Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe - A Healthier Alternative (2024)

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Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas are a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version that is served at Mexican restaurants.

Chimichangas originated in the southwestern part of the United States. They are basically burritos that are filled with meat, cheese, rice and/or beans and then deep-fried in oil.

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe - A Healthier Alternative (1)

Chicken Chimichangas made in the air fryer.

The crispy burritos are then topped with red sauce, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. And of course, they are typically served alongside a bed of refried beans and Mexican rice.

In an effort to eat a little healthier, but to still enjoy the classic taste of chimichangas, I knew that I had to try out Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas.

Why We Love Our Air Fryer

We have fallen in love with our air fryer. We have made everything from fried chicken tenders, french fries, hamburgers, and more since we purchased it.

The major benefit of using an air fryer is that you can use little to no oil in recipes that are typically drowned and cooked in a deep fryer.

That means less fat, fewer calories, and no more splashing and getting burnt by hot oil.

That was the main reason that I purchased our BCP 5.5 quart Air Fryer. Little did I know that many of the recipes that I would be making would take way less time and energy than when cooked the traditional way.

Instead of pre-heating our oven for recipes, all I have to do is preheat my air fryer for 3 minutes and it is ready to go! No heating up the kitchen on hot days!

And no standing over a hot grill or an open fryer filled with boiling oil.

So when I went to try out my Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas, I had high hopes!

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe - A Healthier Alternative (3)

It is best to use soft taco tortilla shells for this recipe – they are the perfect size!

I started off using shredded chicken that I had left over from our Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe. We will always keep leftover chicken for quick and easy, weeknight recipes.

I added some onions and peppers to a skillet and then added enchilada sauce and the shredded chicken. I then filled soft taco tortilla shells with the mixture and topped it with shredded cheese.

Folding the burrito is easiest when you fold the two sides in first and then roll the burrito. Place the seam side down in the preheated air fryer and cook for 6-7 minutes.

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe - A Healthier Alternative (4)

Burritos rolled up and placed in a pre-heated air fryer to make chicken chimichangas.

They turned out absolutely delicious! A crunchy tortilla shell that tasted just like it was deep-fried!

Another recipe that can save you time and energy any night of the week!

Check out the printable recipe below and all of our recipes and let me know what you think!

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Yield: 4

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichanga

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe - A Healthier Alternative (5)

A quick and easy to make meal - Chicken Chimichangas made in the air fryer rather than the traditional deep-fried method.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
  • 1 8 ounce can red enchilada sauce, divided
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 4 8 inch Soft Taco Flour Tortillas
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Grapeseed oil spray, or recommended oil for your specific air fryer

Instructions

  1. In a medium size skillet heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add diced jalapeno to the pan and sauté for an additional minute.
  3. Stir in garlic powder and cumin with the onions and peppers and then pour in 6 ounces of the red enchilada sauce to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
  4. Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the skillet. Heat 3-4 minutes until warm and the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Heat up the 4 tortillas in a clean skillet or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
  6. Fill each tortillas with about 3/4 cup of the chicken mixture and fold them into a burrito shape. (Fold in the 2 sides first and then roll it up and place the seam side down.
  7. Preheat your air fryer per your manufactures instructions. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees and place the chimichangas in the basket. Spray the tops with some grapeseed oil and cook for 6-7 minutes.

Notes

Optional: After 6 minutes of cooking, add the remaining enchilada sauce to the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Finish cooking for 1-2 more minutes.Serve warm with rice, beans, and pico de gallo.Recipe provided by Make Your Meals

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:Unsaturated Fat: 0g

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe - A Healthier Alternative (2024)

FAQs

What is chimichanga sauce made of? ›

Saute onions and garlic cloves in a skillet with vegetable oil. Add a pinch each of chili powder, cumin, sugar and salt; cook 30 seconds. Stir in green chiles; cook 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and simmer until thickened, then puree.

Is El Monterey discontinuing chimichangas? ›

El Monterey's posts

Effective immediately, El Monterey will discontinue production of all Chimichangas. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. How to have a great 1st day of school (including a checklist!) (Answer3) Chimichanga #DayOfAppetizers twitter.com/AxisBank/statu…

What's the difference between El Monterey chimichangas and burritos? ›

A: Nothing other than the outside of the chimichanga is deep fried and the burrito is not. Helpful? Thank you for your feedback!

Are chimichangas healthy? ›

Chimichangas are high in calories, saturated fat and trans fats. According to the American Heart Association, eating a diet high in saturated fat puts us at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. These risk factors go up when we eat fried food three or more times per week.

Do Mexicans eat chimichangas? ›

While historians agree that the chimichanga is not an authentic Mexican food, the exact location of its origin is disputed. Both El Charro in Tucson, Arizona, and Macayo's Mexican Kitchen in Phoenix, Arizona, claim to be home to the first chimichanga.

What is the swear word for chimichangas? ›

1922), accidentally dropped a burrito into the deep-fat fryer in the early 1950s. She immediately began to utter a Spanish profanity beginning "chi..." (chingada), but quickly stopped herself and instead exclaimed chimichanga, a Spanish equivalent of "thingamajig".

Are chimichangas better than burritos? ›

Chimichangas vs. Burritos? Burritos usually come out on top here. They aren't fried, often have more vegetables, and the fattiest ingredients, like sour cream and cheese, are entirely optional in a burrito.

Why are chimichangas so good? ›

Chimichangas' best and most addictive characteristics are their crunchy shells. Chimichanga fillings vary widely, but the crispy shell is the hallmark of this dish. You can achieve that crispiness by baking, frying or air frying them.

Are chimichangas Americanized? ›

While some Americans may associate this dish with Mexico, many food historians agree that the dish actually originated in the United States. To be specific, the chimichanga was born in Arizona in the twentieth century.

How long to cook 2 frozen burritos in air fryer? ›

Cooking time for frozen burritos in an air fryer is between 12 and 15 minutes. This will get them golden brown, just on top. If they're not looking golden, you can air fry for 3 more minutes. Depending on the size of the burritos, they might just take a bit more time.

How to heat up chimichangas in an air fryer? ›

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.

How long to cook El Monterey bean and cheese burritos? ›

PLACE ON BAKING SHEET WITH LOW SIDES. FROZEN: COOK FOR 20 MINUTES, FLIP AND COOK FOR 20 MORE MINUTES. LET PRODUCT STAND 2 MINUTES BEFORE EATING. FOR FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY, INTERNAL PRODUCT TEMPERATURE MUST REACH 161°F.

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