Air Fryer Recipe: Healthy Chimichangas In An Air Fryer

In the last several years, air fryers have become increasingly popular in the culinary world. Air fryers have revolutionized cooking with healthier cooking methods, allowing for crispy dishes with less oil. Your food is cooked at high temperatures with none of the fat you’ll get with traditional cooking since it uses very rapid air circulation. Not only are traditional foods like fish and chips and potato wedges suitable for such preparation but more air fryer recipes are available online, including air fryer chili recipes, chimichangas, and other Mexican food. Follow the recipe below to make air fryer chimichangas. This chimichangas recipe will definitely delight your friends and family.

Chimichangas are made with corn tortillas and various fillings, such as beans, cheese, sour cream, and similar ingredients. They are not often served in separate portions since they are typically rather large. They are a great option for cooking in an air fryer because they don’t need much oil. They are typically cooked with fresh corn tortillas and various vegetables, but you can modify this recipe based on your preferences.

Why Use Air Fryer To Cook This Meal?

Making chimichangas in the air fryer is a delightful way to enjoy this Mexican cuisine favorite with less fat compared to their deep-fried counterparts. When you make chimichangas in an air fryer, you embrace a healthier cooking method and enjoy the convenience of a freezer-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.

Cooking Air Fryer Chimichangas

You can cook them using a variety of ways. Many people choose to pan-fry them, but because we’re just getting started, we’ll use the simplest method. Corn tortillas, refried beans, cilantro, salsa, and cheese are some of the straightforward components of this dish. You can give it more depth using corn, chopped onions, olives, or jalapenos if that’s what you want.

We’ll be using corn tortillas for this dish, but if you want to create a vegetarian version, flour tortillas are what you should use instead. Cooking times will vary depending on the kind of equipment you have and the materials you use for the chimichanga filling. Cooking time using a convection oven for corn tortillas should be between 8 and 10 minutes. While preparing the filling ingredients, you should preheat the air fryer to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a tasty dinner.

Ingredients

• corn tortilla or burrito-size flour tortilla
• 4 refried beans
• 2 cups cheese
• 2 oz sour cream
• 2 tbsp salsa
• 2 tbsp cilantro
• onion powder
• diced green chilies
• 1 bunch of potatoes
• shredded rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken (chicken breasts)
• chicken broth
• hot sauce (optional)
• olive oil spray or nonstick cooking spray for frying (optional )

Additional Tips When Using Air Fryer

A convection oven is not the finest equipment for tortillas since they need a longer cooking time. The tortillas will become unmanageably mushy and no longer retain their original form. However, you may cook corn tortillas using a convection oven if you like. When placing beans in the convection oven, proceed with caution. Your food will be overly mushy if you use refried beans as the filling ingredient. Extending the time they spend cooking will make it much simpler for you to make them less mushy.

• If you make your tortilla chips, you may limit the oil required for frying. You may serve them with your chimichangas after air frying them.
• Another alternative is to use a taco spice mix purchased from a retailer. If you’re going to use taco seasoning mix, you should increase the number of spices.
• You may also make them using shredded lettuce instead of the potato.
• If you want your food to have a higher protein content, you may use beans from a can. You can add chicken to them. Air fryer chicken chimichangas are a good source of protein. Rotisserie chicken is also a good source of protein. You can use this instead of shredded chicken to get more protein from the chimichangas.
• Tossing in frozen corn can give your food a more nuanced taste. You might also try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper.
• If you want to make chimichangas in an air fryer for dinner, add rice and beans to the tortillas and cover them with the filling of your choice.

• Air fryer rice paper can be a delightful and crispy alternative to traditional deep-fried spring roll wrappers.

  

• Adding potatoes to the tortillas cooked in the air fryer will make filling your chimichangas more substantial. Shredded lettuce, sour cream, green chiles, and salsa may also be added to the top.
• Your chimichangas may also be turned into quesadillas or burritos packed with filling.
• Take care not to overfill the tortilla with the various fillings. You really must be able to sample the chimichanga.
• Before you use the air fryer, check that the air fryer basket has been well-cleaned. Food particles will decrease the performance of the air fryer.
• Follow the instructions to make meals for one or two people in an air fryer. If you attempt to prepare a supper that is sufficient for a whole family, you should plan to spend at least a couple of hours on it.
• If you make a large quantity of chimichangas in an air fryer, you may put them in the freezer. Stack them in containers appropriate for the freezer to ensure they freeze correctly.

Wrapping Your Chimichangas

This meal is often presented to the diner as a stand-alone dish. Either roll them up in corn tortillas and eat them as is or serve them with rice and beans on the side for a more traditional meal.

• To wrap tortillas, place two on a flat work surface and spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the top.
• Layer diced potatoes on the cream cheese, followed by cooked ground beef or chicken and shredded lettuce.
• Roll up each tortilla into a cigar shape like a burrito, fold the sides of the tortilla, and then cut it in half. Then, cook them for about five minutes until golden brown.

You can make these tacos more substantial by using shredded lettuce, sour cream, green chiles, and salsa or adding cream cheese and potatoes to the tortillas before placing them in. You may try creating them if you taste Mexican cuisine but don’t want to spend much time preparing them in the kitchen. They may be prepared within just a few minutes and are excellent ingredients for cooking Mexican meals at home.

When you need Mexican cuisine but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen or go to a Mexican restaurant, chimichangas are excellent choice. They are simple to prepare and can satisfy that appetite. They go well with Mexican salsa, guacamole, or sour cream as a serving accompaniment. You can store uncooked chimichangas in the fridge.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Chimichangas In An Air Fryer?

Yes, you can easily prepare chimichangas in an air fryer. This method provides a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying, offering a crispy exterior with less oil.

Can I Serve Sour Cream With Air-Fried Chimichangas?

Air-fried chimichangas pair wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream on top. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of sour cream complement the crispy, savory taste of the chimichangas, enhancing the overall dining experience.

How Do I Place Chimichangas In The Air Fryer Basket?

To ensure even cooking and crisping, place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate freely around each chimichanga, producing an evenly cooked and crispy exterior.

How To Cook El Monterey Chimichangas Using Air Fryer?

You can prepare El Monterey by first preparing the tortillas and filling them. You can prepare the tortillas by wrapping them in aluminum foil for about 10 minutes before you cook them in your air fryer. Then, you can add the shredded chicken mixture and shredded cheddar cheese to each filled tortilla before placing them into your air fryer seam side down to cook for about five minutes on each side. For the remaining tortillas, you can heat them for about one minute on each side. Then, you can cover the tortillas with foil and place them in your oven to keep warm as you cook the rest.

How Do You Cook Frozen Chimichangas?

To cook frozen ones, put them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Then, cook them for 10 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Make sure they are fully cooked through. You should ensure that you preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before placing them inside of it so they don’t burn.

What’s The Difference Between Burritos And Chimichangas?

A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito. The term comes from Mexico and means “little fried thing.” It’s also sometimes called a chimi, or chimmie.

How Long Do I Deep Fry El Monterey Chimichangas?

To deep-fry El Monterey, you’ll want to cook them for about one minute. To help make them lightly browned, you can use melted butter, cooking oil, or cooking spray. In a large skillet, heat oil to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for about one minute on medium heat, flipping frequently.

What Is The Chimichanga Sauce Made Of?

Chimichanga sauce is a Mexican condiment that is used to top Mexican dishes. It has a tangy flavor that comes from the addition of lime juice and cilantro, as well as a mild spice from red pepper flakes. It can be made with fresh ingredients or purchased in a bottle from the store. Combine sour cream and mayonnaise using a medium skillet or saucepan. Then add lime juice and garlic powder to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste and red pepper flakes for spice. You can also add cilantro leaves or fresh diced tomatoes if you want. Stir frequently, and mix all of these ingredients until they are well combined.

Are They Always Deep-Fried?

Traditionally, chimichangas are deep-fried, but making them in the air fryer offers a lighter version without losing the crispy exterior that makes them so beloved. Air-fried chimichangas use little oil to provide a delicious alternative to the restaurant version.

How Long Do You Cook A Frozen Burrito?

The cooking time for a frozen burrito in the air fryer generally takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. This method ensures an even cook and a crispy outside. However, for frozen chimichangas, time might vary slightly based on their size and fillings.

Can I Use The Air Fryer To Reheat Frozen Food?

Absolutely, an air fryer is excellent for reheating frozen food, including chimichangas. The key is to use a moderate temperature to ensure the food warms evenly without becoming too dry.

How Do You Maintain Their Crispy Perfection?

To maintain their crispy perfection, then air fry chimichangas at a temperature of around 400°F, and don’t forget the importance of flipping halfway through the cooking time. A little oil sprayed on top also helps mimic the texture of their deep-fried counterparts.

How Long Do You Heat Frozen Chimichangas?

For frozen chimichangas, heating times using the air fryer are similar to cooking from scratch, typically around 15-20 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

How To Air Fry Monterey Chimichangas?

To air-fry Monterey chimichangas, place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, set the temperature to 400°F, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with your favorite salsa for an added flavor boost.

Last Updated on April 25, 2023 by Rejie Salazar

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