If you love a crispy chimichanga but do not love deep frying at home, this recipe is for you. These air fryer chimichangas are golden on the outside, cheesy and filling on the inside, and ready in about 30 minutes. It is an easy dinner that feels like takeout, but made right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Chimichangas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 4 ounce can diced green chilies (optional for less heat)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cups refried beans
Homemade White Queso
- 1/2 pound American cheese slices, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounce can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For Serving
- Sliced black olives
- Shredded lettuce
- Pico de Gallo
Before You Start
Use soft 8-inch tortillas so they roll easily without cracking. If you need gluten free or low carb tortillas, those work fine. Warm them slightly if they feel stiff.
You can swap the chicken for shredded beef, ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey. If you are cooking for kids or anyone sensitive to spice, leave out the diced green chilies.
How to Make Air Fryer Chimichangas
- Cook the onion
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and lightly golden. - Add the spices
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir in oregano, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to bring out the flavor. - Add sauce and chicken
Stir in tomato sauce and diced green chilies. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add shredded chicken and stir until well coated and heated through. Remove from heat. - Assemble
Lay tortillas flat. Spread 1/4 cup refried beans on each tortilla. Add 1/2 cup chicken mixture and top with 1/4 cup shredded cheese. - Roll
Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito. Brush the outside lightly with oil or spray with cooking spray. - Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray the basket with nonstick spray. Place chimichangas seam side down in the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry for 4 minutes. Flip and cook another 4 minutes until crisp and golden. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make Homemade White Queso
Add all queso ingredients to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until fully melted and smooth. Keep on low until ready to serve. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk and stir.
Serve chimichangas topped with warm queso, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and black olives.
What Is the Difference Between a Chimichanga and a Burrito
A burrito is soft and not fried. A chimichanga is a burrito that is fried until crispy. The air fryer gives you that crisp texture without deep frying.
Nutrition Information (Per Chimichanga, Without Queso)
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
- Sodium: 1069mg
- Potassium: 415mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 644 IU
- Vitamin C: 6mg
- Calcium: 291mg
- Iron: 4mg
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.