Crispy Air Fryer Chimichangas: Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
If you’re anything like me, your love for Mexican cuisine runs deep. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the vibrant flavors, hearty fillings, and the promise of a warm, comforting meal. From zesty Restaurant Style Salsa with a generous pile of chips to savory enchiladas, Mexican food truly holds a special place in my heart.
Growing up, my go-to order at any Mexican restaurant was always the chimichanga. That golden, deep-fried tortilla, brimming with flavorful fillings, was simply irresistible. The thought of recreating that crispy deliciousness at home, but with a healthier twist, seemed like a dream. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, that dream is now a delicious reality! You can achieve that beloved crunchy exterior without the excess oil of traditional deep-frying, making this a fantastic and slightly lighter option for any night of the week.
What Exactly Is a Chimichanga?
A chimichanga is a beloved dish that firmly belongs to the Tex-Mex culinary tradition, a fusion found widely on menus across the United States. In essence, it’s a deep-fried burrito. It begins with a large flour tortilla, generously filled with a combination of ingredients such as seasoned rice, savory beans, melted cheese, and your choice of protein—often beef, chicken, or pork. Once rolled up tightly, it’s traditionally deep-fried until the tortilla becomes golden brown and wonderfully crispy, transforming the humble burrito into a decadent culinary experience. Its origin stories are varied, with some claiming it was an accidental creation in Arizona, born from a dropped burrito that mistakenly landed in a deep fryer!
Our air fryer version offers all the delightful taste and texture of a classic chimichanga, but with a modern, healthier approach. By skipping the deep-frying, we reduce the added oil while still achieving that coveted crispy shell. This not only makes them better for you but also significantly faster and easier to prepare, making homemade chimichangas an accessible weeknight meal.
Why Air Fry Your Chimichangas? The Benefits
Choosing an air fryer for your chimichangas isn’t just a trend; it’s a smart culinary decision that offers several advantages over traditional deep-frying:
- Healthier Option: Air frying requires significantly less oil—often just a light spray—compared to submerging food in hot oil. This drastically reduces the fat and calorie content, allowing you to enjoy this comfort food with less guilt.
- Crispy Perfection: The air fryer circulates hot air around the chimichanga, creating a perfectly golden and crispy exterior that mimics deep-frying without the grease. You get that satisfying crunch in every bite!
- Faster Cooking: Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food efficiently. Chimichangas can be ready in about 10-15 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Easier Cleanup: No splattering oil to clean up from a deep fryer or stovetop. The air fryer basket is usually non-stick and easy to wash, simplifying your post-dinner routine.
- Less Heat in the Kitchen: Unlike traditional frying, air frying doesn’t heat up your entire kitchen, which is a bonus, especially during warmer months.
Key Chimichanga Ingredients for Flavorful Fillings
Find the complete, printable recipe card with exact measurements at the very bottom of this post!
The beauty of a chimichanga lies in its versatility. While the core elements remain, you can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Large Flour Tortillas: For a proper chimichanga, you’ll want large, burrito-sized flour tortillas (typically 10-12 inches). These are essential for holding all your delicious fillings without tearing and for rolling a compact, tight package.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, offering a sharp, melty goodness. However, feel free to use any shredded cheese you love! Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a spicy pepper jack would be fantastic for added flavor and creaminess inside the chimichanga.
- Refried Beans: Homemade Refried Beans provide an unparalleled depth of flavor and creamy texture. If you’re short on time, a good quality canned refried bean works perfectly. Alternatively, black beans or pinto beans (whole or mashed) can be used for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Seasoned Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, we’re using seasoned chicken, but the protein choice is incredibly flexible. I often make these with our favorite Salsa Chicken, which is packed with flavor and moisture. Other fantastic options include well-seasoned ground beef taco meat, tender leftover Carnitas (shredded pork), or rich Mexican Shredded Beef. For a sweet and savory twist, you could even try Cafe Rio Pork. Vegetarian? Load them up with extra beans, rice, and sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions!
- Salsa: A key ingredient for flavoring the chicken filling, adding moisture and a delicious zesty kick. Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot salsa.
- Taco Seasoning: This spice blend is crucial for infusing your protein with authentic Mexican flavors, making it savory and delicious.
- Water: Used in the Instant Pot method to help cook the chicken and create a saucy base with the salsa and seasoning.
While I often serve rice on the side, you can absolutely include Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice directly inside your chimichangas for an even heartier meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings—almost anything you’d put in a burrito works beautifully in a chimichanga!
How To Make Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Chimichangas
Making chimichangas at home in the air fryer is surprisingly straightforward, delivering incredible results with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:
- Prepare the Flavorful Filling: The first step is to get your protein ready. The detailed recipe card below outlines instructions for a succulent chicken version, which can be made quickly in an Instant Pot. However, you can easily substitute with seasoned ground beef (taco meat), shredded pork, or any other pre-cooked protein you prefer. Just ensure your chosen filling is cooked and seasoned to perfection before assembly.
- Assemble the Tortillas: Lay your large burrito-sized flour tortillas flat on a clean counter. Spread an even layer of refried beans across the center of each tortilla, leaving a border around the edges. Then, generously top the beans with your prepared chicken (or other protein) and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. If you’re including rice or other vegetables, layer them in at this stage as well.
- Roll Them Up Tightly: To form a perfect chimichanga, fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then starting from the bottom, roll the burrito up tightly. A snug roll is key to keeping the filling secure and achieving a uniform crispness during air frying.
- Lightly Oil for Crispiness: For that golden, crispy exterior, lightly brush the outside of each rolled chimichanga with a small amount of oil (e.g., olive oil or avocado oil) or use a cooking spray. This step is crucial for achieving that characteristic “fried” texture in the air fryer.
- Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Place the oiled chimichangas seam-side down in the air fryer basket. It’s important to arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are ready when they turn beautifully golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve and Garnish: Carefully remove the hot chimichangas from the air fryer. Serve immediately and adorn with your favorite toppings. Classic choices include a dollop of sour cream, fresh guacamole, extra salsa, or a sprinkle of cilantro.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chimichangas
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up your chimichangas, overfilling can make them hard to roll tightly and prone to bursting during cooking. Stick to a reasonable amount of filling.
- Roll Tightly: A snug roll ensures the chimichanga holds its shape and prevents the filling from escaping. It also helps achieve uniform crispiness.
- Use a Little Oil: Even though it’s an air fryer, a light spray or brush of oil on the outside of the tortilla is essential for that beautiful golden color and crispy texture.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that the chimichangas start cooking immediately at the right temperature, leading to better results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook chimichangas in a single layer with some space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring all sides get crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t limit yourself to chicken! Ground beef, shredded pork, black beans and corn, or even a mix of roasted vegetables can make delicious fillings.
- Serve Immediately: Chimichangas are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they are at their crispiest.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chimichangas
Chimichangas are a meal in themselves, but they truly shine when paired with complementary Mexican sides and fresh toppings. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments:
- Slow Cooker Black Beans: Creamy, flavorful black beans are a classic and easy side that perfectly complements the rich chimichanga filling.
- Homemade Guacamole: Freshly made guacamole adds a cool, creamy, and zesty contrast. The healthy fats and vibrant flavor are always a hit.
- Instant Pot Spanish Rice: A fluffy, aromatic Spanish rice cooked in the Instant Pot makes for a quick and satisfying side dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Creamy White Queso: For an extra indulgent experience, a warm, cheesy white queso dip can be served on the side for dipping, or even drizzled over the top.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh and simple salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a bright, fresh component.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy, spicy, and cheesy mixture is an amazing summer side.
And if you’re looking for a luscious sauce to pour over your chimichangas, this incredible Green Chili Sauce is easy to make and adds an extra layer of authentic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chimichangas
No air fryer? No problem! You can still enjoy delicious, crispy chimichangas. You have two excellent alternative methods:
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Lightly brush or spray your rolled chimichangas with oil. Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. This method is hands-off and still results in a much lighter dish than deep-frying.
Pan Frying: For a stovetop option, add a tablespoon or two of oil (like vegetable or canola oil) to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for a few minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until they are browned and crispy all around. You’ll use a bit more oil than air frying, but still less than deep-frying, and achieve a fantastic crust.
Absolutely! The beauty of chimichangas is their adaptability. Any meat you enjoy would make a fantastic filling.
Pork: Pulled pork like these succulent Carnitas would be incredibly flavorful. Simply shred the cooked pork and mix with a little salsa or broth to keep it moist.
Ground Beef: Use regular ground beef seasoned with Homemade Taco Seasoning for a classic taco meat filling. Brown the beef, drain any excess fat, and mix with seasoning and a splash of water or salsa.
Shredded Beef: Slow-cooked or Instant Pot shredded beef, perhaps seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and oregano, would also be phenomenal.
Vegetarian Options: For a meatless alternative, you can increase the amount of beans and rice, and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or corn. The possibilities are truly endless!
While they are delicious topped with just sour cream and fresh guacamole, several other sauces can elevate your chimichanga experience:
Salsa: Your favorite store-bought or homemade salsa (red or green) is always a good choice for drizzling or dipping.
Enchilada Sauce: A rich and savory Enchilada Sauce, whether red or green, can be warmed and spooned over the top for a decadent finish.
Queso Sauce: As mentioned, a creamy white or yellow queso dip can be used as a luscious topping.
Spicy Crema: Mix sour cream with a dash of hot sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of chili powder for a simple yet flavorful crema.
Avocado Crema: Blend avocado with sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro for a refreshing, creamy, and healthy topping.
Essential Equipment for Air Fryer Chimichangas
To whip up these fantastic Air Fryer Chimichangas, the star of the show is, of course, the air fryer itself. I personally use and recommend a Cosori 5.8 Qt Air Fryer. It’s an excellent choice because its generous capacity allows you to cook a good amount of food in one go, minimizing batches. Plus, the removable basket makes it incredibly easy to shake, stir, or flip your food for even cooking and perfect crispness. Besides the air fryer, here are a few other tools you might find helpful:
- Instant Pot (optional): For quickly cooking and shredding chicken or other proteins for your filling.
- Large Skillet (optional): If you prefer to cook your protein on the stovetop.
- Tongs: Essential for safely flipping the chimichangas in the air fryer basket.
- Pastry Brush or Cooking Spray: For applying a light coat of oil to your tortillas to achieve that beautiful golden crisp.
More Tasty Mexican Recipes to Enjoy
If you loved these Air Fryer Chimichangas, you’re sure to enjoy these other incredible Mexican-inspired dishes. Explore new flavors and add them to your rotation!
- Baked Chicken Taquitos
- Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme
- Chili Relleno Casserole
- Roasted Corn Salsa
- Flavorful Potato Tacos
- Hearty Wet Burritos
Air Fryer Chimichanga
Erin Sellin
10
25
15
50
5
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
Chimichangas
Instructions
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Add water to the base of the Instant Pot. Add chicken breasts, sprinkle over the taco seasoning, and pour over the salsa. Close and lock the lid. Cook under high pressure for 14 minutes. Quick release to unlock and then shred the chicken.1 pound chicken breasts, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1/2 cup water, 1 cup salsa
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Arrange tortillas on the counter. Spread a layer of beans, then top with chicken and cheese.1 (15 oz) can refried beans, 5 burrito sized flour tortillas, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Fold in the sides and roll the burrito up tightly.
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Preheat air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC).
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Spray the outsides of the burritos with a little oil. Arrange them seam-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
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Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Once golden and crispy, they are ready to serve.
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Remove and top with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 76g |
Protein: 55g |
Fat: 29g |
Saturated Fat: 12g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 128mg |
Sodium: 2298mg |
Fiber: 13g |
Sugar: 8g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10
25
15
50
Dinner Recipes
American
5
783
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