Air-Fried Chilaquiles: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Breakfast

Chilaquiles are a Mexican dish traditionally made with fried tortilla strips simmered in red or green tomato sauce and topped with fried eggs, cotija cheese, avocado, and other toppings and garnishes. This dish is typically served for breakfast and can be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative.

How to make tortilla chips in an air fryer

To make tortilla chips in an air fryer, start by applying a little oil to the tortillas. You can either brush the oil on with a pastry brush or spray it on with an oil spray. Then, lightly sprinkle each tortilla with salt on one or both sides, depending on your preference. Next, cut the tortillas into wedges. You can do this by slicing each tortilla into six triangles, like a pizza. Place the wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Air fry at 350°F for five to seven minutes, checking on them occasionally and shaking the basket to ensure they don't stick together. Once they're golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. They will continue to crisp as they cool.

You can also try different seasonings and flavours for your tortilla chips. For example, a spicy chipotle seasoning or a zesty cheese flavour. You can even try cinnamon and sugar for a sweet option.

Air fryer tortilla chips are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chips and are easy to make. They are also a great way to use up leftover tortillas.

How to make jalapeño crema

To make jalapeño crema, you will need Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh herbs, lime juice, garlic, onion powder, and salt. Simply blend all the ingredients together in a blender or food processor until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. This zesty crema is the perfect topping for your chilaquiles, adding a tangy, creamy kick to the dish.

If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients. You can also adjust the quantities to your taste; for a milder crema, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before blending, or add an extra jalapeño for more spice.

For a more authentic Mexican flavour, add some chopped fresh cilantro to the crema, along with a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

This jalapeño crema is a delicious addition to your chilaquiles and can also be used as a dip or sauce for other Mexican dishes, such as tacos, burritos or nachos.

How to assemble chilaquiles

Chilaquiles is a Mexican dish that traditionally consists of fried tortilla chips, salsa or tomato-based red chilli sauce, fried eggs, and other toppings and garnishes.

To assemble chilaquiles, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Chips

Firstly, you will need to cut your tortillas into small triangles. You can do this by cutting them like a pizza and then slicing them into semi-equilateral triangles. You can also use store-bought tortilla chips to save time.

If using homemade chips, place the tortilla triangles in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with oil, tossing until they are evenly coated. The oil will help achieve a golden brown and crispier finish, but it is optional.

Step 2: Cook the Chips

Place the tortilla chips in the air fryer basket and cook at 350-400°F (177-204°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, and remember to flip or shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Step 3: Season the Chips

Once the chips are cooked, transfer them back to the mixing bowl and season lightly with salt.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While the chips are cooking, prepare your chosen sauce. Traditional options include salsa verde, made from tomatillos, garlic, cilantro, onion, and jalapenos, or salsa roja, made from dried chilies that are soaked and turned into a tomato-based sauce. You can make your own sauce or use store-bought.

Step 5: Sauté the Chips, Sauce, and Optional Meat

In a large pan, sauté the tortilla chips, sauce, and optional cooked meat (such as chicken or pork) over medium-high heat. Be careful not to overdo this step, as the longer it takes, the more liquid the chips will absorb.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Finally, it's time to assemble and serve your chilaquiles! Place the saucy chips on a serving plate and top with your choice of toppings. Traditional toppings include fried eggs, cotija cheese, avocado, radishes, cilantro, and jalapeños.

Enjoy your freshly made chilaquiles!

How to make fried eggs in an air fryer

Making fried eggs in an air fryer is a fast, easy, and healthy alternative to stovetop cooking. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

Ingredients and Tools:

• 1 large refrigerated egg per person.
• A shallow, non-stick tray, or a small low-setting baking pan. You can also use disposable foil pans, mini pie pans, or a mini cast-iron skillet.
• Oil or butter for greasing the pan. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or butter.
• Salt and ground black pepper for seasoning.

Method:

• Spray the pan with oil, place it in the air fryer basket, and preheat it to 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Crack the egg into a small cup or bowl and carefully pour it onto the hot pan or tray.
• Air fry for 3 minutes for a sunny side up or over-easy egg. If you prefer a medium egg yolk, add 1 minute to the cooking time. For a firm yolk, cook for 5 minutes.
• Use a spatula to remove the egg from the pan gently.

Tips:

• The air fryer temperature and time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, the size of the egg, and whether it is refrigerated or at room temperature.
• For over-easy eggs, flip the egg with a spatula and cook for an additional minute.
• You can season the eggs with salt and pepper before or after cooking.
• Always monitor the cooking time and adjust as needed.
• For a crispy fried egg, select a shallow pan to allow the hot air to circulate efficiently.

How to make salsa verde

Chilaquiles are a delicious Mexican breakfast dish that can be made in an air fryer. The recipe typically includes tortilla chips, salsa verde, chicken, eggs, and toppings like avocado, radishes, and cheese.

Now, let's focus on the salsa verde. This zesty sauce is a key ingredient in chilaquiles and many other Mexican dishes. Here's how you can make salsa verde in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Tomatillos
• Serrano or Jalapeno Peppers (for spice)
• Garlic
• Onion
• Lime Juice
• Cilantro
• Salt

Optional Ingredients:

• Avocado (for a creamier salsa)
• Water (to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

• Set your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the tomatillos, peppers, and onion in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook for 5 minutes.
• Open the air fryer, add the garlic, and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Let the ingredients cool for a few minutes.
• Transfer the ingredients to a blender.
• Add lime juice, cilantro, and salt to taste.
• Blend until you reach your desired consistency. Add water if you prefer a thinner salsa.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Your salsa verde is now ready to be enjoyed! This sauce pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, and more. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for later use.

Frequently asked questions