Crispy Air Fryer Chimichangas: A Healthier Tex-Mex Delight!

Air fryer chimichangas are a delicious, healthier take on the traditional deep-fried chimichanga.

This dish offers a crispy, golden exterior with a warm, savory filling, all without the need for oil-heavy frying.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a tasty snack, air fryer chimichangas are perfect for satisfying your cravings with less mess and fewer calories.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these crispy delights at home.

What are Air Fryer Chimichangas?

Air fryer chimichangas are essentially flour tortillas filled with seasoned meats, beans, cheese, and vegetables, which are then rolled up and cooked in an air fryer.

The air fryer uses hot circulating air to create the crispiness you’d typically get from deep frying but with much less oil.

\The result is a lighter, crispy outer layer that perfectly complements the flavorful, tender filling inside.

You can customize these chimichangas with various fillings, making them versatile for different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Chimichangas

To make delicious air fryer chimichangas, you’ll need the following basic ingredients:

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, large tortillas work best for wrapping up the fillings.
• Ground Beef or Chicken: Choose your preferred protein, seasoned well for flavor.
• Refried Beans: Adds creaminess and depth to the filling.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for melty goodness.
• Onions and Garlic: For flavoring the protein and adding some aromatic depth.
• Taco Seasoning: A must-have for seasoning the filling.
• Olive Oil: To lightly coat the chimichangas for a crispy finish in the air fryer.
• Optional Ingredients: Lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sour cream for serving and garnishing.

How to Make Air Fryer Chimichangas

1. Prepare the Filling:
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef or chicken with onions and garlic until browned. Add taco seasoning and mix in refried beans. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.
2. Assemble the Chimichangas:
   Lay a tortilla flat and place a generous amount of the prepared filling in the center. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then carefully roll up the tortilla, folding in the sides as you go to fully enclose the filling.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook the Chimichangas:
   Lightly brush the chimichangas with olive oil, then place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Remove the chimichangas from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings, like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or lettuce, for a complete and satisfying meal.

With these easy steps, you’ll be enjoying crispy, flavorful air fryer chimichangas in no time!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chimichangas

Achieving the perfect air fryer chimichangas comes down to a few key factors.

Here are some tips to ensure your chimichangas turn out crispy, flavorful, and well-cooked:

• Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up your chimichangas with too much filling, overstuffing can cause them to burst open during cooking. Aim for a balanced amount of filling to allow the tortillas to seal properly.
• Seal the Edges Well: Ensure that the edges of the tortilla are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from spilling out. You can use a little water or a small amount of egg wash to help seal the edges before cooking.
• Use Cooking Spray: For an extra crispy texture, lightly spray the chimichangas with cooking spray or brush them with oil before air frying. This will enhance the crispiness without excess oil.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: Cook the chimichangas in batches if necessary to ensure that air circulates freely around them, resulting in an even and crispy texture.
• Check for Doneness: Depending on your air fryer’s model, cooking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the chimichangas to make sure they reach a golden-brown color without burning.

Air Fryer Chimichangas Variations
Air fryer chimichangas are versatile, and you can customize them to suit your preferences. Here are a few tasty variations:

• Vegetarian Chimichangas: Skip the meat and use black beans, corn, bell peppers, and spinach as your filling. Add some extra cheese for a satisfying vegetarian option.
• Chicken and Avocado Chimichangas: Combine seasoned shredded chicken with fresh avocado slices for a creamy, flavorful twist. You can also add a bit of lime juice for extra zing.
• BBQ Pork Chimichangas: For a smoky, sweet variation, swap the taco seasoning for your favorite BBQ sauce and use pulled pork as the filling. This creates a unique and delicious flavor combination.
• Breakfast Chimichangas: Fill the tortillas with scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, and shredded cheese for a hearty breakfast version of this dish.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Chimichangas: Add diced jalapeños and a generous amount of cheese to spice up your chimichangas. You can also drizzle some spicy salsa over them before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Air fryer chimichangas can be served in various ways to complement their crispy, savory flavor. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:

• Salsa and Sour Cream: Serve chimichangas with fresh salsa and a side of sour cream for dipping. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior.
• Guacamole: Add a side of homemade guacamole for a rich and creamy contrast to the crunchiness of the chimichangas.
• Mexican Rice and Beans: Serve chimichangas with a side of fluffy Mexican rice and refried beans for a hearty, filling meal.
• Shredded Lettuce and Tomatoes: For a lighter option, garnish your chimichangas with fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Cheese Sauce: Drizzle melted cheese sauce over the chimichangas for an extra indulgent touch, perfect for cheese lovers.
• Hot Sauce: If you prefer extra heat, drizzle your chimichangas with your favorite hot sauce or make a spicy ranch dressing to dip them in.

These serving ideas will elevate your air fryer chimichangas into a satisfying and flavorful meal for any occasion.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Air Fryer Chimichangas

If you have leftover air fryer chimichangas, storing and reheating them properly will ensure they maintain their crispy texture and flavor:

• Storing Leftovers:
  Allow the chimichangas to cool to room temperature before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in foil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Leftovers:
  To reheat refrigerated chimichangas, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
  For frozen chimichangas, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or cook them directly from frozen. If cooking from frozen, air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are fully heated and crisp.

Conclusion

Air fryer chimichangas are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chimichangas.

With their crispy exterior, savory fillings, and endless customization options, they’re sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Whether you make them for a weeknight dinner, a party snack, or just to satisfy your cravings, air fryer chimichangas offer a satisfying and flavorful meal with less mess and fewer calories.

Remember to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make them your own!

Frequently Asked Questions (5)

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
   While corn tortillas can be used, they tend to be more fragile and may break during the rolling process. Flour tortillas hold up better in the air fryer and are less likely to tear.
2. Can I make air fryer chimichangas ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chimichangas ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply air fry them as usual.
3. Are air fryer chimichangas healthier than deep-fried ones?
   Yes, air fryer chimichangas are significantly healthier since they use little to no oil, reducing the overall calorie and fat content compared to traditional deep-fried versions.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or chicken?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works great as a filling for chimichangas. You can season it similarly to ground beef or chicken for a flavorful result.
5. Can I freeze air fryer chimichangas?
   Yes, you can freeze air fryer chimichangas. Just assemble and freeze them on a baking sheet before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry them straight from the freezer.