I absolutely love how the air fryer can turn classic comfort foods into healthier, crispy alternatives without compromising on flavor. Air Fryer Chimichangas are no exception. These crispy, golden wraps filled with a delicious mixture of seasoned chicken, beans, and cheese are simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer, these chimichangas will surely impress.
What’s even better is that using the air fryer makes these chimichangas much lighter than the traditional deep-fried version. You get the same crispy, crunchy exterior without all the extra grease. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and texture, and they’re so easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Breast: The main protein in this recipe, chicken breast is perfect for chimichangas because it stays tender and juicy when seasoned well. You can cook it fresh or use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Flour Tortillas: These large flour tortillas act as the base for your chimichangas. They should be soft enough to roll without tearing but sturdy enough to hold all the filling.
Refried Beans: These creamy beans add richness and help bind the filling together. They also give the chimichangas that authentic, hearty taste.
Shredded Cheese: A good melting cheese, like a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, adds that delicious cheesy flavor and gooey texture when you bite into each chimichanga.
Seasoning: A mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt brings warmth and depth to the filling. Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste.
Cooking Spray: This is used to lightly coat the chimichangas before air frying, helping them get that perfect crispy texture.
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Chimichangas
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken breasts. You can either grill, bake, or pan-fry them until fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks and set it aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together so the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
Step 3: Assemble the Chimichangas
Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous spoonful of refried beans in the center. Add a portion of the seasoned chicken, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll up the tortilla tightly, folding in the edges as you go to keep the filling secure.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chimichangas
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the prepared chimichangas in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops of the chimichangas with more cooking spray. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chimichangas are golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re crispy, remove the chimichangas from the air fryer. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Enjoy your crispy, delicious chimichangas!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe becomes even quicker and easier. Just shred it and season as directed.
- Don’t overfill: Make sure not to overstuff your chimichangas, as this can make them difficult to roll up and could cause them to burst open during cooking.
- Air fryer temperature: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
- Extra flavor: Add diced onions, peppers, or a sprinkle of taco seasoning for even more flavor in the filling.
- For extra crispiness: You can brush the tortillas lightly with olive oil instead of using cooking spray for a slightly richer texture.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can! Corn tortillas will give your chimichangas a slightly different texture and flavor, but they’ll still be delicious. Just make sure to warm them up first to prevent cracking when rolling.
Can I make these chimichangas ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the chimichangas and refrigerate them for a few hours before air frying. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them into the air fryer.
Can I freeze air fryer chimichangas? Yes, you can freeze these before cooking. Just wrap each chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, no need to thaw—just air fry them for an extra few minutes.
Can I make these vegetarian? Yes! You can skip the chicken and fill your chimichangas with refried beans, cheese, and other vegetables like sautéed peppers, onions, and corn for a tasty vegetarian option.
Enjoy your homemade, healthier chimichangas made in the air fryer!