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

Are chimichangas discontinued in El Monterey? ›

El Monterey's posts

Effective immediately, El Monterey will discontinue production of all Chimichangas. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Can you air fry El Monterey chimichangas? ›

El Monterey® Signature Loaded Nacho Chimichangas are made with real ingredients like cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses and Angus ground beef. Prepare them in the oven or air fryer for a crispier texture!

Do people in Mexico eat chimichangas? ›

Many foreigners think of taco shells, burritos, chimichangas, and chili con carne when they speak of Mexican traditional food. However, almost all those dishes belong to the Tex-Mex regional cuisine, that is prepared in some states in the northern part of Mexico but is not at all popular in the rest of the country.

What is the difference between El Monterey burritos and chimichangas? ›

Main difference, without too much info: A chimichanga is a deep fried burrito. Period. That is the main difference.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Why is my frozen food soggy in the air fryer? ›

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Frozen food is naturally more prone to becoming mushy as it thaws because it will release water. Though the good news is, jumping this hurdle isn't difficult. Simply preheat your air fryer beforehand because the high heat will more quickly evaporate the water in your frozen food.

What's the difference between a frozen burrito and a frozen chimichanga? ›

A chimichanga is basically a deep fried burrito with contents that can include: meat, beans, rice, cheese and even vegetables. The frozen ones in the store, really are not that much different from the burritos that are sold. The contents might be a little more substantial in the chimichanga.

Are frozen burritos better in air fryer? ›

If you've ever wondered how to make frozen burritos better, the answer, my friends, is in the air fryer. It really is the secret to getting your frozen burrito to be perfectly golden brown on the outside – I'm talking slightly crispy edges and a soft tortilla middle – and ooey gooey good on the inside.

Is a chimichanga just a fried burrito? ›

A chimichanga is a type of burrito that is deep-fried until crispy, giving it a unique texture and flavor that sets it apart from other burritos. The deep-frying process makes the chimichanga more compact and easier to eat, as the filling is tightly wrapped and held together by the crispy outer layer.

How do you seal chimichangas? ›

Using a pastry brush, brush the flour mixture around the outside edge of the tortilla. Wrap the top and bottom of the tortilla over the filling. Then brush the ends with a little more paste and fold them up and press to seal. Fry two chimichangas at a time by placing them in the oil seam side down.

What's the difference between a chimichanga and a wet burrito? ›

Chimichanga vs burrito: so what's the difference? So, if your burrito is deeply fried, then it's a chimichanga; if it's not deep-fried, then it's a burrito. That's the most fundamental difference between burrito and chimichanga.

Is a chimichanga just a deep-fried burrito? ›

A chimichanga is a type of burrito that is deep-fried until crispy, giving it a unique texture and flavor that sets it apart from other burritos. The deep-frying process makes the chimichanga more compact and easier to eat, as the filling is tightly wrapped and held together by the crispy outer layer.

When did chimichangas come out? ›

Woody Johnson, founder of Mexican restaurant chain Macayo's Mexican Kitchen, claimed he had invented the chimichanga in 1946 when he put some burritos into a deep fryer as an experiment at his original restaurant Woody's El Nido, in Phoenix, Arizona.

How do you make El Monterey chimichangas? ›

  1. MICROWAVE. Setting: HIGH. Place 1 chimichanga on microwave safe plate. FROZEN: 1 MINUTE. ...
  2. OVEN. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chimichangas on baking sheet with 1″ between chimichangas. Bake uncovered. ...
  3. AIR FRYER. 380°F. Place 2 chimichangas in air fryer basket. FROZEN: Cook for 6 MINUTES, flip and cook for additional 6 MINUTES.

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