Air-Fried Chimichangas: A Quick, Crispy, And Delicious Treat!

Chimichangas are fried burritos, usually deep-fried to get a crispy exterior. However, air-fried chimichangas are a healthier alternative, with less oil and mess, but the same great taste and texture. Air-fried chimichangas are also quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This guide will teach you how to make delicious air-fried chimichangas at home, with a variety of filling options to choose from.

Choosing your filling

Chimichangas usually have a filling of meat, cheese, vegetables, and spices. Here are some ideas for your filling:

Meat

• Chicken: You can use cooked and shredded chicken breasts, or chicken thighs for a more juicy filling. You can also use a rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.
• Ground turkey or ground beef
• Shredded pork

Beans

• Refried beans: These act as a creamy base for the filling.
• Black beans

Vegetables

• Diced green chillies: You can use mild or hot chillies depending on your preference for spice.
• Peppers and onions
• Avocado

Spices and Seasonings

• Taco seasoning: You can use a packet of your favourite taco seasoning or make your own blend with chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Lime juice

Dairy

• Cheese: You can use shredded Mexican blend cheese, Cheddar Jack cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Sour cream: You can add this to the filling to make it creamy, or serve it as a topping.
• Cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese

Other

• Rice
• Salsa
• Enchilada sauce

Wrapping your chimichanga

Start by heating your tortillas in a large skillet or directly on the grates of a gas stove until they are soft and pliable. This step is crucial as it makes the tortillas easier to work with and reduces the chances of them tearing or splitting during the wrapping process.

Once your tortillas are ready, it's time to add the filling. Place your desired amount of filling (chicken, beans, cheese, etc.) in the centre of each tortilla. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the tortilla to split. It's better to use less filling and have a tighter wrap.

Now it's time to start folding. First, fold the top and bottom of the tortilla over the filling. Then, fold in the sides and start to roll the tortilla into a tight cylinder. Make sure to tuck in any loose ends to create a secure seal.

Repeat this process for each tortilla until you have a batch of wrapped chimichangas ready for the air fryer. Remember to spray the chimichangas with cooking spray or brush them with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer to achieve that crispy, golden texture.

Finally, place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, making sure they are seam-side down. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness, and enjoy your delicious, crispy chimichangas!

Cooking your chimichanga

Now that you have assembled your ingredients, it's time to cook your chimichanga in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Start by heating some oil in a skillet over medium heat. You can use extra-virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, add your choice of protein, such as shredded chicken, and cook until heated through. You can also add spices and seasonings like taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder to taste. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add diced green chilies for a spicy kick. Don't forget to stir everything together to combine the flavours.

Step 2: Assemble the chimichangas

Take your flour tortillas and spread your desired fillings onto them. You can get creative here, but common fillings include refried beans, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as this can lead to splitting or ripping. Once you've added your fillings, carefully roll the tortillas into burrito shapes, making sure to tuck in the sides and ends to prevent leakage.

Step 3: Air-frying

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket and the outside of each filled tortilla with cooking spray or oil. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy exterior. Place the chimichangas into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other to avoid sogginess. Cook for about 4-8 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired level of browning. Don't forget to flip them halfway through for even cooking!

Step 4: Serving

Once your chimichangas are golden brown and crispy, it's time to serve them. You can serve them as is or with a variety of toppings and sides. Popular toppings include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro, and shredded cheese. For sides, consider rice, refried beans, or a light salad.

Tips and Tricks

• To save time, you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred it yourself.
• If you want to make your chimichangas ahead of time, you can store uncooked assembled chimichangas in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, simply air fry them for a crispy treat.
• For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and fill your chimichangas with sautéed veggies, beans, and cheese.
• Don't overfill your tortillas to avoid leakage and splitting. It's better to err on the side of less filling.

Toppings and serving suggestions

Chimichangas are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas for toppings and serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried chimichangas:

Toppings

• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the crispy chimichanga.
• Salsa: Choose your favourite salsa, from mild to spicy, and add a generous scoop on top.
• Guacamole: The creaminess of guacamole pairs well with the crispy tortilla.
• Hot sauce: Drizzle some hot sauce over your chimichanga for an extra kick of heat.
• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey jack, on top for added flavour and texture.
• Pico de gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and seasonings adds a refreshing touch.
• Avocado: Dice or slice some avocado to add a creamy, healthy fat to your chimichanga.
• Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro can be used as a garnish to add a bright, herbal flavour.
• Lettuce: Shredded lettuce provides a crunchy texture and a healthy boost to your dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice: Serve your chimichangas with a side of rice, such as cilantro lime rice or cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
• Beans: Instant pot refried beans or Southwestern black beans make a great accompaniment to chimichangas.
• Salad: A light salad, such as a Mexican-inspired grilled corn salad or a corn, tomato, and avocado salad, can balance out the richness of the chimichangas.
• Chips: Add some crispy tortilla chips on the side for an extra crunchy element.
• Vegetables: Air-fried or roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower or peppers and onions, can be a healthy and tasty side dish.

Reheating and storing your chimichanga

The second method involves preparing the chimichangas without cooking them, and then storing them in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to eat. This way, you can cook them fresh when you want them. If you choose to store them in the fridge, they will last for up to four days, and you'll need to add two minutes to the air fryer cook time. For freezer storage, place the uncooked chimichangas on a sheet pan in a single layer for at least four hours, and then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to eat them, wrap them in foil and air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will prevent the outside from getting too crispy before the inside is heated through.

If you're reheating a chimichanga that has already been cooked, you can use the microwave if you don't mind losing some of the crispness. Alternatively, you can use the air fryer or a cast-iron skillet to retain the crispness. Reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently asked questions