Emilie Meyer
El Monterey chimichangas are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They can be cooked straight from frozen and are ready in minutes. The air fryer will cook the chimichanga to crispy perfection, with a hot and saucy inside. The cooking time will depend on the number of chimichangas being cooked and the temperature setting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Fryer Temperature | 375-400°F |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking from Frozen | Yes |
| Flip During Cooking | Yes |
| Internal Temperature | 161-165°F |
| Toppings | Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, avocado, cilantro |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer temperature and time
For example, the El Monterey website suggests cooking their Beef and Bean chimichangas at 380°F for a total of 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Similarly, their Chicken, Cheese, and Rice chimichangas are cooked at the same temperature but for a total of 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
On the other hand, some sources recommend cooking El Monterey chimichangas at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping them every 5 minutes until they reach the desired level of crispiness. This higher temperature and longer cooking time may be better suited for those who prefer their chimichangas extra crispy.
It is worth noting that some people choose to partially cook their chimichangas in the microwave before transferring them to the air fryer. This helps ensure that the inside is thoroughly cooked and prevents the outside from burning or becoming too crispy.
Additionally, it is important to leave some space between the chimichangas in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking. Overlapping or overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking and affect the final texture.
Finally, it is recommended to let the chimichangas stand for a minute or two after cooking to allow them to cool slightly and ensure they are safe to eat. This is especially important if you are serving them to children, as they should always be allowed to cool before consuming.
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Microwave first, then air fryer
To cook El Monterey chimichangas in an air fryer, it is recommended to microwave them first to ensure the inside is hot and properly cooked. This is because chimichangas tend to have crispy outsides when cooked in an air fryer but remain frozen on the inside.
First, remove the El Monterey chimichangas from their outer packaging. Place one chimichanga on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a paper towel. Set your microwave to high and heat the chimichanga for 1 minute to 1 minute and 20 seconds.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F to 400°F. Place the microwaved chimichanga in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between multiple chimichangas for even cooking. Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the chimichanga halfway through the cooking time. The chimichanga is ready when it is golden brown and crispy.
Let the chimichanga cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it as is or top it with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or cilantro.
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Toppings and sides
While chimichangas can be enjoyed on their own, you can also serve them with toppings and sides.
Toppings
Chimichangas are typically topped with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. You can also add warm queso, pico de gallo, cilantro, and shredded lettuce. If you like your food spicy, add some hot sauce to your chimichanga.
Sides
Chimichangas are often served with Mexican rice. You can also serve them with air fryer green tomatoes, keto zucchini fries, or diced potatoes. If you're cooking for children, be sure to let the chimichangas cool slightly before serving.
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Don't overcrowd the basket
When cooking El Monterey chimichangas in an air fryer, it is important to not overcrowd the basket. This is because overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, with some chimichangas not getting crispy enough or others getting burnt. By leaving space between the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, you allow the hot air to circulate properly and cook the food evenly.
It is recommended to place the chimichangas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to fit more or less than four chimichangas. For example, if you have a larger air fryer, you might be able to cook two or more chimichangas at the same time, as long as they are arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded.
If you are cooking for a larger group and need to make more chimichangas than your air fryer basket can accommodate, it is best to cook them in batches rather than overcrowding the basket. Cooking in batches may take a little longer, but it will ensure that each chimichanga turns out crispy and delicious. You can keep the cooked chimichangas warm in a low oven or warming drawer while you cook the remaining batches.
Additionally, when placing the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, be sure to follow the specific instructions for your chosen brand and variety of El Monterey chimichangas. For example, the cooking instructions for El Monterey Chicken, Cheese, and Rice Chimichangas may differ from those for the Beef and Bean variety. By following the specific instructions and leaving enough space in the air fryer basket, you can ensure that your chimichangas turn out perfectly crispy and cooked evenly every time.
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Leave to stand before eating
Leaving your chimichangas to stand before eating is an important step in the cooking process. This is because the chimichangas will be very hot straight out of the air fryer, so it is important to let them cool slightly before serving and consuming. This will ensure that you don't burn yourself when handling or eating the chimichangas.
Additionally, allowing the chimichangas to stand for a brief period will enable the filling to cool down slightly, ensuring that you don't burn your mouth when taking that first bite. This is especially important if you are serving these to children, as their mouths are more sensitive to hot foods.
The recommended standing time for El Monterey chimichangas is 1 minute, as per the instructions on their website. This is a good guideline to follow to ensure the product is safe to eat and handle. However, you may find that a slightly longer standing time is beneficial, especially if you are cooking multiple chimichangas or serving a large group.
For example, if you are cooking a family-sized portion of chimichangas, it might be a good idea to let them stand for 2-3 minutes before serving. This will give the chimichangas time to cool down slightly, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for you and your family. It is also a good idea to let the chimichangas stand for a little longer if you want to add toppings or sides, as this will give the filling time to settle and prevent it from spilling out when you add extras.
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Frequently asked questions
El Monterey chimichangas should be cooked in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes at 375-400°F. Flip them halfway through the cooking time.
Yes, preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F before placing the chimichangas in the basket.
Your El Monterey chimichangas will be done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The inside should be hot and melted. You can use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the inside has reached a temperature of at least 161°F.
No, you do not need to add any oil to the chimichangas before air frying. They already have oil on them, which will make them crispy.
Yes, you can cook more than one chimichanga at a time, as long as they fit in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between them for even cooking.
