Air-Fried Chimichangas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chimichangas are a popular Mexican dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chimichangas, with less oil and fewer calories, but still crunchy and tasty. You can fill them with your choice of meat, beans, cheese, salsa, and spices. The key to a good chimichanga is a crispy tortilla and a flavorful filling. They are a great option for a quick weeknight meal and can be made in under 30 minutes.

How to cook chimichangas in an air fryer

Choosing your ingredients

Chimichangas are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. The key to a good chimichanga is a crispy tortilla with a flavorful filling. Here are some tips for choosing your ingredients:

Tortillas:

It is recommended to use large, burrito-size flour tortillas for chimichangas. This ensures you have enough space for the filling and that they are easy to fold. Warm the tortillas slightly before filling to make them pliable and easier to work with. You can warm them in a dry skillet, on a gas stove, or in the microwave for about 10-20 seconds.

Filling:

Chimichangas are typically filled with a mix of shredded meat, beans, and cheese. For the meat, you can use chicken, beef, or pork. If using chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a tender and juicy filling. You can also use chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Season the chicken with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and taco seasoning. Cook the chicken in salsa for added flavor and moisture. You can also add in onions, green chiles, and tomato sauce. For the beans, use refried beans, and feel free to mix in some cooked rice. Finally, choose a shredded cheese that melts well, such as Mexican shredded cheese or Monterey Jack.

Toppings and Sides:

Serve your chimichangas with toppings such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite hot sauce. You can also top them with homemade queso or enchilada sauce. Chimichangas go well with sides like Mexican crema, shredded lettuce, Pico de Gallo, and black olives.

Preparing the filling

Chimichangas are a great option for a quick weeknight meal and can be filled with your favourite ingredients. The filling is a versatile mix of shredded meat, beans, and cheese, all wrapped up in a tortilla. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the filling:

First, decide on your filling ingredients. Chicken is a popular choice, and you can use chicken thighs or breasts, or opt for rotisserie chicken to save time. You can also use ground beef or pork. If you are using chicken, season it with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and taco seasoning. You can also cook the chicken in salsa for added flavour and moisture.

Next, cook your chosen meat. If using chicken, bake it in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then, shred the chicken using two forks. If using ground beef or pork, cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.

Now, it's time to assemble the filling. In a large bowl, mix the cooked meat with refried beans and cheese. You can use shredded Mexican cheese, or a mix of your favourite cheeses. For extra flavour, add in some chopped onions, green chilies, or spices like oregano, chili powder, and cumin. You can also add rice if desired.

Finally, lay out your tortillas and spread about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the centre of each. You can use flour tortillas or flatbreads, and it's a good idea to warm them slightly first to make them pliable and easier to fold. Spread the filling evenly, leaving enough space around the edges to fold and roll.

Once the filling is in place, you are ready to move on to the next step of making your chimichangas. Remember, the filling can be versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and combinations to find your perfect flavour profile!

Preparing the tortillas

Firstly, choose the right tortillas. It is recommended to use large or burrito-size flour tortillas. This ensures you have enough space to fill them generously and roll them up tightly.

Before filling the tortillas, it is important to warm them slightly to make them pliable and easier to work with. You can do this by placing the tortillas on a dry skillet or a gas stove over medium heat until they are soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can warm them in a microwave for about 10-20 seconds.

Once the tortillas are warmed, you can start assembling the chimichangas. Spread a layer of refried beans on the tortilla, followed by your choice of filling—such as shredded chicken, beef, or pork—and then sprinkle with shredded cheese. You can also add rice if desired.

To shape the chimichangas, start by folding in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly, tucking in the ends to create a secure burrito shape. Make sure the chimichanga is tightly wrapped to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

After filling and rolling the tortillas, it is time to cook the chimichangas. Brush the chimichangas lightly with oil or spray them with cooking spray. This will help create a crispy texture. Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, seam-side down, making sure they are not touching. Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Your air-fried chimichangas are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm with your favourite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or enchilada sauce.

Assembling the chimichangas

Chimichangas are a great meal option for any night of the week. They are versatile and can be loaded with your favourite fillings. The assembling process is quite simple and direct. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble chimichangas for your air fryer:

Firstly, lay out the tortillas. It is important to use burrito-size tortillas to ensure you have enough space for the filling. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-20 seconds to make them soft and pliable. This will make them easier to fold.

Next, spread the beans. Place about 2 tablespoons of refried beans in the centre of each tortilla and spread them evenly. You can use either canned refried beans or make them from scratch. If you want to make them from scratch, cook the beans and mix them with salsa.

Then, add the filling. Place about 1 cup of your desired filling on top of the beans. Chimichangas are typically filled with shredded meat (chicken, beef, or pork), but you can also use ground beef, rotisserie chicken, or your favourite leftover dish. If you are using chicken, you can bake it in the oven with salsa, cumin, garlic powder, and salt before shredding it and adding it to the tortilla.

After that, sprinkle cheese on top of the filling. You can use shredded cheese, Mexican cheese, or any other type of cheese you prefer. You can also add other toppings, such as green chiles, guacamole, or taco seasoning.

Finally, roll up the tortillas. Fold in the sides and roll them up tightly, tucking in the ends to create a burrito shape. Make sure the chimichangas are tightly wrapped to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Once your chimichangas are assembled, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. You can cook them right away or freeze them for later.

Cooking the chimichangas

Chimichangas are a great option for a quick, tasty, and healthy weeknight meal. They are versatile and can be made with your favourite filling, beans, cheese, and a crunchy tortilla. You can use any leftover Mexican dish and wrap it up in a flour tortilla to make the crispy layer.

To cook chimichangas in an air fryer, first warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-20 seconds to make them pliable. Place about 2 tablespoons of refried beans and spread them in the centre of each tortilla. Then, add about 1 cup of your desired filling. You can use shredded meat (chicken, beef, or pork), beans, and cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the filling.

Next, fold in the sides and roll it up tightly, tucking in the ends to create a burrito shape. Make sure the chimichangas are tightly wrapped so that the filling doesn't leak out during cooking. Place the burritos on the air fryer tray, with the folded side down, and brush them lightly with oil or spray them with cooking spray.

Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Carefully place two chimichangas into the air fryer, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 4 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of brownness and crispness, so keep an eye on them!

Once they are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favourite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or cheese. Enjoy your crispy and delicious air-fried chimichangas!

Frequently asked questions