Make perfectly crispy chimichangas using your air fryer. This recipe uses shredded chicken and cheese for a satisfying, lighter take on the classic Tex-Mex comfort food.
Author:sarahthompson
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:25 min
Yield:8 chimichangas 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Air Frying
Cuisine:Tex-Mex
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup salsa, drained
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
8 medium flour tortillas (burrito size)
Cooking spray (for crisping)
Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well until the filling is evenly distributed.
Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them pliable and prevent tearing.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the filling mixture near the center of each tortilla.
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling, then tightly roll the bottom edge up and over the filling to create a sealed package. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the chimichangas all over with cooking spray. For extra browning, you can lightly brush them with olive oil.
Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. You will need to cook in batches.
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove toothpicks before serving. Serve your easy chimichanga recipe immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a baked chimichangas recipe alternative, place the sprayed chimichangas on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
You can substitute ground beef for the chicken in this simple chimichanga filling.
Make this a freezer friendly chimichangas meal by assembling them, wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, and freezing them before cooking. Cook from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the air fry time.