Make these Air Fryer Chimichangas for a delicious and healthier version of the favorite Mexican dish. Use your favorite filling and condiments and you will have a fast and easy weeknight meal everyone will love!
One of my guilty pleasures is ordering a huge fried chimichanga at a Mexican restaurant. The flaky, greasy outside and deliciously filled inside is a combo that's hard to resist. But, it comes with a hefty calorie price that I would rather avoid if possible.
Enter the Air Fryer Chimichanga! You still get a crispy outside and a delicious filling inside, but a lot fewer calories and guilt. Yay! These come together pretty quickly if you are using meat that has already been cooked.
This is a great recipe for leftover meat in the fridge or a quick and easy meal for any weeknight. This recipe makes 2 large chimichangas but can easily be doubled.
Ingredients Needed to Make Air Fryer Chimichangas
- flour tortillas, burrito size
- filling of choice: cooked meat or veggies
- black beans or pinto beans
- diced green peppers
- salsa
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- avocado slices or guacamole
- sliced jalapeños
How to Make Chimichangas in the Air Fryer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm up the meat, beans, and green peppers together.
- Warm up your tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds so they are warm and pliable. Place half of the filling mixture into the middle of the tortilla. Wrap the tortilla as tightly as you can just like a burrito.
- Spray the air fryer basket and then place both rolled-up tortillas inside. Spray the top of the chimichangas with non-stick spray and air Fry them at 350° for 8 minutes. Flip, spray, and heat for another 4 minutes on the other side.
- Add your favorite toppings and condiments and enjoy!
Filling and Topping Suggestions
For this recipe, I used my Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef. You could also use Carnitas, rotisserie chicken, or ground beef cooked in taco seasoning. If you are not a meat-eater, you can stuff these chimis with roasted veggies or just beans and rice!
Toppings and condiments are super important in my house and can take an "ok" meal to an AMAZING meal. Here are some ideas for what to put on top of your chimichangas (or inside):
- salsa
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- sliced avocados or guacamole
- shredded lettuce
- black olives
- tomatoes
- onions
- fresh cilantro
Which Air Fryer to Use For This Recipe
There are so many different types of air fryers out there now, and each one is slightly different. There are countertop air fryers, air fryer ovens, and air fryer attachments to name a few. They even make full-size ovens that act as air fryers now!!
I have the COSORI Pro Air Fryer Oven Combo (shown below) and I love it. It does take up some counter space so make sure you have room for it. If you want a smaller option, check out the COSORI Small Air Fryer.
What If I Don't Have An Air Fryer?
No Air Fryer? No problem! You can make baked chimichangas in the oven and get a similar result! Brush the top of the chimichangas with butter or olive oil to get a nice brown and crispy outside. Bake at 400º for about 25 minutes.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
- Baked Chile Rellenos
- Mexican Pizza Recipe
- Instant Pot Green Chile Chicken
- Easy Chile Relleno Enchiladas
- Air Fryer Taquitos
Air Fryer Chimichangas
Equipment
- foil
Ingredients
- 2 flour tortillas, burrito size
- 2 cups filling of choice: meat or veggies
- ½ can black beans, rinsed (or pinto beans)
- 1 small can of diced green peppers (4 oz. can)
Toppings and Condiments
- salsa
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- avocado or guacamole
- diced tomatoes and onions
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix the meat, beans, and green peppers together, stirring occasionally.
- Warm-up your tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds so they are warm and pliable. This makes it easier to roll the filling inside. Place half of the filling mixture into the middle of the tortilla, draining as much liquid as you can before you put it on. Wrap the tortilla, nice and tight, just like a burrito.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick and then place the chimichangas inside. Spray the top of them with non-stick spray and cook them at 350°F for 8 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side. At this point, your chimichangas should be done but if you want them a little more brown, you can cook on the first side for a few more minutes.
- Add your favorite toppings and condiments and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is assuming you are using meat that has already been cooked. If you need to cook the meat first, this will add a little time to the total.
- You can also brush the top of the chimichangas with butter before cooking if desired.
- Always read the instruction manual that came with your Air Fryer and follow all safety guidelines.
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did you Make these Air Fryer Chimichangas?
If you make these Air Fryer Chimichangas, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me your goods! I'd also love for you to rate and comment below.
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Sondra Barker says
Thanks for the recipe, looks amazing!
Marina says
What a fantastic recipe, thank u!
Emily says
You are welcome, Marina!
Chef Dennis says
This is making me crave right now!
Emily says
I love this recipe! Thanks for giving me another reason to use my air fryer.
Emily says
Of course! Any excuse to bust out the air fryer, right?
Gabriela says
Yes, Yes, Yes, this looks so good. I had never thought about making them in the Air Fryer.
Emily says
Gabriela, you are going to love it!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
Chimichangas are one of my go to choices when we go out for Mexican food. I am tempted to marchee them at home now!
Emily says
I hope you do! They are close to the real thing but you will definitely feel better after...LOL!
Elizabeth says
Great recipe! So delicious!
Emily says
Thank you!!
Giangi says
Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe. I was on the fence about getting the air fryer, but not anymore.
Your recipe sounds amazing and cannot wait to try ti,
Emily says
You are so welcome and I promise you will not regret getting an air fryer!
Karissa says
I just got an air fryer! I can't wait to try this recipe!
Emily says
Oh good, it's a perfect beginner air fryer recipe!
Raquel says
So delicious and healthy too! <3
Emily says
Isn't it great when that happens?
Kalu says
I just got an air fryer so this recipe is perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Emily says
Of course, this is a great recipe to try out your new air fryer!
Julie Menghini says
These air fryer chimichangas are fabulous! Perfectly crispy on the outside and beautiful filling on the inside. Making these ASAP!
Emily says
Thanks, Julie, you are going to LOVE them!
Laura says
Great recipe. I love using my air fryer and it's a great way to make these.
Emily says
Thank you, Laura! I love my air fryer as well...LOL!
Sisley White says
This is such a clever idea. I can't wait to try it and see how it works. I love chimichangas and I will take any opportunity to make them.
Emily says
Thanks, Sisley. You are going to love how easy these are to make!
rika says
I love chimichangas and I've been using my air fryer lately! Yum!
Emily says
This is the perfect recipe for you, enjoy!
Dannii says
This is such a great way to use an air fryer. I bet they get so crispy.
Emily says
They do get pretty crispy...gotta love the air fryer!
Megan says
The air fryer gets them nice and crispy! Love!
Emily says
I'm so glad to hear it, Megan!