Air-Fried Cheesecake Chimichanga Bites

Welcome to a delightful fusion where the creamy richness of cheesecake meets the crispy, golden embrace of a chimichanga, all perfected in the magic of your air fryer! These Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas are an absolute game-changer for dessert lovers. Forget deep-frying and excessive oil; our recipe brings you a lighter, quicker, and undeniably scrumptious treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dessert to an impressive potluck offering. Get ready to experience a dessert that’s fun to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to become a new family favorite.

The Irresistible Appeal of Air Fryer Desserts

The air fryer isn’t just for crispy fries and golden chicken wings; it’s a revolutionary tool for creating incredible desserts too! These Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas exemplify how versatile this appliance can be. We’re taking luscious cheesecake filling and pairing it with a vibrant fruit pie filling, then wrapping it all snugly in a flour tortilla. A quick trip to the air fryer transforms this simple assembly into a warm, crispy, golden-brown marvel, which is then generously rolled in a sweet, aromatic cinnamon sugar coating. The result is a handheld dessert masterpiece that delivers all the indulgence without the guilt or mess of traditional frying. Imagine the joy of biting into a perfectly crisp exterior, followed by a warm, gooey, creamy cheesecake interior – it’s a symphony of textures and flavors!

Beyond these sensational chimichangas, your air fryer can whip up an array of delightful treats. Think of the crispy perfection of Air Fryer Fried Oreos, offering a carnival-like experience at home, or the charming simplicity of Air Fryer Churro Bites, dusted with cinnamon sugar for an authentic taste of Mexico. The beauty of air frying lies in its ability to achieve that coveted golden crispness with significantly less oil, making your favorite desserts healthier and quicker to prepare. If you appreciate a good handheld dessert that’s easy to eat and packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas are an absolute must-try. They are truly a testament to the air fryer’s potential in the dessert world, offering convenience, incredible texture, and unforgettable taste.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas:

Creating these delightful air fryer chimichangas is straightforward, but a few expert tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely phenomenal. Pay attention to these details to ensure every bite is perfectly crisp, creamy, and bursting with flavor:

• **Choose Your Favorite Pie Filling:** While we’ve highlighted cherry pie filling for its classic cheesecake pairing, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with any pie filling you adore! Apple pie filling offers a warm, comforting twist, while blueberry or strawberry can add a bright, summery note. Even peach or mixed berry fillings would be fantastic. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the flavors to your personal preference.
• **Tortilla Choice Matters:** For the best texture and flavor, we highly recommend using large, soft flour tortillas. Corn tortillas tend to dry out and become brittle in the air fryer, making them less ideal for this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take your chimichangas to the next level, consider making Homemade Flour Tortillas. They offer an unmatched freshness and pliability that can truly enhance the final product.
• **The Magic of Cinnamon Sugar:** The cinnamon sugar topping isn’t just optional; it’s a game-changer! This simple coating transforms the chimichangas into an irresistible sweet and spiced treat, reminiscent of churros. The warmth of the cinnamon perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake and fruity filling, adding another layer of flavor and texture that truly makes this dessert shine. Don’t skip it for the full experience.
• **Air Fryer Prep for Success:** To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, proper preparation of your air fryer basket is crucial. While nonstick cooking spray is convenient, consider using specialized parchment paper air fryer inserts for an even easier cleanup. Alternatively, to prolong the life and nonstick properties of your air fryer basket, opt for non-propellant cooking sprays (like olive oil spray) or simply dab a paper towel with a little olive oil and wipe down the basket. This gentle approach helps maintain the integrity of the nonstick coating.
• **Serving Temperature Flexibility:** These cheesecake chimichangas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving temperature. Enjoy them warm, straight from the air fryer, for a comforting and gooey experience where the fillings are soft and melty. They are equally delicious when cooled to room temperature or even chilled, offering a firmer, more set cheesecake texture that’s still incredibly satisfying.
• **Avoid Overcrowding:** A common mistake with air frying is packing the basket too full. For optimal crispness and even cooking, always arrange your chimichangas in a single layer, ensuring there’s ample space between each one. Overcrowding traps moisture and prevents the hot air from circulating effectively, leading to soggy or unevenly cooked results. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you’ll likely need to cook these in batches.
• **Homemade vs. Store-Bought Filling:** While our recipe provides instructions for a homemade cheesecake filling, don’t hesitate to use premade cheesecake filling available at most grocery stores for a convenient shortcut. This can significantly cut down on prep time without sacrificing much on taste. Similarly, pre-made pie filling works perfectly and saves you a step.
• **Perfecting the Fold:** The way you fold your chimichangas is key to keeping the delicious filling sealed inside. Ensure your folds are tight and secure, creating a neat package. Pressing down gently on the seams will help them stay closed during the air frying process, preventing any leakage of the creamy cheesecake or fruit filling.
• **Monitor Cooking Time:** Air fryer models can vary in wattage and efficiency. The suggested cooking time of 8-10 minutes is a good guideline, but always keep an eye on your chimichangas, especially during the first batch. They should be beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside. Adjust cooking time as needed for your specific air fryer.

Key Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas:

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delectable treats. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• **Cream Cheese:** The heart of our cheesecake filling, ensuring a rich, tangy, and wonderfully creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth whipping.
• **Powdered Sugar:** For sweetening the cheesecake filling to perfection, dissolving easily to create a silky-smooth consistency.
• **Egg:** Acts as a binder and helps give the cheesecake filling structure and richness when cooked.
• **All-Purpose Flour:** A small amount helps to thicken the cheesecake mixture and prevent it from becoming too runny.
• **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake, adding a warm, aromatic note.
• **Flour Tortillas:** The essential wrapper for our chimichangas. Opt for large, pliable tortillas that are easy to fold without cracking.
• **Cherry Pie Filling:** Provides a burst of fruity sweetness and a lovely contrast to the creamy cheesecake. Feel free to substitute with your favorite fruit pie filling.
• **Granulated Sugar:** Used for the irresistible cinnamon sugar coating that gives these chimichangas their signature crispy, sweet exterior.
• **Ground Cinnamon:** The aromatic spice that perfectly complements the sugar for the coating, adding warmth and depth of flavor.
• **Unsalted Butter:** Melted butter is brushed on the chimichangas before rolling in cinnamon sugar, helping the coating adhere and adding to the golden crispness.
• **Olive Oil Spray:** Essential for preparing the air fryer basket and lightly coating the chimichangas for that perfect golden finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas

Making these Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of crispy, creamy, and delightful desserts:

1. **Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:** In a medium-sized mixing bowl, begin by adding the softened cream cheese. Using a hand mixer, whip the cream cheese on medium speed until it’s completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This ensures a silky texture for your filling.

2. **Sweeten and Combine:** Gradually add the powdered sugar to the whipped cream cheese. Continue mixing with the hand mixer until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is well combined and smooth. Next, add the large egg, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix again until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the filling is completely smooth and uniform in consistency. Set aside.

3. **Assemble the Chimichangas:** Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Lay a large flour tortilla on a clean, flat work surface. Place about ¼ cup of the prepared cheesecake mixture into the center of the tortilla, spreading it slightly into an elongated shape. Then, spoon about ¼ cup of the cherry pie filling directly on top of the cheesecake mixture.

4. **Fold with Precision:** Take the two opposite sides of the tortilla (the left and right edges) and fold them inward over the filling, ensuring they meet or slightly overlap in the center. This creates a secure base for the filling.

5. **Create a Secure Package:** Next, take the bottom flap of the tortilla (the edge closest to you) and fold it tightly over the filling and the previously folded sides. Press down gently to secure. Leave a slight flap at the top so you can fully enclose the chimichanga, preventing any filling from escaping during cooking.

6. **Final Fold and Prepare for Air Frying:** Finally, take the top flap of the tortilla and fold it down firmly to completely enclose the filling, creating a neat, compact package resembling a burrito. Repeat the assembly and folding process for the remaining tortillas and filling.

7. **Air Fry to Golden Perfection:** Lightly spray the basket of your preheated air fryer with olive oil spray. Carefully place the folded chimichangas into the basket, seam side down, ensuring they do not touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can typically fit two at a time without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the chimichangas with more olive oil spray to encourage browning and crispness. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through if your air fryer requires it for even cooking.

8. **Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:** While the chimichangas are cooking, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping. In a shallow bowl or on a plate, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Melt the unsalted butter in a separate small bowl.

9. **Coat and Serve:** Once the chimichangas are golden brown and cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Immediately brush each chimichanga all over with the melted butter. While still warm and buttery, roll them generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them cool slightly for a few minutes before serving, allowing the filling to set slightly.

10. **Enjoy!** Serve your freshly made Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas as is, or with your favorite accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or even a side of fresh berries. They are truly a delight!

Storing Your Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas

These delightful chimichangas are truly at their best when served fresh, straight from the air fryer, enjoying the contrast of the hot, gooey filling and the crispy exterior. However, if you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), proper storage is key to maintaining their quality.

• **Refrigeration:** If you absolutely need to store them, place the cooled chimichangas in an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-2 days. Be aware that the tortillas may lose some of their crispness and become slightly soggy due to the moisture from the cheesecake and pie filling.
• **Reheating:** To revive their crispness, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and the exterior is re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them even soggier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• **Can I prepare these chimichangas ahead of time?** You can prepare the cheesecake filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble and air fry the chimichangas just before serving to ensure maximum crispness. If assembled too far in advance, the tortillas can become soggy.
• **What if I don’t have an air fryer?** While the air fryer gives the best crispy results without deep frying, you can bake these in a conventional oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
• **Can I make these gluten-free?** Yes, you can substitute regular flour tortillas with your favorite gluten-free tortillas. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• **How do I prevent the filling from leaking?** The key is a tight fold! Make sure the sides are folded over securely, and then the bottom and top flaps create a compact, sealed package. A little dab of water on the edges can sometimes help seal the tortilla if needed.
• **Can I use other types of fruit instead of pie filling?** While pie filling provides a ready-to-use, thick fruit component, you could potentially use fresh fruit if it’s mixed with a thickener like cornstarch and sugar and cooked down slightly to prevent excessive moisture. However, pie filling is recommended for ease and consistency.

Craving More Air Fryer Delights? Give These a Try!

If you’ve discovered the magic of your air fryer with these cheesecake chimichangas, you’ll be thrilled to explore its other culinary capabilities. From savory meals to more sweet treats, the air fryer can truly do it all. Expand your air fryer repertoire with these fantastic recipes:

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
• Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas: A savory twist on the chimichanga concept.
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Bites: Seasonal and utterly addictive.
• Air Fryer Potatoes and Sausage Meal: A quick and hearty dinner solution.
• Air Fryer Twisted Bacon: Crispy, perfectly cooked bacon every time.
• Air Fryer Roasted Red Potatoes: A simple yet flavorful side dish.
• Air Fryer Churro Bites: Another sweet and crispy air fryer favorite.

Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas

If you love your air fryer and you love cheesecake then you’ll go crazy for these simple Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas! Fun, flavorful and perfect for the whole family.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time:
8 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
18 minutes

Servings:
4

Author:
Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cherry pie filling
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl with a hand mixer, add the cream cheese and whip until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add the egg, flour, and vanilla, mix until smooth.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Take a tortilla on a clean work surface and place 1/4 of the cheesecake mixture into the center. Top with ¼ cup of the cherry pie filling.
4. Take the two sides and fold them over the filling.
5. Take the bottom flap of the tortilla and fold it over the filling but make sure there is a flap so you can close the chimichanga.
6. Take the top flap and fold it over to make a little package.
7. Spray the basket of the air fryer with olive oil spray. Place the tortillas seam side down into the basket not touching. Spray the tops with more olive oil spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While the chimichangas are cooking, place the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl or plate and mix to combine.
9. Once golden brown, brush the chimichangas all over with the melted butter.
10. Roll them in the cinnamon sugar, let them cool slightly, and serve with ice cream, whipped cream or as is!

Notes

• You can use any pie filling that you like. I chose cherry because I love cherry cheesecake.
• If you like, you can try your hand at making HOMEMADE FLOUR TORTILLAS!
• The cinnamon sugar topping is optional, but highly recommended!
• If you have the special parchment paper air fryer inserts, you can use those instead of nonstick spray. Also, I have found that non-propellant cooking sprays work best in air fryer baskets or you can take a paper towel that has some olive oil on it and coat the basket. This keeps the basket in better shape for a longer period of time.
• These are good warm or cold.
• I don’t suggest using corn tortillas for this recipe.
• Don’t pack your air fryer basket. Putting too many in at one time will cause these to cook unevenly.
• Instead of homemade cheesecake filling, you can purchase the premade cheesecake filling that is sold at grocery stores.

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Nutrition

Calories: 534kcal |
Carbohydrates: 64g |
Protein: 8g |
Fat: 28g |
Sodium: 415mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 30g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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