Air-Fried Chicken Wrap: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken wraps are a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Making them in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy texture without using too much oil. The process is simple: prepare the chicken by seasoning and cutting it into small pieces, place it in the air fryer basket, cook, assemble the wrap, and then air fry the wrap itself for a few minutes. The result is a warm, crispy wrap that's perfect for eating on the go.

Choosing and preparing your chicken

Choosing Your Chicken:

• Fresh or Frozen: You can opt for fresh chicken breasts or use frozen chicken strips or tenders for your wraps. Frozen chicken strips are a convenient option and can be easily found at most grocery stores.
• Quality: If you're particular about the taste and health benefits, opt for pasture-raised or free-range chicken. These options tend to have better flavour and are considered healthier.
• Quantity: Depending on the number of wraps you plan to make, you'll need to adjust the quantity of chicken. For instance, if you're making four wraps, you'll likely need around two large chicken breasts (1 lb or 450 grams).

Preparing Your Chicken:

• Cutting and Flattening: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Then, use a mallet, rolling pin, or heavy pan to flatten them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and faster cooking time without overcooking.
• Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and add your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper or get creative with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or a custom blend. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the oil and seasonings.
• Cooking: Preheat your air fryer to around 380°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-13 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken and the specifics of your air fryer model. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Remember, the key to a tasty chicken wrap is in the preparation and cooking of the chicken. By following these steps and adjusting the seasonings to your preference, you'll end up with juicy, well-cooked chicken that will make your wraps delicious!

Picking your wrap

Type of Wrap

The type of wrap you choose will depend on your personal preference and the availability of ingredients. Here are some common options:

• Flour tortillas: These are the most commonly used wraps for chicken wraps. You can find them in various sizes, such as 6-inch, 8-inch, or 10-inch. Burrito-sized tortillas are usually around 12 inches in diameter.
• Brioche tortillas: These provide a slightly different flavour and texture compared to flour tortillas.
• Spinach wraps: These wraps have spinach puree mixed into the dough, adding a boost of nutrition and a unique flavour.
• Sun-dried tomato wraps: These wraps have a distinct tomato flavour and can add a burst of colour to your chicken wrap.

Warming the Wrap

Before assembling your chicken wrap, it's a good idea to warm the tortillas. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20 to 25 seconds. This will make the tortillas softer and more pliable, making them easier to roll without tearing.

Assembling the Wrap

When assembling your chicken wrap, lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface. You can spread a layer of dressing, such as ranch or mayonnaise, on the tortilla before adding the fillings. Then, add your desired fillings in a line down the centre of the tortilla. Common fillings for chicken wraps include:

• Chicken: You can use cooked chicken breasts, leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or breaded chicken strips.
• Vegetables: Lettuce, sliced avocado, sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, and green onions are popular choices.
• Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or shredded cheese blends are great options.
• Other toppings: You can also add bacon, roasted peppers, cilantro, or any other desired toppings.

Remember not to overfill your tortilla, as this will make it difficult to roll. Leave enough space on the sides to be able to fold them towards the centre easily.

Once you've added your fillings, it's time to roll your wrap. Tightly wrap the tortilla like a burrito, starting from the bottom and rolling it up towards the top. Make sure the seam side of the wrap is facing down before placing it in the air fryer.

Preparing your toppings and fillings

For your toppings and fillings, you can use a variety of ingredients, depending on your preference. Here are some options:

• Lettuce: You can use romaine, iceberg, or green leaf lettuce. Chop the lettuce to your desired size.
• Tomatoes: Fresh, sliced tomatoes can add a juicy touch to your wrap.
• Cheese: Cheddar, pepper-jack, Monterey Jack, or Colby-Jack cheese would all be great options. Shred or grate the cheese for easy melting.
• Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats to your wrap.
• Ranch Dressing: You can use store-bought or make your own by blending mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces.
• Peppers: Roasted or bell peppers can be sliced and added for a crunchy and colourful addition.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with other ingredients, such as roasted potatoes, onions, or other vegetables. You can also add different sauces or seasonings to give your wrap an extra kick of flavour.

Once you have prepared your desired toppings and fillings, it's time to assemble your wrap. Place your tortilla on a flat surface and start adding your ingredients in the centre, being careful not to overfill. Leave enough space on the sides to be able to fold the tortilla without anything falling out.

Wrapping technique

The key to a well-wrapped chicken wrap is to ensure that the filling is secure and contained within the tortilla. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a neatly wrapped chicken wrap:

• Start by warming your tortillas. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20 to 25 seconds. This step is important as it makes the tortillas soft and pliable, preventing tears or breaks when filling and rolling.
• Next, lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread your desired amount of sauce or dressing on the tortilla, leaving a border of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) around the edge. This border will help create a seal when you start rolling.
• Now it's time to add your fillings. Start by adding a layer of lettuce, followed by your cooked chicken, and any other desired toppings such as sliced tomatoes, cheese, avocado, or bacon. Be careful not to overfill the tortilla, as this will make it difficult to roll and increase the chances of your wrap falling apart.
• Once you have added your fillings, it's time to start rolling. Begin by folding the sides of the tortilla towards the centre, enclosing the fillings. Then, starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla up tightly towards the top. Ensure that the fillings remain securely contained as you roll.
• Place the wrap, seam-side down, in the air fryer basket. Repeat this process for any additional wraps you wish to make.
• Brush the tops of the wraps with melted butter (optional). This step will add a crispy, golden finish to your wraps.
• Air fry the wraps at 380-400°F (205°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the tortilla is crispy and golden brown. Flip the wraps halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the wraps from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before cutting them in half. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken wraps!

Cooking in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make delicious and crispy chicken wraps. The air fryer's ability to cook food with minimal oil makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Here are the steps to make perfect chicken wraps in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can also add olive oil to help the seasoning stick and give the chicken a nice texture. Cut the chicken into small pieces or flatten it to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket and lightly spray or drizzle with cooking oil. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before removing it from the air fryer.

Step 3: Assemble the Wrap

Place a tortilla on a flat surface and add your desired fillings. You can include lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cheese, avocado, or any other toppings you prefer. Add your cooked chicken and drizzle with ranch or another sauce.

Step 4: Wrap and Air Fry

Fold the sides of the tortilla towards the centre, then roll it up tightly. Place the wrap in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes at around 400°F, or until the tortilla is crispy and golden.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the wrap from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting or serving. Enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken wrap!

Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chicken. You can also experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique chicken wrap.

Frequently asked questions