Air Fryer Chimichangas

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in the culinary world for several years. They have revolutionized frying with healthier methods, making crispy dishes with less oil or cooking spray. Your food is cooked at high temperatures with none of the fat you’ll get with traditional frying since the fryer uses very rapid air circulation.

Not only are traditional foods like fish and chips and potato wedges suitable for such preparation, but more air fryer recipes, including chili recipes, air fryer chimichangas, and other Mexican food, are available online.

Follow the recipe below to learn more about the air fryer chicken chimichangas. This recipe will delight your friends and family.

Chimichangas are made with corn tortillas and various fillings, such as refried beans, diced green chilies, cheese, sour cream, rotisserie chicken,  taco seasoning, and similar ingredients. They are not often served in separate portions since they are typically relatively large. They are an excellent option for cooking in an air fryer because they don’t need much cooking spray. They are usually cooked with fresh corn tortillas and various vegetables, but you can modify this air fryer chimichangas recipe based on your preferences.

Air Frying Chimichangas

Making air fryer chicken chimichangas is a delightful way to enjoy this favorite Mexican cuisine with less fat than their deep-frying counterparts. You embrace a healthier cooking method and enjoy the convenience of a freezer-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.

Recipe

You can cook them in various ways. Many people choose to pan-fry them in a medium to a large skillet, but we’ll use the most straightforward method, air fryer recipes, because we’re just starting. Corn tortillas, refried beans, cilantro, salsa, and cheese are some of the straightforward components of this dish. You can give it more depth using corn, chopped onions, olive oil, or jalapenos if that’s what you want.

We’ll be using corn tortillas for our air fryer chicken chimichangas, but if you want to create a vegetarian version, you should use flour tortillas instead. Cooking times will vary depending on the kind of equipment you have and the materials you use for the air fryer chimichanga filling. Cooking time for corn tortillas should be between 8 and 10 minutes (total time) using an air fryer or convection oven. While preparing the filling ingredients, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a tasty dinner.

Ingredients

• corn tortilla or burrito-size flour tortilla
• Four refried beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
• 2 oz sour cream
• 2 tbsp salsa
• 2 tbsp cilantro
• onion powder
• a cup of diced green chilies
• taco seasoning
• One bunch of potatoes
• 2 – 3 cups shredded air fryer chicken mixture or 2 – 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (chicken breasts)
• ground beef (if rotisserie chicken is not available)
• chicken broth
• hot sauce (optional)
• olive oil spray or nonstick cooking spray for frying (optional )

Tips

A convection oven is not the finest for flour tortillas since they need a longer cooking time. The flour tortillas will become unmanageably mushy and no longer retain their original form. However, you may cook corn tortillas using a convection oven. When placing beans in the convection oven, proceed with caution. Your food will be overly mushy if you use refried beans as the filling ingredient. Extending the time they spend cooking will make it much simpler for you to make them less mushy. Here are some easy chimichanga recipe tips for you:

• If you make your tortilla chips, you can limit the cooking spray required for frying. After air-frying, you can serve them with your chimichangas.
• Another alternative is to use a taco seasoning mix purchased from a retailer. If you use taco seasoning mix, you should increase the number of spices.
• You may also make them using shredded lettuce instead of the potato.
• If you want your food to have a higher protein content, you may use beans from a can instead of refried beans. You can add chicken to them. Air fryer chimichangas are an excellent source of protein.
• Rotisserie chicken is also a good source of protein. To get more protein from the chimichangas, you can use it instead of the shredded chicken mixture.
• If rotisserie chicken is unavailable, you can use ground beef as an alternative.
• Ground beef is also a good source of protein.
• Tossing in frozen corn can give your food a more nuanced taste. You might also try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper.
• If you want to make air fryer chimichangas for dinner, add rice and refried beans to the corn or flour tortillas and cover them with the filling of your choice.

• Air fryer rice paper can be a delightful and crispy alternative to traditional deep-fried spring roll wrappers for a chicken chimichanga and burrito.

  

• Adding potatoes to the tortillas cooked in the air fryer will make filling your chimichangas more substantial. Shredded lettuce, sour cream, diced green chiles, and salsa may also be added to the top.
• Your chimichangas may also be turned into quesadillas or burritos packed with a filling that has a lot of nutrition.
• For new air fryer users, cook chimichangas at around 360°F for 12-15 minutes, ensuring to add oil spray for a crispy finish without the need for a deep fryer or pot.
• Take care not to overfill the tortilla with the various fillings. You really must be able to sample the air fryer chimichanga.
• Before you use the air fryer, check that the basket has been well-cleaned. Food particles can decrease their performance.
• Follow the recipes to make meals for one or two people in an air fryer. If you attempt to prepare a dinner that is sufficient for a whole family, you should plan to spend at least a couple of hours on it.
• If you make a large quantity of the air fryer chimichangas in an air fryer, you may freeze them. Stack them in containers appropriate for the freezer to ensure they freeze correctly.
• To make air fryer chimichangas, fill tortillas with your favorite ingredients like cheese and meat, roll them up, and air fry to save calories and fat while still enjoying a dish you’ll love.
• Salsa is one of the great sauces partnered with this dish.

Wrapping Chimichangas

The air fryer chimichangas is often presented to the diner as a stand-alone dish. Either roll it up in corn tortillas and eat it as is, or serve it with rice and refried beans on the side for a more traditional meal.

• To wrap tortillas, place two on a flat work surface and spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the top.
• Layer diced potatoes on the cream cheese, followed by cooked ground beef or chicken mixture and shredded lettuce.
• Roll up and fold each tortilla into a cigar shape like a burrito, fold the sides of the tortilla, and then cut it in half. Then, cook them for about five minutes until golden brown.

You can make these tacos more substantial by using shredded lettuce, sour cream, diced green chiles, and salsa or adding cream cheese and potatoes to the tortillas before placing them in.

If you like Mexican cuisine but don’t want to spend much time preparing it in the kitchen, you may try making it yourself. They can be prepared in just a few minutes and are excellent ingredients for cooking Mexican meals at home.

When you need Mexican cuisine but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen or go to a Mexican restaurant, chimichangas are an excellent choice. They are simple to prepare and can satisfy that appetite. They go well with Mexican salsa, guacamole, or sour cream as a serving accompaniment. You can store uncooked chimichangas in the fridge.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas?

Yes, you can easily prepare the air fryer chicken chimichangas. There are many air fryer recipes to follow online. This method provides a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, offering a crispy exterior with less oil.

Can I Serve Sour Cream With Air-Fried Chimichangas?

Air fryer chimichangas pair wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream on top. The sour cream’s creamy texture and tangy flavor complement the crispy, savory taste of the chimichangas, enhancing the overall dining experience.

How Do I Place Chimichangas In The Air Fryer Basket?

To ensure even cooking and crisping of the air fryer chimichanga, place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate freely around each chimichanga, producing an evenly cooked and crispy exterior.

How To Cook El Monterey Chimichangas Using Air Fryer?

You can prepare El Monterey by first preparing the tortillas and filling them. You can prepare the tortillas by wrapping them in aluminum foil for about 10 minutes before you cook them in your air fryer. Then, you can add the shredded chicken mixture and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese to each filled tortilla before placing them into your air fryer seam side down to cook for about five minutes on each side. You can heat the remaining tortillas for about one minute on each side. Then, you can cover the tortillas with foil and place them in your oven to keep warm as you cook the rest.

How Do You Cook Frozen Chimichangas?

To cook frozen ones, put them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Then, cook them for 10 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Make sure they are fully cooked through. You should ensure that you preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before placing them inside of it so they don’t burn.

What’s The Difference Between Burritos And Chimichangas?

A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito, although you can make an air fryer chimichanga. The term comes from Mexico and means “little fried thing.” It’s also sometimes called a chime or chimney.

How Long Do I Deep Fry El Monterey Chimichangas?

To deep-fry El Monterey, you’ll want to cook them for about one minute. To help make them lightly browned, you can use melted butter, cooking oil, or cooking spray. In a large skillet, heat oil or cooking spray to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for about one minute on medium heat, flipping frequently.

What Is The Air Fryer Chimichanga Sauce Made Of?

Chimichanga sauce is a Mexican condiment that is used to top Mexican dishes. It has a tangy flavor that comes from the addition of lime juice and cilantro, as well as a mild spice from red pepper flakes. It can be made with fresh ingredients or purchased in a bottle from the store. Combine sour cream and mayonnaise using a medium or large skillet or saucepan. Then add lime juice and garlic powder to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste and red pepper flakes for spice. You can also add cilantro leaves or fresh diced tomatoes if you want. Stir frequently, and mix all these ingredients until they are well combined.

Are They Always Deep-Fried?

Traditionally, chimichangas are deep-fried, but making them in the air fryer offers a lighter version without losing the crispy exterior that makes them so beloved. Air-fried chimichangas use little olive oil to provide a delicious alternative to the restaurant version.

How Long Do You Cook A Frozen Burrito?

The cooking time for a frozen burrito in the air fryer generally takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. This method ensures an even cook and a crispy outside. However, for frozen chimichangas, time might vary slightly based on their size and fillings. You may use the slow cooker technique for this one.

Can I Use The Air Fryer To Reheat Frozen Food?

An air fryer, including chimichangas, is excellent for reheating frozen food. The key is to use a moderate temperature to ensure the food warms evenly without becoming too dry.

How Do You Maintain Their Crispy Perfection?

To maintain crispy perfection, air-fry chimichangas at around 400°F, and remember to flip halfway through the cooking time. A little cooking spray on top also helps mimic the texture of their deep-fried counterparts.

How Long Do You Heat Frozen Chimichangas?

For frozen chimichangas, heating times using the air fryer are similar to cooking from scratch, typically around 15-20 minutes. For safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How To Air Fry Monterey Chimichangas?

To air-fry Monterey chimichangas, place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, set the temperature to 400°F, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with your favorite salsa for an added flavor boost.

Last Updated on April 25, 2023 by Raymond Sy Tamco

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