Air-Fried Enchiladas: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Recipe

Air fryer enchiladas are a delicious and easy meal to make any night of the week. They are a fun twist on the usual tacos, burritos, and bowls, and can be made with a variety of fillings and sauces. The air fryer gives the enchiladas a crispy texture, and they can be made with corn or flour tortillas. This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick, tasty, and healthy Mexican dish.

Choosing your ingredients

The ingredients you choose for your air fryer enchiladas will depend on your dietary preferences and requirements, as well as your personal taste. Here are some options to consider:

Tortillas: You can use either corn or flour tortillas for your enchiladas. Corn tortillas are traditional and give a nice texture, but they can be more challenging to roll. Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them easier to work with. You can also find gluten-free options for flour tortillas if needed.

Meat: Ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey are all great options for the filling. You can also use shredded chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken. If you're using raw meat, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to your enchiladas.

Beans: Black beans are a popular choice for enchiladas, but you can also use pinto beans or any other type of bean you prefer. If you're not a fan of beans, you can leave them out or substitute them with another ingredient.

Enchilada Sauce: You can use red or green enchilada sauce, either homemade or store-bought. If you want to switch up the flavours, you can also use salsa, guacamole, or any other sauce you typically add to your tacos.

Cheese: Shredded Mexican cheese, cheddar cheese, or Colby Jack cheese are all great options for enchiladas. You can also use a gluten-free cheese if needed.

Seasoning: Taco seasoning is a common choice for enchiladas, but you can also use fajita seasoning, enchilada seasoning, or your own favourite blend. You can purchase pre-made seasoning or make your own.

Toppings: Sour cream, avocado, guacamole, sliced tomatoes, cilantro, and green onions are all great options for topping your enchiladas. You can also add some heat with chili powder or red pepper flakes.

Other Ingredients: You can also add some chopped onions, boiled corn, diced jalapeños, green and red bell peppers, or pickled radishes to your enchiladas. If you want to make them extra crispy, spray the enchiladas with olive oil cooking spray before air frying.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you will need to butterfly the chicken breasts. This involves cutting each breast horizontally to create two thinner pieces, which will ensure even cooking. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch; if your chicken breasts are thicker than this, use a rolling pin to flatten them to the desired size. This step is important to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer.

Next, it's time to add some flavour to your chicken. Drizzle or rub each piece of chicken with olive oil, and then generously coat all sides with your chosen seasoning. Taco seasoning is a popular choice for enchiladas, but you can also use fajita seasoning or make your own blend. Make sure the seasoning covers all surfaces of the chicken; use your hands to rub it in if necessary.

Now it's time to cook the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Place the seasoned chicken in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. After this time has passed, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6 minutes. The total cooking time will be around 12 minutes, but this may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make it easier to slice or shred. You can use two forks to shred the chicken, pulling the meat apart with a crossing and pulling motion.

Your chicken is now ready to be used in your enchiladas! Remember, you can also get creative and add other ingredients to your filling, such as black beans, corn, diced jalapenos, or cheese. Enjoy assembling and cooking your air fryer enchiladas!

Preparing the tortillas

Softening the Tortillas:

Before filling and rolling the tortillas, it's important to soften them to make them pliable. This can be done by briefly heating them in a microwave. Place the tortillas in the microwave for a short duration, usually around 15 seconds, to make them soft and easy to work with. This step ensures that the tortillas don't crack or break when you fill and roll them.

Filling the Tortillas:

Once the tortillas are softened, it's time to fill them with delicious ingredients. Spread a couple of spoonfuls of your chosen filling, such as seasoned meat, beans, or cheese, onto each tortilla. You can also add some enchilada sauce to the filling for extra flavour. Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as this can cause them to burst during cooking.

Rolling the Tortillas:

After filling the tortillas, it's time to roll them up. Place the filling in the centre of each tortilla and roll it up carefully, ensuring that the filling stays inside. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a baking pan or directly into the air fryer basket, depending on your preferred method. If using a baking pan, you'll likely need to cook the enchiladas in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Toppings and Sauce:

Once all the tortillas are filled and rolled, it's time to add the toppings and sauce. Generously cover the enchiladas with enchilada sauce, making sure they are fully coated. You can also add more cheese on top for an extra gooey and delicious factor. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or chives can also be sprinkled on top to enhance the flavour.

Cooking the Enchiladas:

Place the pan with the enchiladas into the air fryer basket, or cook them directly in the basket if preferred. Cook at a temperature between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so adjust accordingly. The enchiladas are ready when the tortillas are crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Crispy Tortillas:

For a crispy texture, spray the enchiladas with olive oil cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will give them a delicious golden colour and a satisfying crunch. Additionally, using corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas can provide a crispier result compared to flour tortillas.

Rolling the enchiladas

Rolling enchiladas is a fun and easy process. First, you'll want to prepare your ingredients. This can include cooking and seasoning your meat, heating your tortillas, and preparing your sauce and cheese.

Once you have your ingredients ready, it's time to start rolling! Take a tortilla and add a couple of spoonfuls of your chosen filling, such as meat, beans, or vegetables, to the centre. You can also add a little cheese to the filling.

Next, carefully roll the tortilla around the filling, ensuring the filling stays contained within the tortilla. Place the rolled tortilla into your air fryer basket, with the folded side down, to prevent the enchilada from unravelling. Repeat this process until your air fryer basket is full, ensuring the enchiladas are placed side by side against each other.

Finally, top the enchiladas with sauce and cheese. You can be generous with the sauce, ensuring the enchiladas are fully covered, and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.

Now your enchiladas are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Air frying the enchiladas

Air fry the enchiladas at around 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning. If you want to add more cheese, you can air fry for an additional minute or two. The air-fried enchiladas will have crispy edges and melted cheese. You can serve them with your favorite toppings and sides, such as salsa, guacamole, or a salad.

Frequently asked questions