Description
This Air Fryer Chimichangas recipe features crispy, golden burritos filled with a savory mixture of shredded meat, green chiles, onions, refried beans, and cheddar cheese. Using an air fryer gives these chimichangas a perfectly crunchy texture with less oil than traditional frying, making them a delicious and healthier choice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 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
Other
- 8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- Oil for frying (for spraying or basting)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked meat, diced green chiles, finely chopped onion, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Warm the tortillas: Wrap the 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 prepared meat mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Add 2 tablespoons of refried beans and sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them with the seam side down on a baking sheet. Use toothpicks if necessary to secure the rolls.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Air fry the chimichangas: Lightly spray or baste the chimichangas with oil to promote crispiness. Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Cool and serve: Remove the chimichangas from the air fryer and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chimichangas!
Notes
- Use any shredded cooked meat you prefer such as chicken, beef, or pork to suit your taste.
- Warming tortillas before rolling prevents cracks and makes rolling easier.
- Light oil spraying helps achieve a crisp texture similar to traditional frying with less grease.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chimichangas in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
