Enchiladas are one of those comforting, satisfying dishes that always hit the spot. Whether you enjoy them for a family dinner or to impress guests, there’s no denying the magic of these flavorful, cheesy delights wrapped in soft tortillas and covered in savory sauce. What makes them even better? Cooking them in the air fryer! The air fryer gives these enchiladas a crispy, golden finish on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Plus, it’s a quicker and healthier alternative to traditional methods that require lots of oil or deep-frying.
Making Air Fryer Enchiladas is a breeze once you gather the right ingredients and follow simple steps. What I love most about this recipe is that you can get creative with the fillings, whether you prefer chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian option. With just a few key ingredients and a trusty air fryer, you can have delicious, restaurant-quality enchiladas ready in no time!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Corn Tortillas: The foundation of any enchilada! Corn tortillas are perfect for wrapping up the filling and holding the sauce. They provide that authentic flavor and texture that makes enchiladas so irresistible.
Shredded Chicken (or Beef): This is the main protein for your enchiladas. Tender, seasoned shredded chicken works wonderfully in this recipe, but you can also use ground beef or even beans for a vegetarian version.
Enchilada Sauce: The key to the rich, bold flavor of your enchiladas. You can use store-bought enchilada sauce or make your own with tomatoes, chilies, and spices. The sauce should be poured generously over your tortillas to soak in and add flavor.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheese like cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the perfect creamy, melty topping. Don’t skimp on the cheese—it adds that gooey, indulgent layer that completes every bite.
Sour Cream (optional): For serving, sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the heat of the enchiladas. It’s a nice optional touch, especially if you like a bit of tanginess on the side.
Olives and Green Onions (optional): For garnishing, black olives and sliced green onions bring a touch of color and extra flavor. They’re not necessary, but they certainly make your enchiladas look even more appetizing.
Ingredients list
- 6 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded chicken (or beef)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by shredding your cooked chicken or beef. If you haven’t already, cook the chicken by boiling or grilling it, then shredding it with two forks. Mix the shredded chicken with a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out your corn tortillas and spoon a portion of the chicken mixture into each one. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the filling and roll them up tightly. Make sure the seam is facing down to keep the enchiladas intact while cooking.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure it’s ready for the enchiladas.
Step 4: Arrange and Cook the Enchiladas
Place the rolled-up enchiladas into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly. Spray a little cooking oil on top to help them crisp up. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese inside has melted.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese
Once the enchiladas are cooked, take them out of the air fryer. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over them and sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top. Place the enchiladas back in the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese completely.
Step 6: Serve
Carefully remove the enchiladas from the air fryer, garnish with sour cream, black olives, and green onions if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use fresh tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas work best for this recipe because they roll up without cracking. If you’re using store-bought tortillas, heat them up briefly in the microwave to soften them before rolling.
- Customize your fillings: Don’t feel limited to chicken or beef. Try using ground turkey, shredded pork, or even a mix of beans and vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Crisp them up: If you want extra-crispy enchiladas, spray the tortillas with a bit of cooking spray or olive oil before air frying them.
- Make it spicy: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or spicy salsa to the filling or as a topping.
- Cheese choices: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Monterey Jack, cheddar, and even pepper jack can give your enchiladas a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer, but corn tortillas are more traditional and hold up better during cooking in the air fryer.
Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before cooking.
Can I freeze air fryer enchiladas?
Absolutely! After assembling the enchiladas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I make this recipe without meat?
Yes! You can use beans, cheese, vegetables, or even tofu as a filling for a tasty vegetarian version of these enchiladas.