Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas - Recipe Diaries (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

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Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas are a Mexican entre that is a tortilla filled with ground beef, chicken, or beans, and deep-fried. Save on extra fat and calories and air fry them instead. Top them with your favorite zero point ingredients such as Greek Yogurt, tomatoes, scallions, lettuce, and fat-free refried beans.

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas - Recipe Diaries (1)

The air fryer is one of my favorite kitchen appliances. Check out some of these recipes! Air Fryer Chocolate Cake, Air Fryer Garlic Bread, Air Fryer Fish and Chips, Air Fryer Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary, and Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli.

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients Needed
  • Chimichanga Toppings
  • How to make Air Fryer Chimichangas
  • Recipe FAQS
  • Best Air Fryer Tips
  • More Great Air Fryer Recipes to Try :
  • Air Fryer Chimichangas

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Chimichangas come out great and extra crispy in the air fryer plus it only takes 15 minutes to make them!

I wondered what it would be like making those in my air fryer and I loved the way they came out!

The tortilla gets super crispy after spraying it with some cooking spray. I just took about ½ a cup of the chicken and placed it in the middle of the tortilla then rolled it up.

If you don't have an air fryer try baking these in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

Ingredients Needed

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas - Recipe Diaries (2)
  • Shredded Chicken - Deli-style cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken breast. Get it at Sam's Club or Costco.
  • Can chopped green chilies - for some extra heat
  • Whipped Cream Cheese - Use room temperature cream cheese, it is easier to mix all the ingredients together that way
  • Cheddar Cheese - or Mexican shredded cheese blend
  • Taco Seasoning - s a blend of spices used to flavor ground beef or other meats for use in tacos. It typically includes a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sometimes salt and pepper. It can be purchased pre-mixed, or made at home using individual spices. I usually buy the Lower Sodium Taco Seasoning packets.
  • Flour Tortillas - 8 to 10 inches are the best because you can fold them up like a burrito. Make your own or use a can of store bought.
  • Enchilada Sauce for adding on top of the cooked enchiladas.

Chimichanga Toppings

  • Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese - I like to use reduced fat to help lower the calories
  • Make my Smoked Salsa or Smoked Queso Dip to go on top of the Chimichangas or
  • Top it off with some of the Best Damn Guacamole Ever!
  • Plain Greek Yogurt - This will add some more protein and it's a good substitute for sour cream.
  • Add some corn and black beans to the chicken mixture for some fiber.
  • Cilantro or Scallions for garnish (optional)

How to make Air Fryer Chimichangas

Step 1: In a bowl add the cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, chiles, taco seasoning, and cheddar Cheese. Mix well to combine

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas - Recipe Diaries (3)

Step 2: Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees.

Step 3: Place about ½ cup of the chicken mixture in the middle of the flour tortilla. Fold each sides in then fold down the middle of the tortilla and roll it up.

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas - Recipe Diaries (4)

Step 4: Place the chimichangas in an air fryer basket and spray them with cooking spray.Let the chimichangas air fry for 10 minutes.

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas - Recipe Diaries (5)

When the chimichangas are done spoon some enchilada sauce over the chimichangas and top with cheese. Add them to the microwave and let the cheese melt and the sauce warm up.

Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Recipe FAQS

What can I serve this with chimichangas?

You can serve these with some Fat Free refried beans for 0 smart points, rice, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream!

Can I use gluten-free or low carb tortillas?

Yes, try these with the Zero Net Carb tortillas from Mission. These are so good and only 25 calories.

How do I store the leftovers?

Store any of the leftover chicken in air tight containers to use up for the next day. The chicken can be made the day ahead. Having leftover chicken you can make chimichangas any day of the week!

What air fryer do I use?

I have two air fryers. The Cosori 4 Qt Air Fryer and Ninja Woodfire Grill which is an outdoor air fryer. It’s pretty awesome! It has 5 different functions on it.

Best Air Fryer Tips

The air fryer is so great for cooking simple basic food like air fryer steak, air fryer hard-boiled eggs, and air fryer bacon. Cook up some air fryer chicken breasts for the week and use it chicken quesadillas.

Overcrowding:Do not overcrowd the basket. Place items in a single layer in the air fryer basket or some food will not cook properly or all the way through.

Use a spray oil such as Pam to get food extra crispy and to save on calories.

Use parchment paper on the bottom of your air fryer for easy clean up.

More Great Air Fryer Recipes to Try :

  • Air Fryer Filet O Fish (Mcdonald's Copycat)
  • Air Fryer Beef Enchiladas
  • Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
  • Air Fryer Oreos without Crescent Roll Dough

If you tried this Air Fryer Chimichangas or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries

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Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas - Recipe Diaries (10)

Air Fryer Chimichangas

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Jenna
  • Total Time: 15 min
  • Yield: 4 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Chimichangas are a Mexican entre that is a tortilla filled with ground beef, chicken, or beans, and deep-fried. Save on extra fat and calories and air fry them instead. Top them with your favorite zero point ingredients such as Greek Yogurt, tomatoes, scallions, lettuce, and fat-free refried beans.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
  • 4 ounces whipped cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz can diced green chiles, drained
  • 1 1oz package reduced sodium taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 4 (8 or 10 inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 10 oz can of Red or Green Enchilada Sauce

Toppings: More shredded cheese, Greek Yogurt, cilantro, or chopped scallions.

Instructions

  • Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees.
  • Place about ½ cup of the chicken mixture in the middle of the flour tortilla. Fold each sides in then fold down the middle of the tortilla and roll it up.
  • Place the chimichangas in an air fryer basket and spray them with cooking spray.
  • Set the timer for 10 minutes.
  • When the chimichangas are done spoon some enchilada sauce over the chimichangas and top with cheese. Add them to the microwave and let the cheese melt and the sauce warm up.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Notes

myWW points: Blue 3; Green 4; Purple 3

My WW Personal Points: 3 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)

  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fry
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
  • Calories: 311
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 374
  • Fat: 7
  • Saturated Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 20
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 43

More Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Asparagus
  • Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
  • Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Air Fryer Shrimp co*cktail

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jenna says

    This is a recipe for air fryer chimichangas. If that's what you want to do then go for it, you don't need to question my recipe. Thanks.

  2. Linda says

    Why dirty the skillet to cook chicken,etc and then the air fryer? Why not brown shells in skillet, put aside, cook filling, combine, put back in skillet to warm and then eat. Easy peasy

  3. Michael Murphy says

    These are delicious and easy too make!

  4. Grace says

    I didn't see the instructions for the air fryer. Can you please send them to me Thank you.

  5. www.primegroupfoods.com says

    There is cerdtainly a lot to learn about this subject.
    I really like all the points you made.

  6. Jenna says

    Yes. You could also just freeze the chicken mixture and take it out when you need it.

  7. Karen says

    Can I freeze the chimichangas? Cannot eat 30+ at one time!!!

  8. Jenna says

    Sorry, the recipe I used, used the oil and I didn't update it to the air fryer version. I updated it with the air fryer instructions.

  9. Liz says

    I love the idea of using my air fryer to make chimichangas, and your ingredients sound great, but do you have any actual air fryer instructions (time/temp)? Your recipe instructions seem to have the user pan-fry the chimichangas in quite a bit of oil instead of using an air fryer which while it sounds delicious :), seems just as unhealthy as deep frying. Thanks!

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Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas - Recipe Diaries (2024)

FAQs

How long do i cook el monterey chimichangas in air fryer? ›

Place 1 chimichanga in air fryer basket. FROZEN: Cook for 6 MINUTES, flip and cook for additional 6 MINUTES.

How do you keep chimichangas from opening? ›

Folding a Chimichanga
  1. Now fold over one long edge and hold down that side while you repeat folding over the corners, then long edge of the other side.
  2. Place sealed side down to fry the burrito and seal it shut. Use tongs to turn your chimichanga. Using tongs will help keep the sealed edge from popping open!
Jun 5, 2022

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 does a chimichanga have on it? ›

In summary, what makes a chimichanga a chimichanga is the fact that it is a deep-fried burrito with a crispy outer layer, and it often includes a filling of meat, beans, cheese, and vegetables.

How to cook El Monterey chimichangas in the air fryer? ›

  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.

How do you keep chimichangas crispy? ›

To keep your chimichangas crisp, drain as much oil as you can from them! Store them in an airtight container on a paper towel to help soak up any excess oil that could potentially make them soggy. Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

What does chimichanga mean in spanish? ›

First recorded in 1950–55; from Mexican Spanish (Veracruz, Tabasco) chimichanga, chivichanga “trinket, trifle,” of uncertain origin.

How do you seal chimichangas for frying? ›

Wrap the fillings (don't overload the tortilla!) up inside like a burrito: bottom, sides, roll it over. Secure with toothpicks. Fry!

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.

Do they eat chimichangas in Mexico? ›

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.

Why are chimichangas unhealthy? ›

A chimichanga can be a rich, occasional treat, rather than a diet staple. 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.

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".

What is a wet chimichanga? ›

Chimichangas invariably fall into two basic categories: dry and wet. The former is crisply fried, topped with sour cream and guacamole and perhaps a little cheese. The latter is smothered with a sauce or salsa.

How long to air fry frozen burritos at 400? ›

Instructions
  1. Place the frozen burritos in the air fryer basket. ...
  2. Secure the basket in the air fryer and set the temperature to 400 degrees and the time for 7 minutes.
  3. When the timer goes off, remove the basket and flip the burritos.
  4. Cook an additional 8 minutes or until the burritos are cooked and warmed through.
May 16, 2022

How long should i air fry 2 frozen burritos? ›

Instructions
  1. Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F.
  2. Place burritos in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray. 6 frozen breakfast burritos or 2 large regular frozen burritos.
  3. Air Fry for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.
  4. Once done cooking, allow to cool enough to handle/eat. Dip in hot sauce and enjoy!
May 18, 2022

How long do you bake frozen chimichangas? ›

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrapper. Place frozen chimichanga on baking sheet in center of oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot.

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