Crispy and Quick: Air Fryer Chilaquiles for the Perfect Breakfast!

Chilaquiles is a beloved Mexican dish typically enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch option, known for its crispy texture and vibrant flavors.

The dish combines fried tortillas, often topped with a variety of ingredients such as eggs, cheese, onions, and salsa.

Traditionally, chilaquiles are made by frying tortillas in oil, but a modern twist—using an air fryer—has gained popularity for its convenience and health benefits.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make chilaquiles using an air fryer, giving you a lighter and quicker version of this classic comfort food.

What Are Chilaquiles?

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish made from fried tortilla chips that are simmered in a flavorful sauce, such as red or green salsa.

The dish can be served with a variety of toppings like scrambled eggs, shredded chicken, cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

The combination of crispy tortillas with savory sauce makes chilaquiles a comforting and satisfying meal.

There are different variations depending on regional preferences, but the concept remains the same: a base of crispy tortilla chips soaked in sauce and topped with fresh ingredients.

It is often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a late-night snack.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Chilaquiles?

Using an air fryer for chilaquiles offers several advantages over traditional methods.

The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the food, resulting in a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.

This makes it a healthier alternative to deep-frying the tortillas, while still maintaining that delicious crunch that is a hallmark of the dish.

Additionally, the air fryer significantly reduces cooking time, which makes preparing chilaquiles quicker and more convenient.

Whether you’re in a rush or just prefer a hassle-free meal, the air fryer simplifies the process without compromising on flavor or texture. Plus, it’s a great way to make crispy tortilla chips with less mess and cleanup.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Chilaquiles

To prepare Air Fryer Chilaquiles, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Corn tortillas (6-8, cut into triangles or strips)
• Olive oil spray (or another cooking spray)
• Red or green salsa (about 1 cup, depending on preference)
• Cheese (Mexican cheese blend, queso fresco, or shredded cheddar)
• Eggs (2-4, optional for topping)
• Sour cream (for garnish, optional)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional for garnish)
• Avocado slices (optional, for topping)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Onion (optional, thinly sliced for garnish)

These ingredients will come together to create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Chilaquiles

1. Prepare the Tortillas
   Start by cutting the corn tortillas into triangles or strips. You can use kitchen scissors or a knife for this. Next, lightly coat the tortilla pieces with olive oil spray to ensure they crisp up evenly in the air fryer.
2. Air Fry the Tortilla Chips
   Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tortilla pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. You want the chips to be golden brown and crispy.
3. Warm the Salsa
   While the tortilla chips are air frying, warm the salsa in a small saucepan over low heat. This will help to bring out the flavors and make it easier to coat the chips later. You can also heat the salsa in the microwave if preferred.
4. Assemble the Chilaquiles
   Once the tortilla chips are crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warmed salsa over the chips and gently toss to coat. Be careful not to break the chips, as you want them to maintain their crunch.
5. Cook the Eggs (Optional)
   If you want to add eggs to your chilaquiles, cook them to your preference. Scrambled eggs work best, but fried eggs or poached eggs can also be added on top. Simply scramble the eggs in a pan or cook them in the air fryer for a quick, no-fuss method.
6. Top with Cheese and Additional Toppings
   Sprinkle your choice of cheese over the salsa-covered tortilla chips. The heat from the chips and salsa will melt the cheese slightly. You can also add garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Finally, top your chilaquiles with the cooked eggs and serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful, and healthier version of this classic Mexican dish!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Chilaquiles

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket
   For the crispiest chips, avoid overcrowding the basket. It’s better to cook the tortilla pieces in batches if necessary, ensuring they get an even crisp on all sides.
2. Use Fresh Tortillas
   If possible, use fresh corn tortillas for a better texture. Store-bought chips can work in a pinch, but homemade tortilla chips will give you the best crunch.
3. Adjust the Salsa Consistency
   If your salsa is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or broth to ensure it evenly coats the chips without making them too soggy.
4. Spray the Tortillas Evenly
   When spraying the tortilla pieces with oil, be sure to coat them lightly but evenly to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
5. Customize Your Toppings
   Chilaquiles are versatile, so feel free to experiment with your toppings. Add sliced jalapeños for heat, a sprinkle of chili powder, or even some sautéed vegetables for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Making chilaquiles in the air fryer is an easy, quick, and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-frying method. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a delicious, crispy, and satisfying dish that can be customized to your taste. Whether you like your chilaquiles with eggs, cheese, or other garnishes, the air fryer ensures you get the perfect texture with minimal fuss. This modern twist on a classic Mexican dish is a great way to enjoy chilaquiles any time of the day!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought tortilla chips for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use store-bought tortilla chips, but homemade chips made from fresh tortillas will give you a much better texture and flavor.
2. Can I make the chilaquiles spicy?
   Absolutely! Use a spicier salsa or add some fresh jalapeños to increase the heat. You can also sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra spice.
3. Can I prepare the tortilla chips in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the tortilla chips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the chilaquiles.
4. How do I prevent the chips from getting soggy?
   Make sure to coat the chips in salsa just before serving, and don’t leave them in the sauce for too long. The chips should be crispy when added to the salsa to maintain their texture.
5. Can I add protein to the chilaquiles?
   Yes, you can add protein like grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even ground beef to your chilaquiles. Simply layer it on top with your other toppings for a more filling meal.

Air Fryer Chilaquiles

Linda M. Harris

Air Fryer Chilaquiles is a modern take on a traditional Mexican dish, featuring crispy tortilla chips coated in savory salsa and topped with cheese, eggs, and optional garnishes like avocado and sour cream. Using an air fryer, this recipe offers a healthier, quicker version of chilaquiles that retains all the crispy texture and vibrant flavors of the classic dish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, Air Fryer Chilaquiles is a versatile, delicious meal everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, brunch, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer – 1 unit
• Saucepan (1 unit, for warming salsa)
• Cutting Board: 1 unit
• Knife: 1 unit
• Bowl (1 large, for assembling chilaquiles)
• Pan (optional, for cooking eggs)

Ingredients

  

• Corn tortillas 6-8, cut into triangles or strips
• Olive oil spray as needed, for coating tortilla chips
• Red or green salsa 1 cup
• Shredded cheese 1 cup, such as a Mexican cheese blend or queso fresco
• Eggs 2-4, optional for topping
• Sour cream optional, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro optional, chopped, for garnish
• Avocado optional, sliced for topping
• Onion optional, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut the corn tortillas into triangles or strips and lightly spray them with olive oil.
• Place the tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• While the chips cook, warm the salsa in a small saucepan over low heat.
• Once the tortilla chips are crispy, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the warmed salsa over them. Toss gently to coat the chips with salsa.
• If using eggs, cook them to your preference (scrambled, fried, or poached).
• Sprinkle cheese over the salsa-coated tortilla chips and let the heat melt it.
• Top with cooked eggs, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and onion as desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your Air Fryer Chilaquiles!

Notes

• Tortilla Chips: For best results, use fresh corn tortillas and cut them into triangles for the perfect crispiness.
• Salsa Options: You can use any type of salsa you prefer, whether it’s red, green, or even a smoky chipotle variety for added depth of flavor.
• Egg Options: Eggs are optional, but they add a rich, protein-packed component to the dish. You can also use scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or poached eggs, depending on your preference.
• Storage: Store leftover chilaquiles separately (chips, salsa, and toppings) in airtight containers in the fridge. The chips may lose their crunch, but the flavor will still be great when reheated.