Air Fryer Frozen Chimichangas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make your favourite fried foods with less oil and mess. Chimichangas are a popular Tex-Mex dish, which are basically burritos that have been fried, giving them a crispy tortilla. You can make air fryer chimichangas as spicy or mild as you like and they're a great option for meal prep. You can use any flavour of frozen chimichanga and your air fryer to make this quick and easy meal.

Filling options

For example, you could try ground beef or turkey, or go for a vegetarian option with taco-seasoned roasted vegetables. If you're a bean lover, you can make it bean-and-cheese only, or add them to meat or veggies. Black beans are a great option to switch things up. You can also add some green chilies or other peppers for an extra kick.

If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own refried beans and fill your chimichangas with them. You can also add some sour cream to the filling to make it creamier.

When it comes to spices, you can season your meat with ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt. You can also add chili powder, cumin, salt, and a bit of cinnamon to your filling for that extra warmth.

Don't forget to top your chimichangas with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, guacamole, or avocado.

So, get creative and experiment with different filling options to find your favorite combination!

Wrapping technique

The wrapping technique is crucial to ensure your chimichangas stay intact during the air-frying process. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a tight and secure wrap:

• Step 1: Pull the sides: Place your desired filling in the centre of the tortilla. Start by pulling the sides of the tortilla over each end of the filling until tight. This will help secure the filling and prevent it from leaking out.
• Step 2: Fold the bottom: Using your thumbs, pull the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling. Make sure to cover the sides you folded over in Step 1. This creates a pocket that will contain the filling.
• Step 3: Tuck and roll: Tuck the bottom of the tortilla that you folded in Step 2 into the burrito. Also, tuck in the sides from the top and bottom of the tortilla. Finally, roll the burrito over the remaining open tortilla, ensuring all sides are securely tucked in.
• Step 4: Secure and place: Your chimichanga should now be securely wrapped. Carefully place the chimichanga, folded side down, into the air fryer basket. Repeat this process for any additional chimichangas.

Remember, it's better to use less filling than to overfill and risk the tortilla splitting or the filling leaking. Practise makes perfect, so don't worry if your first attempts aren't flawless. With a little patience and precision, you'll be wrapping like a pro in no time!

Air fryer settings

Temperature Settings:

Set your air fryer to the right temperature to ensure your chimichangas are cooked thoroughly and have that desirable crispy texture. The ideal temperature range for cooking frozen chimichangas is between 360°F to 400°F. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly.

Cook Time:

The cook time for frozen chimichangas in an air fryer will vary depending on the number of chimichangas you're cooking and their size. As a general guideline, cook one or two chimichangas at 360°F for 6-10 minutes. For a higher quantity or larger chimichangas, increase the cook time to 12-15 minutes at 400°F.

Preheating:

Preheating your air fryer is a good idea, especially if you want to ensure even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature for about 3 minutes before placing the chimichangas inside.

Flipping:

To ensure even browning and cooking, it's important to flip your chimichangas during the cooking process. For a single layer of chimichangas, flip them halfway through the cooking time. If you're cooking multiple batches, flip each batch halfway through its respective cooking time.

Oil Spray:

A light coating of oil spray on your chimichangas before placing them in the air fryer can help enhance the crispiness. Avocado oil or olive oil spray works well.

Doneness:

To ensure your chimichangas are cooked thoroughly, check their internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of at least 161°F.

Serving:

Frozen chimichangas can be served plain, but adding toppings can enhance their flavor. Popular topping options include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, and cheese.

Remember that every air fryer model is slightly different, so you may need to adjust the settings slightly based on your specific air fryer's performance. Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for model-specific instructions and guidelines.

Cooking time

The cooking time for frozen chimichangas in an air fryer will vary depending on the desired crispiness and the number of chimichangas being cooked. For example, the cooking time will differ if you are cooking one chimichanga versus four chimichangas.

As a general rule, frozen chimichangas should be cooked in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes at 375-400°F (190-204°C). They should be carefully flipped every 5 minutes and cooked until golden and crispy.

If you are cooking two or more chimichangas, the temperature and cook time will remain the same. It is important to ensure that the chimichangas are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket and that they are not overlapping, with enough room around each one for air to flow.

For a crispier chimichanga, you can leave them in the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. If you are cooking from frozen, wrap the chimichangas 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.

It is recommended to check the doneness of the chimichangas by using a kitchen thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature is at least 161°F (72°C).

Serving suggestions

There are several ways to serve frozen chimichangas cooked in an air fryer. You can serve them on their own, or with a variety of side dishes.

Some side dish suggestions include:

• Air fryer street corn
• Air fryer tortilla chips and guacamole
• Rice
• Beans
• Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Easy Guacamole
• Instant Pot Refried Beans
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Salad
• Tortilla Chips with salsa or queso dip
• Cilantro Garlic Sauce
• Avocados or guacamole

You can also top your chimichangas with salsa, sour cream, cheese, greens, avocado, or cilantro.

Frequently asked questions