Crafted with love and full of flavor, Air Fryer Chimichangas are a game-changer for those weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. Picture this: a crispy, golden-brown exterior enveloping a deliciously warm filling. Made with rotisserie chicken and a medley of flavor-packed ingredients, they provide the perfect balance of comfort and crunch. Even better, they’re a breeze to put together. You simply whip up a filling, stuff some tortillas, and let your air fryer work its magic.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress friends, these Air Fryer Chimichangas fit the bill seamlessly. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable! You can easily swap ingredients based on your mood or what you have on hand, making them a go-to recipe for many occasions. Read on to discover why this delightful dish works so well and how you can create your own crispy, flavorful chimichangas in the comfort of your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Recipe Works
Crafted using a combination of rotisserie chicken and the innovative air fryer, these chimichangas deliver a crispy exterior that’s impossibly delicious while keeping cooking time to a minimum. The use of simple, readily available ingredients ensures you have a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chimichangas
These Air Fryer Chimichangas are not only a feast for the eyes but also a comforting treat for the soul. With a blend of flavors from savory chicken, creamy pinto beans, and melted cheese, each bite transports you to the heart of Mexican cuisine. Plus, they are customizable, making them a favorite for all taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 flour tortillas
- 8 oz red enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup cilantro, diced
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese blend
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Sour cream, for serving
- Pico de gallo, for serving
Preparing the Filling
Sauté Vegetables Until Soft
In a lightly oiled sauté pan, add diced onion and jalapeño. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook until the onions become translucent. This step will add a wonderful aroma to your kitchen.
Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Once the onion and jalapeño are fully cooked, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Mix everything together until well combined, then remove from heat. The warmth of the chicken and veggies will start creating enticing flavors.
Heat the Pinto Beans
In a small saucepan, heat the rinsed pinto beans over medium heat until hot. Set aside. Keeping them warm complements the other filling ingredients perfectly.
Assembling the Chimichangas
Fill the Tortillas
Using a medium-sized ice cream scoop, add one portion of cooked jasmine rice and one portion of the chicken mixture to the center of each flour tortilla. Top with a handful of Colby Jack cheese, a spoonful of pinto beans, cilantro, and a drizzle of red enchilada sauce. This colorful filling brings everything to life.
Roll the Tortillas Tightly
Carefully roll the tortillas into burrito shapes, ensuring to tuck in the ends as you go. Brush the tops with melted butter for that extra crispy finish. Well-rolled tortillas keep all the delicious filling inside.
Air Frying the Chimichangas
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 360ºF and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. This step is crucial for achieving an evenly cooked chimichanga.
Cook the Chimichangas
Place the rolled burritos in the air fryer basket, flap side down to create a seal. Cook for 6-7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect crunch!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Air Fryer Chimichangas hot with a side of sour cream and pico de gallo for dipping. For a delightful meal, pair them with a fresh green salad or Mexican street corn. It’s all about balancing flavors and textures.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh veggies and herbs will enhance the overall taste.
- Experiment with different proteins or veggies for a personalized touch. The options are endless!
- Ensure your tortillas are fresh and pliable to avoid tearing during assembly. If they’re too stiff, they might crack while rolling.
Variations
- Substitute ground beef or turkey for the rotisserie chicken if you’re in the mood for something different.
- Try adding black beans or corn for additional texture and flavor. This gives a nice twist to the filling.
- For a vegetarian option, use grilled vegetables in place of chicken. This makes them lighter and equally satisfying.
Storage Tips
Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To regain their crispiness, reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra kick.
2. How do I make these chimichangas spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling before rolling. Fire up the flavor!
3. Can I freeze the chimichangas?
Yes! Assemble them without cooking, freeze individually, and cook from frozen for 10-12 minutes in the air fryer. This makes meal prep a breeze.
4. What toppings can I add?
In addition to sour cream and pico de gallo, consider avocado, guacamole, or fresh salsa for variety.
5. How do I know when they’re done cooking?
Chimichangas are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the filling is hot throughout. You’ll know by their irresistible aroma too!
A perfectly crispy Air Fryer Chimichanga is more than just a meal; it’s an experience—one that combines the warmth of home-cooked comfort with the excitement of flavor-packed indulgence. Whether for an easy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will bring joy to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll not only delight your taste buds but also create cherished memories around the dinner table. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and crispy goodness every time you serve these delightful chimichangas!
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Air Fryer Chimichangas
Air Fryer Chimichangas are a delightful mix of crispy tortillas filled with shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy pinto beans, and flavorful cheese. This dish is perfect for quick meals, family dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Customize the filling to suit your taste for a personal touch.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 flour tortillas
- 8 oz red enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup cilantro, diced
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese blend
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Sour cream, for serving
- Pico de gallo, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté onion and jalapeño in a lightly oiled pan until soft.
- Combine the sautéed vegetables with shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Heat pinto beans in a small saucepan until warm.
- Fill tortillas with rice, chicken mixture, cheese, beans, cilantro, and enchilada sauce.
- Roll tortillas tightly and brush with melted butter.
- Preheat air fryer to 360ºF.
- Air fry chimichangas for 6-7 minutes until golden brown.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Experiment with different proteins or veggies for variety.
Ensure tortillas are pliable to avoid tearing during assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 45
