fryer will depend on a few factors, such as the thickness of the enchiladas, the power of your air fryer, and whether you are reheating from chilled or frozen.

Most sources recommend reheating your enchiladas in the air fryer for around 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175-180°C). However, if your enchiladas are on the thicker side, you may need to add an extra minute or two. It's important to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Check your enchiladas after the initial cooking time and, if they need a little longer, put them back in the air fryer for 30-second intervals until they are heated through.

If you are reheating frozen enchiladas, you will need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. Frozen enchiladas may take around 8-10 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C). Again, keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking and dryness.

To ensure your enchiladas are heated evenly, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each one. If your enchiladas are saucy, it's a good idea to line the basket with parchment paper or foil to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.

To check if your enchiladas are done, insert a knife into the thickest part and feel the metal when you pull it out. If the metal is warm, your enchiladas are ready to eat. You can also use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

How to check if the enchiladas are done

Checking if your enchiladas are done is a crucial step in the reheating process. Here are some detailed instructions on how to check if your enchiladas are done when using an air fryer:

• After the initial 5 minutes of air frying, check the enchiladas for doneness. You can do this by using a knife to pierce the thickest part of the enchilada and feeling the temperature of the knife when you withdraw it. If the knife feels warm, your enchiladas are likely done. If not, they may need a little more time.
• Be cautious not to overcook the enchiladas, as this can result in dryness. Keep in mind that the timing is crucial when using an air fryer. If the cooking time is too short, your enchiladas might have a cold center. On the other hand, if the time is too long, you risk drying out the filling and burning the tortillas.
• If you're aiming for a crispy outer layer, you can cook the enchiladas for an additional minute or two. Just be sure to monitor them closely to prevent burning.
• To ensure even cooking and crispy edges, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat the enchiladas in batches.
• The reheating time may vary depending on the thickness of the enchiladas and the power of your air fryer. Regularly check on the enchiladas to prevent overcooking.

How to serve the enchiladas

Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish, often served with a side of rice and refried beans. They can be served hot or cold, but are best enjoyed warm with melted cheese.

If you're serving enchiladas to a group, the oven is a good option to ensure your food is evenly heated. You can also use a toaster oven for smaller batches. When using the oven, be sure to preheat your oven-safe dish along with the oven, and cover your enchiladas with foil to prevent them from drying out.

For a quick reheat, the air fryer is a good option, but be careful not to overdo it, as your enchiladas may dry out.

If you're only serving one or two enchiladas, the skillet method is a great choice. This method helps you achieve a crispy texture on the outside, while retaining a warm, gooey centre.

To serve enchiladas, you can top them with ingredients like sour cream, cilantro, and Pico de Gallo.

• Lime and coriander rice
• Mexican bean salad
• Black beans and rice
• Mexican black beans
• Chips and salsa
• Jicama mango salad with cilantro and lime
• Guacamole
• Mexican-style cornbread
• Refried beans
• Avocado slaw
• Mexican coleslaw

Frequently asked questions