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

Chimichangas are a popular Mexican dish, similar to burritos, but fried so that the tortilla is crispy. They can be made in an air fryer for a healthier, less oily alternative to deep-frying, without compromising on the crispiness. Chimichangas are usually filled with meat, cheese, vegetables and spices. This paragraph will explore how to make a chimichanga in an air fryer, including the ingredients and method, as well as some tips and serving suggestions.

Choosing your ingredients

Chimichangas are a great dish to make in your air fryer, and you can get creative with your ingredients. The key components are a filling, a wrap, and some toppings.

For the filling, you can choose from a variety of proteins, such as chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded pork. You can also make a vegetarian option with beans and cheese or roasted vegetables. Season your protein with garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. You can also add in vegetables like onions, peppers, and chilies. If you want a saucier filling, add salsa, refried beans, or enchilada sauce. For a creamy texture, add sour cream or cream cheese.

When choosing your wrap, opt for burrito-sized flour tortillas. You can use white flour tortillas, which are softer and less likely to rip, or choose a healthier option like low-carb whole wheat tortillas.

Finally, for toppings, you can add even more cheese, as well as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, hot sauce, or fresh herbs like cilantro.

Now you're ready to start assembling and frying!

Preparing the filling

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Salsa
• Refried beans
• Flour tortillas
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Avocado oil spray

You can also add vegetables like peppers and onions, or spices like chilli powder.

Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing the filling:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a casserole dish and drizzle with avocado or olive oil.
• Add the ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Use tongs to coat the chicken evenly with the oil and seasonings.
• Arrange the chicken in a single layer and spread salsa over it to cover completely.
• Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, shred the chicken using two forks.
• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the refried beans and mix well.
• If you want to add vegetables, cook them in a skillet over medium heat until softened. You can also add spices like chilli powder to the skillet.
• Once your filling is ready, you can start assembling your chimichangas.

Remember, the key to delicious chimichangas is to take your time and not overfill the tortillas. Enjoy the process of preparing this tasty treat!

Wrapping the chimichangas

Step 1: Place about 1/3 to 3/4 cup of filling in the centre of the tortilla, leaving space around the edges. You can add more filling if you are confident in your wrapping skills, but be careful not to overfill.

Step 2: Pull the sides of the tortilla over each end of the filling until tight. You can use your thumbs to do this, and make sure the filling is secure and won't fall out.

Step 3: Using your thumbs, pull the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling, covering the sides you folded over in Step 2. This will start to create the burrito shape.

Step 4: Tuck the bottom of the tortilla you folded in Step 3 into the burrito, also tucking in the sides from the top and bottom of the tortilla. This will ensure that the filling is secure and won't leak out during cooking.

Step 5: Fold the remaining open tortilla over the tucked sides and bottom. This will complete the burrito shape and ensure that the chimichanga is tightly wrapped.

It is important to note that different recipes may vary slightly, and you can always adjust the amount of filling to your preference. However, it is crucial to ensure that the chimichangas are tightly wrapped to avoid any mess or splitting during cooking.

Additionally, it is recommended to use room temperature tortillas as they are softer and less likely to rip. You can also use white flour tortillas, which tend to be the softest and most resistant to splitting.

Cooking in the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360–400°F. If you're using frozen chimichangas, there's no need to thaw them first—just cook them straight from frozen. Place two chimichangas in the air fryer basket, folded side down, and make sure they're not overlapping or crowded. Spray the tops of the chimichangas with cooking spray or oil spray—this will give them that crispy texture.

Cook the chimichangas for 6–10 minutes, or until browned and crispy. Flip them over halfway through the cooking time. Repeat this process with the remaining chimichangas.

Once cooked, serve the chimichangas with your desired toppings and sides. Some suggestions include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, avocado, cilantro, lettuce, pico de gallo, and hot sauce. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Chimichangas are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or appetiser. They are best served hot and crispy, with a variety of toppings and sides to enhance the flavour and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried chimichangas:

Toppings

• Sour cream: A cool and creamy topping that pairs well with the crispy chimichanga. You can also add a dollop of sour cream inside the chimichanga before serving.
• Salsa: A traditional topping that adds a burst of flavour. Choose your favourite salsa, from mild to spicy, and drizzle it over the chimichanga.
• Guacamole or Avocado: The creaminess and freshness of avocado or guacamole complement the fried dish.
• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, such as Mexican blend cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, for an extra cheesy touch.
• Hot sauce: Drizzle some hot sauce for an extra kick of spice and flavour.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavour to the dish.
• Mexican crema: A delicious, creamy topping that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
• Taco or enchilada sauce: These sauces add a tangy and savoury flavour to the chimichanga.
• Diced tomatoes: Fresh or cooked diced tomatoes can add a burst of sweetness and colour to the dish.

Sides

• Cilantro Lime Rice: A flavourful rice dish that pairs well with the chimichangas.
• Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: A healthier alternative to regular rice, with a refreshing twist of cilantro and lime.
• Instant Pot Refried Beans: Hearty and satisfying, refried beans make a great side dish to the chimichangas.
• Mexican-inspired Grilled Corn Salad with Cotija or Corn Tomato Avocado Salad: These salads bring a fresh and colourful touch to the meal.
• Air-fried broccoli: Tender and browned broccoli makes a great side dish and pairs well with the Mexican flavours.
• Chickpea Salad: A cool and refreshing salad with tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Tortilla Chips with salsa or queso dip: Crunchy tortilla chips with a dip are always a tasty addition to a Mexican-inspired meal.

Feel free to mix and match toppings and sides to create a delicious and satisfying meal that suits your taste preferences!

Frequently asked questions