Name: Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, beef, or pork; 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion 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; 8 large flour tortillas (burrito size); Oil for frying (for spraying or basting)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 48 reviews

If you love crispy, savory snacks that deliver a punch of flavor, you’re in for a treat with this Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe. It’s everything you adore about a classic chimichanga—crispy outside, juicy and spiced filling—but with a fraction of the oil and way less mess. I can’t wait to take you through my go-to way of making these at home, so let’s dive in and bring some crunch to your dinner table!

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Why This Recipe Works

Less Oil, More Crisp: The air fryer crisps up the chimichangas beautifully without deep frying, making it lighter but still satisfyingly crunchy.
Simple Yet Flavor-Packed Filling: The blend of seasoned chicken, refried beans, and cheese hits all the right notes — creamy, spicy, and hearty.
Quick and Convenient: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable to Your Taste: You can swap proteins or tweak spices easily, so it’s a recipe that feels personal every time you make it.

Air Fryer Chimichangas, crispy chimichangas, easy air fryer recipes, Mexican appetizers, healthy fried snacks - Three golden-brown rolled burritos are placed close together inside a black air fryer basket with small holes. Each burrito is drizzled with smooth white sauce in a zigzag pattern on top. Bright green chopped cilantro leaves are sprinkled over the burritos and scattered around them in the basket. The texture of the burritos is soft with slight browning spots, and the background shows the black perforated surface of the basket. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe come together to balance richness and spice while keeping the textures varied—because who doesn’t want a crunchy exterior with a warm, melty inside? Plus, these are easy to find basics in most pantries or local stores.

Air Fryer Chimichangas, crispy chimichangas, easy air fryer recipes, Mexican appetizers, healthy fried snacks - Flat lay of shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped white onion, diced green chiles, ground cumin and chili powder in small piles, refried beans dolloped with a smooth texture, shredded cheddar cheese mounded with vibrant orange color, and large soft flour tortillas gently folded, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Shredded cooked chicken, beef, or pork: Pick your favorite protein or leftovers; shredded meats hold seasoning well and make filling easy.
White or yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a fresh edge that cuts through the richness.
Diced green chiles: For a mild kick and authentic Southwestern flair—canned ones work perfectly.
Ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder: These spices layer in warmth and depth essential to a great chimichanga.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Refried beans: Creamy texture and extra protein/fiber that complements the meat beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts deliciously inside for gooey, savory goodness.
Large flour tortillas (burrito size): Wide and sturdy enough for rolling without tearing.
Oil for frying: Just a spritz or a light brush helps the air fryer crisp the tortillas to perfection.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe is how well it invites your personal spin. I love experimenting by switching up fillings or adding fresh herbs. You should definitely make the recipe your own—get creative!

Variation: When I’m feeling bold, I swap chicken for spicy chorizo—it adds a nice layer of smoky heat that everyone raves about.
Vegetarian Option: Try sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers with black beans instead of meat, and you won’t miss a thing.
Seasonal Twist: Add some diced roasted sweet potatoes or corn kernels to the filling for a seasonal harvest feel.
Extra Crunch: Lightly brush the rolled chimichangas with olive oil twice during cooking for extra crispiness (but don’t overdo it, the air fryer isn’t like deep frying!).

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe

Step 1: Prep That Perfect Filling

Start by mixing your shredded cooked meat with diced onion, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. I usually use my hands or a spatula to give everything a good toss so the spices fully coat the meat. The key here is seasoning well because it’s the flavor star of your chimichangas!

Step 2: Warm Your Tortillas for Flexibility

Wrap those big tortillas in a damp towel and nuke them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds. This makes them pliable and less likely to crack when you roll them. Trust me, that little step makes a huge difference when you’re wrapping tight chimichangas ready for the air fryer.

Step 3: Build Your Chimichangas

Lay a tortilla flat, then spoon about half a cup of your meat mixture in the center. Dollop on 2 tablespoons of refried beans, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Next, roll it up super tight—fold in the edges, then roll from one side to the other like a burrito. Place it seam side down on a baking sheet to keep it from unrolling. If you need to, a toothpick works wonders here.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Give each chimichanga a light spritz or brush of oil to get that glorious golden crunch. Arrange them seam-side down in a single layer—don’t crowd the basket or they’ll steam instead of crisping. Air fry them for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to get even color and crunch. Depending on your air fryer size, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Let Them Rest and Serve

Once done, let your chimichangas cool for a couple of minutes—it lets the filling set so it doesn’t spill out when you bite in. Then, dig in and enjoy!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip Warming the Tortillas: Cold tortillas are brittle and tear easily, which can ruin your chimichanga’s shape.
Use Cooking Spray Instead of Dousing in Oil: It keeps things light without losing that crispy texture.
Flip Halfway for Even Crisping: Air fryers can cook unevenly, so turning them over helps get all sides golden.
Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Overstuffed chimichangas tend to burst open during cooking—less is more for neat, crispy results.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe

Air Fryer Chimichangas, crispy chimichangas, easy air fryer recipes, Mexican appetizers, healthy fried snacks - On a white plate on a white marbled surface, there are four golden brown rolled tacos stacked slightly on each other. Each taco is topped with a green guacamole layer that has a smooth texture and chopped red tomatoes sprinkled on it. Thin lines of white sour cream sauce run across the tacos vertically. Small green herb pieces are scattered on top and around the plate, adding a fresh touch. The background shows a blurred green lime and leafy greens. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping these beauties with fresh diced tomatoes, a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and some sliced jalapeños if I’m feeling spicy. The fresh garnishes really brighten the richness inside and add textural contrast that keeps each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

These chimichangas pair perfectly with Mexican rice or a simple side salad featuring avocado and lime dressing. On lazy days, I serve them with a scoop of guacamole and some crunchy tortilla chips for a full-on fiesta vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like slicing the chimichangas diagonally and arranging them on a platter with colorful bowls of salsa, queso, and guacamole. It turns a casual dinner into a lively sharing feast, and everyone loves picking their favorite dip for each slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chimichangas store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the best way to keep them crispy is to reheat in the air fryer again rather than the microwave.

Freezing

Freezing works great, too—just flash freeze the rolled chimichangas on a baking sheet, then pack them into freezer bags. When you want a quick meal, just air fry straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to cook time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy. This keeps the exterior crunchy and the insides juicy—microwaving can make them soggy real fast.

FAQs

Can I use tortillas other than flour for this Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe?

Flour tortillas are best because of their pliability and ability to get crispy without cracking. Corn tortillas usually tear during rolling and don’t crisp up the same way in the air fryer, so I don’t recommend them for chimichangas.
How do I prevent the chimichangas from unrolling in the air fryer?

Rolling the chimichangas tightly and placing them seam side down on the air fryer basket or tray helps keep them secure. Using a toothpick to hold the seam closed is a foolproof trick, especially if your filling is extra generous.
Is it necessary to spray oil on the chimichangas before air frying?

While not strictly necessary, spraying a light layer of oil encourages better browning and crispiness on the tortilla. Too little oil can mean a less crispy texture, but too much can make them soggy or greasy—balance is key!
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Substitute the meat with seasoned veggies or plant-based protein, use vegan refried beans and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Just be sure to check your tortillas for dairy or lard if following strict vegan guidelines.
How long do I air fry chimichangas for the best results?

Air frying at 375°F for about 6-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through, consistently yields perfectly golden and crispy chimichangas. Keep an eye during the last few minutes to avoid burning and adjust time for your air fryer size.

Final Thoughts

Making chimichangas in the air fryer has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen hacks—it’s straightforward, fast, and less of a hassle than deep frying. Every time I serve this Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe, I get compliments on the crispy, flavorful bites that somehow feel indulgent yet not overwhelmed by oil. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Give it a try—I promise you’ll love the results as much as I do!