Say goodbye to oiled fried Chimichangas and hello to a healthier version you’ll love! Made with your favorite filling, beans, a little cheese and a crunchy tortilla, these Air Fryer Chimichangas is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
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These Air Fryer Chimichangas are amazingly good!
Friends, if you love chimichangas, but hate dealing with messy hot oils and the not so healthy side effects, then prepare to have your tastebuds absolutely blown.
This air fried version is still crunchy and so tasty that are not only so simple and easy to whip up on a whim, but also healthy, making them perfect for a weeknight meal. Just use your favorite Mexican leftover dish and wrap them up in delicious flour tortilla to make the crispy layer.
Two days ago I made 2 pounds of ground beef into Picadillo for dinner. Since there is only two of us, of course I had tons of it for leftovers so had to get creative. I love the “cook once and eat twice” kind of deal, I bet you do too!
Anyways, so today I decided to make Chimichangas with the leftover Picadillo and fill it with some refried beans & a little cheese. I always have a Salsa in my fridge and that’s all I needed for a delicious but quick dinner.
I hope you read the post where I offer you what to serve them with, alternative fillings and toppings.
🩷 xoxo, Ana
Ingredients
This recipe is for those times that you have leftovers and want to give them a second life.
- 6 large flour tortillas – it’s best to go with a large flour tortilla. Look for tortillas that are at least 10-12 inches in diameter for easier tucking.
- 6 cups premade picadillo, roasted vegetables, chorizo con papas, this shredded beef, etc.
- 1 ½ cups refried beans
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- 3 Tablespoons avocado oil
Toppings
- Mexican crema, salsa, guacamole
How to make them
Start by gathering your ingredients. Then warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-20 seconds to make them pliable.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of refried beans and spread in the center of each tortilla. Then add about 1 cup of the filling and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the filling.
- A chimichanga is basically a large burrito. A loose burrito won’t hold up for long, so it’s important to roll it tight. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly, tucking in the ends to create a burrito shape.
As you roll, use your fingers to tuck the tortilla under the filling while keeping the sides folded inward.
Place the burritos on the air fryer tray and brush them lightly with oil or lightly spray them with cooking spray before air frying.
Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Air fry for 8–10 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chimichanga to ensure they’re evenly cooked on all sides.
Enjoy your air fryer chimichangas while they’re still warm.
Tips and Notes
- The Tortillas: Use large flour tortillas. Don’t forget to warm them slightly before filling so they’re pliable and easier to fold.
- Filling: Chimichangas are typically filled with a mix of shredded meat (chicken, beef, or pork), beans, and cheese. Ensure the filling isn’t watery to avoid a soggy result.
- Assembly: Place filling in the center of the tortilla, fold the sides in, then roll it tightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
How to Store
- In fridge: Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in an airtight container for extra protection. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Chimichangas freeze well. Assemble them and freeze before cooking. When ready to eat, thaw in refrigerator then air fry as directed on this post.
More Mexican Recipes
Thank you for stopping by!
I hope you like this recipe! Do you have any questions I can help you with? Or if you made it, I would love it if you leave a comment or rating below.
Gracias!!!! xx, Ana
Print recipe
Air Fryer Chimichanga
Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 6 cups premade picadillo, roasted vegetables, chorizo con papas, this shredded beef, etc.
- 1 ½ cups refried beans
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- 3 Tablespoons avocado oil
Toppings
- Mexican crema, salsa, guacamole
Instructions
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-20 seconds to make them pliable.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of refried beans and spread in the center of each tortilla. Then add about 1 cup of the filling and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the filling.
- Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly, tucking in the ends to create a burrito shape.
- Air Fry: Place the burritos on the air fryer tray and brush them lightly with oil or you can lightly spray them with cooking spray before air frying.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Air fry for 8–10 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chimichanga to ensure they’re evenly cooked on all sides.
- Serve while warm and top with Mexican crema or sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings. Serve with a side of salsa or pico de gallo.
- That's it! The key to a good chimichanga is getting the tortilla crispy with a flavorful filling.
It was very delicious family loved it !!
Thank you so much Manuel! My family loves this recipe too and it’s so easy to make! Thanks for the review 🥰
Mmmm Que Ricas se ven estas Chimichangas! I have to make them now 🙂 <3
That’s it my friends! I hope you like this recipe as much as I do! Please leave me a comment or question and I’ll get back to you asap. Stay well! xo, Ana