Who loves fried food but wants to skip the grease mess? We do!
Get ready for seriously tasty DIY chimichangas, a fried burrito originating in Mexican-American cuisine, traditionally filled with seasoned shredded meat and cheese, right from your air fryer.
Remember that time we tried deep-frying and it turned into a smoky disaster? Yeah, air fryers saved us.
These chimichangas are stuffed to the brim with goodies and crisped to golden perfection. No swimming in oil here, folks.
It's like a burrito got a crunchy upgrade. Perfect for busy nights or when we crave that crunchy goodness.
Why You Will Love this Recipe
- Crispy Delight: Get that perfect golden, crunchy exterior, achieved at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, without the need for deep frying.
- Flavor Packed: Loaded with seasoned meat, beans, and cheese, seasoned with cumin and chili powder, for ultimate burrito goodness.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, paired with freezer desserts for make-ahead treats.
Key Ingredients for the Recipe
Here's the magic lineup you'll need to create these scrumptious chimichangas:
- Large Flour Tortillas: The wrap that holds all the goodness inside.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken or Beef: Seasoned to perfection.
- Refried Beans: Adds creaminess and extra flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Because more cheese equals more joy.
- Salsa: For a zesty kick.
- Chopped Onions and Bell Peppers: To give it that fresh crunch.
- Seasonings: Cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for that Mexican flair.
- Cooking Spray: To achieve that crispy, golden finish.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chimichangas
Keep these tips in your back pocket for amazing results:
For hearty serving ideas, try these side dishes for hearty mains.
- Don't Overfill: Less is more when stuffing your tortillas to prevent a messy air fryer situation, leaving about a 1-inch border.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Pin the tortillas closed using 1-2 toothpicks per chimichanga to keep the filling from escaping.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 375°F before you start cooking to ensure an even, crispy finish; see air fryer recipes for beginners for more tips.
Variations and Substitutions
Customize your chimichangas with these fun variations:
- Veggie Lover: Swap the meat for a filling mix of black beans, corn, and diced veggies, served alongside moist cornbread variations for sides.
- Extra Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling, removing seeds for milder heat.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or queso fresco, a mild crumbly Mexican cheese, for a different cheesy experience.
Air Fryer Chimichangas
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Toothpicks
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken or beef
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken or beef, refried beans, cheese, salsa, onion, bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the filling mixture onto the center of each flour tortilla, then fold in the sides and roll it up tightly to form a burrito. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Lightly spray each chimichanga with cooking oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chimichangas are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with additional salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or any of your favourite toppings. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Chicken wings crisp quickly in an air fryer using high heat and minimal oil; try easy beginner air fryer wings. For classic crispy sides, see crispy beginner air fryer fries.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
