Welcome to a culinary adventure where speed meets sensational flavor! These **Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas** are poised to become your new favorite quick-and-easy meal solution, ready to grace your dinner table in under 20 minutes. Forget the deep fryer; with the magic of air frying, you can achieve that irresistible crispy exterior with significantly less oil, making this a healthier twist on a beloved Mexican-inspired classic.
Unlocking Flavor: A Mexican-Inspired Air Fryer Delight
Imagine succulent shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, aromatic taco seasoning, and gooey melted Mexican cheese, all nestled within a perfectly crispy flour tortilla. That’s precisely what awaits you with these incredible Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas! This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that promises to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, flavorful meal without the usual fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, the simplicity of this dish, combined with its profound flavor, makes it an absolute winner. Top your golden-brown chimichangas with your favorite taco fixings and serve them alongside a fluffy bed of cilantro lime rice or a vibrant side salad for a truly complete and satisfying experience. If you’ve been searching for innovative and delicious ways to utilize your air fryer, look no further – these chicken chimichangas are a must-try!
“My husband loved them so much that I made another batch to freeze! Now he can enjoy eating them anytime. Thank you for sharing your recipe.”
– Kathleen
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chimichangas
For these Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas, we highly recommend using 8-10 inch flour tortillas. These are commonly referred to as ‘burrito size’ tortillas and provide the perfect balance for holding a generous amount of filling while still being easy to roll and achieving that desired crispy texture in the air fryer. Smaller tortillas might be difficult to fill and roll, while much larger ones could be cumbersome.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and adapts beautifully to various protein choices. While shredded chicken is a fantastic option for its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors, feel free to experiment with other meats. Some of our top recommendations for a delicious twist include Crock Pot Taco Meat for a classic ground beef flavor, Mexican Shredded Beef for a richer, slow-cooked taste, or even Crock Pot Salsa Chicken if you’re looking for a chicken option with an extra zing of flavor. Just ensure your chosen meat is cooked and shredded before mixing it with the cream cheese and seasonings.
Achieving that perfect golden-brown crispiness is key to a truly satisfying chimichanga. While a light spray of cooking oil (preferably olive oil spray to prevent residue build-up in your air fryer) works wonders, there’s a trick for even more impressive results. Before placing your rolled chimichangas into the air fryer, generously brush them with melted butter. The butter not only promotes a richer, more uniform browning but also imparts a delicious, savory flavor to the exterior, elevating the overall taste experience. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through cooking and spray again for an even crisp.
For this particular recipe, a 5.8-quart air fryer was used, which is a common and versatile size. Regardless of your air fryer’s capacity, it’s crucial to understand the principle of air circulation. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food to create that crispy, “fried” effect. Therefore, you should always avoid overcrowding the basket. For best results, cook these chimichangas in batches, typically placing only two at a time, to ensure proper air flow. This allows each chimichanga to cook evenly and crisp up beautifully on all sides. Using air fryer basket liners is generally not recommended unless they are specifically designed with numerous perforations to facilitate air circulation, as solid liners can impede the cooking process.
Pairing your delicious Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas with the right sides can transform a simple meal into a festive feast. Our top recommendations include a fragrant cilantro rice or a flavorful Mexican rice, which perfectly complements the rich flavors of the chimichangas. Creamy refried beans are another classic accompaniment that adds depth and authenticity to your meal. For a lighter touch, a crisp, simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. Don’t forget your favorite toppings like fresh pico de gallo, cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even pickled red onions for an extra pop of flavor!
Storing your leftover Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas properly ensures you can enjoy them again later. Place any cooled chimichangas in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, chimichangas freeze remarkably well. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring they are well-sealed, and they will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend! Reheat for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C), flipping halfway, until heated through and re-crisped to perfection. This method helps restore much of their original crispiness, unlike microwave reheating which can make them soggy.
Essential Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas:
- Shredded Cooked Rotisserie Chicken: The convenience of a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver for this recipe, allowing you to whip up dinner in a flash. However, any cooked and shredded chicken will work perfectly, whether it’s leftover baked chicken breast or boiled chicken thighs. Aim for finely shredded chicken for the best texture in your filling.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, cream cheese is the secret ingredient that binds all the filling components together, adding a delightful creaminess and richness. If you forget to take it out in advance, don’t worry! You can quickly soften it by unwrapping it and microwaving it in a safe bowl for 10-15 seconds, or by following our tips on How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly.
- Diced Green Chiles: These add a mild, earthy flavor without significant heat, contributing to the authentic Mexican-inspired taste. We find they don’t make the chimichangas spicy at all, but if you’re extremely sensitive to spice, you can certainly omit them. Ensure they are well-drained before adding them to the mixture.
- Taco Seasoning: A single packet of store-bought taco seasoning provides a burst of classic Mexican spices, simplifying the flavoring process. For those who prefer to control the ingredients and sodium, making your own Homemade Taco Seasoning is a fantastic alternative and equally delicious.
- Mexican Shredded Cheese: A blend of shredded Mexican cheeses typically includes Monterey Jack, cheddar, asadero, and queso blanco, offering a fantastic melty texture and savory taste. Feel free to use your favorite type of shredded cheese. For a subtle kick of spice, we highly recommend trying Pepper Jack cheese, which melts beautifully and adds a lovely warmth.
- Flour Tortillas: Large (8-10 inch) flour tortillas are ideal for wrapping these chimichangas. While the recipe can technically be adapted for corn tortillas, they tend to be less pliable and can tear easily. If using corn tortillas, it’s essential to briefly warm them up in the microwave or on a dry skillet before rolling to make them more flexible and prevent cracking.
- Toppings for Serving: The right toppings elevate your chimichangas from great to extraordinary! Essential suggestions include fresh pico de gallo, cool and creamy sour cream, and bright lime wedges for a squeeze of citrus. Other popular choices include guacamole, salsa verde, hot sauce, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or sliced black olives.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas
Get ready to create a truly irresistible meal with these simple steps. This method ensures your chimichangas are perfectly cooked, crispy, and bursting with flavor!
First, prepare your air fryer for optimal cooking. Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with a nonstick cooking spray. Olive oil spray is highly recommended as it tends to leave less residue and “gunk” in your air fryer basket compared to other cooking sprays, ensuring easier cleanup and better performance over time. This initial spray helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
Next, it’s time to assemble the rich and flavorful filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked rotisserie chicken, softened cream cheese, drained diced green chiles, and taco seasoning. Use a spatula or spoon to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated. The cream cheese should act as a binder, holding everything together.
Now for the rolling! Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Take approximately ¼ of the chicken mixture and spread it across the middle of the tortilla, leaving enough space around the edges for folding. Next, sprinkle about half a cup of shredded Mexican cheese directly adjacent to the chicken mixture. This ensures the cheese gets perfectly melted and gooey within the chimichanga.
To form your chimichanga, carefully fold one side of the tortilla over the filling, tucking it in snugly. Then, fold in the two opposite edges (top and bottom) towards the center to create a secure pocket. Finally, roll the remaining tortilla edge tightly underneath to form a neat, compact burrito shape. This tight rolling is essential to keep the filling secure during air frying. Repeat this process with the remaining filling and tortillas to create a total of four delicious chimichangas.
Cooking in the air fryer is best done in batches to prevent overcrowding. Place two chimichangas into the prepared air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space around them for air to circulate freely. To achieve a beautiful golden-brown and extra crispy exterior, generously spray the tops of the chimichangas with cooking spray. Alternatively, for a richer flavor and even more intense browning, you can brush them thoroughly with melted butter. This step is key for that satisfying crunch!
Cook the chimichangas in your air fryer on the ‘air fry’ setting at 400°F (200°C) for 8-9 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time. When you flip, spray the other side generously with nonstick cooking spray or brush with melted butter to ensure both sides achieve that desirable crispy texture and even browning. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Once golden brown and perfectly crispy, remove the chimichangas from the air fryer. Serve them immediately while they are hot, alongside your favorite toppings such as fresh pico de gallo, cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, or zesty salsa. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful, and wonderfully crispy Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas!
Craving More Easy Air Fryer and Mexican-Inspired Recipes?
- Chicken Chimichangas (traditional fried)
- Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Sausage Balls
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Taco Bake
- Taco Rice
- Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Taco Bell Enchiritos
- Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos
Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas
Print Recipe |
Pin Recipe |
Rate Recipe
10 minutes
8 minutes
18 minutes
4
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 ounce can diced green chiles, drained
- 1 ounce package taco seasoning (e.g., Old El Paso)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 4 large (8 or 10 inch) flour tortillas
- Toppings for serving: pico de gallo, sour cream, lime wedges, etc.
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray (olive oil spray is recommended to prevent residue build-up).
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, diced green chiles, and taco seasoning until thoroughly combined.
- Spread ¼ of the chicken mixture onto the middle of a flour tortilla. Sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheese next to the chicken mixture.
- Roll one side of the tortilla over the filling, fold the edges in, and roll the remaining tortilla edge underneath to form a tight burrito. Repeat for all 4 chimichangas.
- Working in batches, place two chimichangas into the air fryer. Generously spray the tops with cooking spray (or brush with melted butter) to help crisp and give a golden color.
- Cook in the air fryer on the air fry setting for 8-9 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway and spraying again with nonstick spray for even crispiness.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Toppings are not calculated in nutritional value.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people or for meal prep.
- While rotisserie chicken offers convenience, any cooked and shredded chicken can be used.
- Explore other filling options like ground taco meat or shredded beef for delicious variations.
- These chimichangas can be frozen for later enjoyment; refer to the FAQ section above for detailed storage instructions.
Main Course
American, Mexican
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 22g |
Protein: 35g |
Fat: 27g |
Sodium: 1472mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 4g
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.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!