Hey y'all! If you love Tex-Mex flavors but want to keep things a bit lighter, you're going to fall in love with this Air Fryer Chimichanga recipe. Imagine golden, crispy tortillas stuffed with savory beef and cheese—without the mess or heaviness of deep frying! Perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or anytime you crave a delicious Mexican-inspired meal. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chimichanga
- Healthier than traditional deep-fried chimichangas with the same crispy texture.
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable with your favorite fillings and toppings.
- Minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer.
- Perfect for meal prep and reheating leftovers.
Air Fryer Chimichanga Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or shredded chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- Olive oil spray
Directions: How to Make Air Fryer Chimichanga
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Add onion and garlic, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat. Mix in refried beans and salsa until well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas
Lay out tortillas on a flat surface. Spoon about ¾ cup of the filling onto the bottom third of each tortilla. Sprinkle ¼ cup shredded cheese over each. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly, burrito style, to enclose the filling.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chimichangas
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray all sides of the chimichangas with olive oil spray. Place seam side down in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Notes for the Best Air Fryer Chimichanga
- Don’t overfill your tortillas to prevent splitting during air frying.
- Spray the chimichangas lightly with oil for the crispiest crust (learn more about best air fryer practices).
- If you want a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the filling.
Variations of Air Fryer Chimichanga
- Chicken Chimichanga: Swap ground beef for shredded cooked chicken and use Monterey Jack cheese.
- Vegetarian Chimichanga: Replace the beef with sautéed bell peppers, corn, black beans, and extra cheese.
- Breakfast Chimichanga: Use scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage, and hash browns for a morning twist.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Chimichanga
- Air fryer (at least 5-quart capacity recommended)
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Cooking spray
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Chimichanga
Let chimichangas cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 4-5 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pairings and Serving Recommendations for Air Fryer Chimichanga
- Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo for classic toppings.
- Pair with a fresh side salad, Mexican rice, or homemade black beans for a complete meal.
- Squeeze lime juice over the top for extra brightness and flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chimichanga
- Lightly wet the edges of the tortilla to help seal the seams tight before air frying.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate for an even crisp (see pro air fryer tips).
- Let the chimichangas rest for a couple of minutes after cooking for easier slicing.
Air Fryer Chimichanga FAQ
- Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Corn tortillas tend to break when rolling, so stick with flour tortillas for best results. - How do I keep chimichangas from getting soggy?
Spray lightly with oil and avoid overfilling; air fry in a single layer for optimal crispiness. - Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked chimichangas for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
-
1In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, cheddar cheese, salsa, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well.
-
2Lay out the flour tortillas and evenly divide the filling among them. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to form burritos.
-
3Lightly spray all sides of the chimichangas with olive oil spray.
-
4Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chimichangas seam-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
-
5Air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
-
6Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!