Crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, these air fryer chimichangas are the perfect addition to your dinner menu. Bring the authentic taste of a Mexican-American classic right to your kitchen!
Treat yourself to the irresistible taste of chimichangas! Air fryer chimichangas provide an alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, while still delivering a satisfying crunch and flavorful filling. You’ll love the combination of tender meat, savory refried beans, and gooey cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla. This recipe is versatile and perfect for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings, offering a customizable, delightful experience everyone will enjoy.
Chimichangas: A Brief History
Chimichangas, a deep-fried burrito, are thought to have originated in the southwestern United States, heavily influenced by Mexican cuisine. The dish’s history is often attributed to either Arizona or Texas, where Mexican-American culinary traditions blend and create unique flavors. Chimichangas are now a popular dish in Mexican-American restaurants and have become a beloved comfort food for many.
Absolutely. Replace the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas can be used, but they may be more prone to cracking. To avoid this, warm the corn tortillas before filling and rolling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer chimichangas with a side of Spanish rice, black beans, or a fresh salad. Top with guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite salsa for added flavor and texture.
Make sure to warm the tortillas before filling and rolling to prevent cracking.
Don’t overfill the tortillas, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.
Use a toothpick to secure the tortilla if it’s having trouble staying rolled.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chimichangas in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
Ifyou like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious air fryer recipes:
Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chimichangas in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
The air fryer is all about — well — air. Meaning, you need to allow for good airflow to create all the browning and crisping the appliance was designed for. As such, you don't want to crowd the food in the basket too much, leaving space for the air to circulate.
Depending on your air fryer you may need to add additional time. We cooked Tina's Steak and Cheddar Chimichanga in our test kitchen using a Breville Smart Oven in Air Fryer mode at 375 degrees for 20 minutes and did not need to add any more time.
Let product stand 1 minute before eating. Place 2 burritos in air fryer basket. FROZEN: Cook for 7 MINUTES, flip and cook for additional 7 MINUTES. Let product stand for 1 minute before eating.
While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey which could undermine their status as a budget item. Many people came out for halogen ovens as the better option.
The foil also prevents food sticking to the bottom of the basket, making sure you get the whole of your delicious dish on your plate and not at the bottom of the air fryer. In addition, it makes removing food from the basket a lot easier – especially if it's likely to break up as you take it out.
The El Monterey beef-and-cheese chimichanga was surprisingly tasty, with solid flavors, identifiable meat and vegetables and lots of gooey cheese. I'd add some salsa or hot sauce next time, but I wouldn't mind eating this again.
If they are frozen, allow them to thaw for a few minutes at room temperature. Deep fry the chimichangas: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chimichangas into the oil using tongs. Be cautious to avoid splashing. Fry the chimichangas for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
The most obvious difference between chimichangas and burritos is that the former is deep-fried, but there are some other differences, too. Burritos come from Mexico rather than the United States, and often contain more filling than chimichangas.
Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
