Air fryer chimichangas are just as crispy as their deep-fried counterparts but come with fewer calories. Additionally, they are quick and easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Top them with salsa, sour cream, avocado, and cheese for a delicious meal. In this blog, we’ll explore how to make the perfect air fryer chimichangas, ensuring you get a delightful, crispy treat without the extra grease.
Ⅰ. Time Overview:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
With a total time of just 27 minutes, these chimichangas are an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying dinner. The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time while delivering the same crispy, delicious results you’d expect from deep frying.
Ⅱ. Ingredients Needed:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
These ingredients come together to create a filling that is not only flavorful but also packed with protein and fiber, making your chimichangas both tasty and nutritious.
Ⅲ. Cooking Steps:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. The combination of these ingredients creates a filling that is rich in flavor and texture.
2. Assemble the Chimichangas:
Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Spoon an equal amount of the filling mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
Fold the sides of each tortilla in towards the center, then roll from the bottom to the top to form a burrito-like shape. Ensure the filling is fully enclosed. This step is crucial to keeping the filling inside while the chimichangas cook.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture. Preheating is important because it helps the chimichangas start cooking immediately and evenly.
4. Brush with Olive Oil:
Lightly brush each chimichanga with olive oil on all sides. This helps to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior. The oil is key to getting that fried texture without actually deep frying.
5. Air Fry the Chimichangas:
Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, seam side down, ensuring they do not touch each other. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes. Then, carefully flip each chimichanga and air fry for an additional 6 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides. Flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the chimichangas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, and extra cheese. These toppings not only add flavor but also create a visually appealing dish.
Ⅳ. Tips for Perfect Chimichangas:
1.Even Filling Distribution:
Make sure the filling is evenly distributed in each tortilla to ensure consistent cooking and flavor in every bite. Uneven filling can lead to some parts being overcooked while others are undercooked.
2.Seam Side Down:
Placing the chimichangas seam side down in the air fryer helps keep them tightly wrapped during cooking. This prevents the filling from spilling out and ensures a neat appearance.
3.Do Not Overcrowd:
Ensure the chimichangas are not touching each other in the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate evenly, making them crispy on all sides. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
4.Use a Light Olive Oil Spray:
Brushing or spraying the chimichangas with a light coat of olive oil helps achieve a perfectly crispy exterior without making them greasy. Too much oil can make the chimichangas soggy.
5.Serve Immediately:
Chimichangas are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Letting them sit for too long can cause them to lose their crunch.
Ⅴ. Conclusion:
Not only does using an air fryer make this recipe healthier, but it also simplifies the cooking process. There’s no need to heat up a large pot of oil, and you can avoid the lingering smell of frying in your kitchen. The air fryer cooks the chimichangas evenly and quickly, giving you a perfectly crispy exterior and a warm, melty interior.
This recipe is versatile too. You can switch up the fillings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding different types of beans, using ground beef instead of chicken, or adding some chopped bell peppers for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily customize the chimichangas to suit your taste.