Air-Fried Chicken Chimichangas: A Quick, Easy Treat

Chicken chimichangas are a delicious, Mexican-inspired meal that can be made in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to the traditionally fried version, as they are cooked with minimal oil, but still retain a crispy texture. The filling typically includes shredded chicken, cheese, and various spices, and they can be served with toppings such as salsa, sour cream, and avocado. Making chicken chimichangas in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to enjoy this tasty dish.

Chicken, bean and cheese filling

Chicken, bean and cheese is a classic chimichanga filling. Here is a recipe for it, which you can adapt to your taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 can of green chiles
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup refried beans
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 6 (10-inch) flour tortillas

Method:

• Heat the oil in a medium skillet. Add the chicken, green chiles, chicken broth, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook and stir until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, mix the refried beans with the Mexican cheese blend and garlic salt.
• Heat the tortillas in a large skillet or directly on a gas stove until soft and pliable.
• Place 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with a heaping tablespoon of the refried bean and cheese mixture. Sprinkle with shredded pepper jack cheese.
• Fold the top and bottom of the tortillas over the filling, then roll each into a tight burrito shape.
• Place in the air fryer basket, seam-side down, and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-8 minutes. Flip the chimichangas over, and cook for another 2-4 minutes, until lightly browned.
• Serve with your favorite toppings and sides, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, Spanish rice, or Southwestern black beans.

Tips:

• You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken for this recipe.
• If you prefer a spicier filling, use hot chilies instead of mild.
• For a crispier chimichanga, spray the tortillas with cooking spray or oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• If your chimichangas are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for a little longer.
• To make this recipe keto-friendly, use low-carb tortillas and reduce the amount of refried beans.

Air fryer settings

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 390°F. If you are using a toaster oven-style air fryer, you can cook at 350°F.

Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. You can also use parchment paper for a foolproof recipe.

Place two chimichangas in the basket, seam side down, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Repeat with the remaining chimichangas.

Cook only two chimichangas at a time in your basket-style air fryer. You can cook more if you have a toaster oven-style air fryer, but do not let them touch each other, or you will end up with soggy air fryer chicken chimichangas.

Spray both the basket and the chimichangas with oil to avoid any sticking.

If you are reheating cooked chimichangas, you can use the air fryer. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and crispy on the outside.

Rolling the burrito

Start by placing your tortilla on a flat surface. If your tortillas are fresh, it is recommended to let them come to room temperature to avoid splitting. For a standard-sized burrito, use an 8-inch tortilla. For a larger burrito, opt for a 10-inch tortilla.

Spread your desired fillings onto the tortilla. Most recipes suggest a combination of refried beans, chicken, cheese, and salsa or sour cream. However, you can get creative and experiment with different ingredients, such as ground turkey, beef, sautéed vegetables, or black beans. Just remember not to overfill the tortilla, as this can lead to splitting or leakage.

Now it's time to roll! Begin by folding the sides of the tortilla towards the centre, covering the filling. Then, pull the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling, creating a tight cylinder. Ensure that the sides remain tucked in. Finally, fold the remaining open tortilla over, covering the tucked sides and bottom. Your burrito should now be securely rolled, with no filling leaking out.

If you want to be extra cautious, you can secure the seam with a toothpick. However, this step is not necessary if your burrito is tightly rolled.

Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and fillings. Remember to work with one tortilla at a time to ensure each burrito is rolled securely.

Toppings and sides

Chicken chimichangas are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried chicken chimichangas:

Toppings

• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy contrast to the crispy chimichanga.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo, made with diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper, provides a refreshing and flavourful garnish.
• Salsa: Adding salsa, especially on the side, can enhance the taste of the chimichangas.
• Guacamole: Serve with a side of guacamole for an extra creamy and indulgent touch.
• Cheese: Sprinkle your favourite shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend, on top for an extra cheesy touch.
• Avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves can be used as a garnish, adding a bright, herbal flavour.
• Hot sauce: Drizzle hot sauce over the chimichangas for an extra kick.
• Green chilies: Canned green chilies, mild or hot, can be added to the filling for a spicy kick.

Sides

• Salad: A light salad, such as a Mexican-inspired grilled corn salad or a simple side salad, can complement the richness of the chimichangas.
• Rice: Cilantro-lime rice or cilantro-lime cauliflower rice adds a flavourful and healthy option to the meal.
• Beans: Instant Pot refried beans or Southwestern black beans make a hearty and tasty side dish.
• Chips and salsa: For a classic Mexican-inspired combination, serve your chimichangas with tortilla chips and salsa on the side.

Reheating and storing

Chimichangas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or wrapped in foil and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw frozen chimichangas in the refrigerator first. Then, place them in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and crispy on the outside. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 2 minutes, but they may lose some of their crispness.

If you want to make chimichangas ahead of time, there are two main ways to do so:

• Cook the entire batch, then reheat individually as needed. With this method, you can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat them in the air fryer or microwave.
• Prepare the chimichangas but do not fry them. You can store uncooked chimichangas in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, cook them in the air fryer, adding 2 minutes to the cooking time if they're chilled. For frozen chimichangas, wrap them in foil and air fry for 18-20 minutes at 360°F, flipping them halfway through.

Frequently asked questions