Description
Delicious and crispy Air Fryer Chimichangas filled with seasoned shredded meat, refried beans, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal with less oil than traditional frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, beef, or pork
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white or yellow onion
- 1 (5 ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Wraps and Oil
- 8 large flour tortillas burrito size
- Oil for frying (light spritz or basting, about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked meat, green chiles, chopped onion, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and mix well to integrate all flavors.
- Warm the tortillas: Wrap the flour tortillas in a clean towel and microwave them for 45 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble the chimichangas: Spoon about 1/2 cup of the meat mixture onto each tortilla, add 2 tablespoons of refried beans, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place each chimichanga fold-side down on a baking sheet. Secure with a toothpick if needed to prevent unrolling.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat while assembling the chimichangas.
- Air fry the chimichangas: Lightly spritz or baste each chimichanga with oil for crispiness. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure an even golden crust.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chimichangas from the air fryer and let them cool for 2 minutes before serving to avoid burns. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful chimichangas immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or salsa.
Notes
- Use any cooked shredded meat of your choice—chicken, beef, or pork work well.
- Warming tortillas before rolling prevents them from cracking and makes rolling easier.
- Lightly oiling the chimichangas ensures they get golden and crispy in the air fryer without deep frying.
- You can add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa when serving.
- If you prefer spicier chimichangas, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- Air fryer models vary, so check chimichangas halfway through cooking to avoid over or undercooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
