Name: Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, beef, or pork; 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion or yellow onion; 1 (5 ounce) can diced green chiles; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 8 large flour tortillas, burrito size; Oil for frying (for spritzing or basting)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Mexican treat without the guilt of deep-frying, then you’re in the right place. This Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe is an absolute game-changer—crispy on the outside, tender and packed with savory goodness inside, and ready in just about half an hour. I remember the first time I made these; I was amazed at how perfectly browned and crunchy they came out using just the air fryer. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back to it for easy weeknight dinners or impressive weekend snacks.

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Crispy Without the Mess: Using the air fryer gives you that perfect crunch without deep-frying in oil, cutting down on cleanup and calories.
Flavor-Packed Filling: The blend of shredded meat, green chiles, and spices creates a juicy, savory filling that keeps every bite exciting.
Quick & Easy Assembly: Warm tortillas roll up easily, and the assembly-ready filling makes this recipe great for busy days.
Versatile & Customizable: You can tweak the protein, spices, and sides to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Air Fryer Chimichangas, crispy chimichangas, Mexican appetizers, quick air fryer recipes, cheesy chimichangas - Three golden-brown rolled burritos are placed close together inside a black air fryer basket with small holes. Each burrito is drizzled with smooth white sauce in a zigzag pattern on top. Bright green chopped cilantro leaves are sprinkled over the burritos and scattered around them in the basket. The texture of the burritos is soft with slight browning spots, and the background shows the black perforated surface of the basket. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together classic Tex-Mex flavors with ingredients that balance richness and texture. Each component plays a key role in making your Air Fryer Chimichangas sing — from the tender shredded meat to the creamy beans and melty cheese.

Air Fryer Chimichangas, crispy chimichangas, Mexican appetizers, quick air fryer recipes, cheesy chimichangas - Flat lay of shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped white onion, diced green chiles, ground cumin and chili powder in small piles, refried beans dolloped with a smooth texture, shredded cheddar cheese mounded with vibrant orange color, and large soft flour tortillas gently folded, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Shredded cooked chicken, beef, or pork: Pick your favorite cooked meat—leftovers work great and soak up the spices beautifully.
Chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch; either white or yellow works fine.
Diced green chiles: These bring a gentle kick and that authentic Southwestern flavor we all crave.
Ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder: The essential spices that build the smoky, savory profile of the filling.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that make sure your filling isn’t bland.
Refried beans: They add creaminess, binding the filling and balancing the meat.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts inside for gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Large flour tortillas (burrito size): These sturdy wraps hold all the filling and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Cooking oil: A light spritz helps the tortilla get that gorgeous golden color and crunch.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe my own by swapping proteins or turning up the spice level depending on what I’m craving. It’s really forgiving, so feel free to experiment and make it yours!

Variation: When I’m feeling bold, I add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for some smoky heat—totally changes the vibe and it’s fantastic.
Vegetarian option: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms or a mix of black beans and corn, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based version.
Cheese choice: I’ve tried Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add creamy or spicy notes.
Make it extra crispy: For an ultra-crunchy shell, try brushing a thin layer of oil on the tortilla before air frying rather than just spraying.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Filling Ready

Start by mixing your shredded cooked chicken (or beef or pork) with diced green chiles, chopped onion, and all your spices right in a big bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to give everything a good stir so every bite is bursting with flavor. This step is key—don’t skip tasting and adjusting the seasoning here; it makes a huge difference later!

Step 2: Warm Those Tortillas

Wrap the tortillas in a clean towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds. This softens them up and makes rolling the chimichangas a breeze without tearing. If you don’t warm them, you might have some sad cracks later — trust me, I’ve been there!

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Spoon about half a cup of your meat mixture onto each tortilla, then add two tablespoons of refried beans and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet. If you find one slipping open, a toothpick can hold it in place while you cook.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray or brush the chimichangas with oil—this is what gives them their golden, crispy finish. Pop them in (work in batches if needed) and air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through for the best even crispness. Keep an eye that they don’t burn; every air fryer runs a bit differently.

Step 5: Let Them Rest & Serve

Once cooked, let the chimichangas sit for a couple of minutes — this helps the filling settle in and prevents volcanic hot cheese burns! Then, dig in and enjoy that crispy, cheesy, spicy goodness.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe

Don’t Overstuff the Tortillas: Overfilling can cause the chimichangas to burst open while cooking—keep the filling modest for neat, crispy wraps.
Use a Light Oil Spray: Spraying oil evenly helps crisp the tortillas without making them greasy like deep frying.
Flip Halfway Through: Turning the chimichangas halfway ensures both sides get that perfect golden crunch you’re aiming for.
Air Fryer Model Variations: Cooking times can vary by model, so check around 6 minutes and adjust if needed to avoid burning.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe

Air Fryer Chimichangas, crispy chimichangas, Mexican appetizers, quick air fryer recipes, cheesy chimichangas - On a white plate on a white marbled surface, there are four golden brown rolled tacos stacked slightly on each other. Each taco is topped with a green guacamole layer that has a smooth texture and chopped red tomatoes sprinkled on it. Thin lines of white sour cream sauce run across the tacos vertically. Small green herb pieces are scattered on top and around the plate, adding a fresh touch. The background shows a blurred green lime and leafy greens. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like topping these chimichangas with a dollop of sour cream, some fresh salsa, and sliced avocado—these add a fresh, cool contrast to the crispy, warm chimichangas. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice really brighten everything up, too. Don’t forget some pickled jalapeños if you love a bit of heat!

Side Dishes

Pair these with a simple Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal. I like serving a crunchy corn salad alongside—it feels light and cuts through the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner or party, I slice the chimichangas into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with mini bowls of guacamole, queso, and salsa for dipping. It’s a crowd-pleaser and makes snacking fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I place leftover chimichangas in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Keeping the toothpicks in while storing helps them keep their shape.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before rolled but uncooked, wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When I’m ready, I just air fry them straight from frozen with a couple extra minutes added to the cooking time—super handy for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the chimichangas back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want that crunch—microwaves make the tortilla soggy fast.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas other than burrito size for this Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe?

While burrito-size tortillas work best to hold all the filling without bursting, you can experiment with smaller tortillas for mini chimichangas. Just expect them to be less filled and cook slightly quicker.
Do these chimichangas taste as good as the deep-fried version?

Honestly, yes! The air fryer crisps the tortilla beautifully, producing a crunch that’s nearly indistinguishable from deep-fried, but with less oil and mess. Plus, you get the advantage of a lighter, less greasy result.
Can I prepare and assemble these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the chimichangas and keep them wrapped or covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just remove the toothpicks before cooking for safety.
What’s the best way to avoid chimichangas opening during cooking?

Rolling the tortillas snugly and placing them seam-side down helps a lot. If needed, secure with toothpicks, and avoid overfilling. Lightly spraying oil also helps the tortilla seal while crisping.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chimichangas Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and approachable, making it a regular in my rotation. It’s quick, flavorful, and delivers that irresistible crunch everyone loves—plus, it’s an easy way to bring Tex-Mex vibes into your kitchen without the oily aftermath. I promise, once you give this a try, you’ll find yourself sharing it with friends just like I have. So, heat up that air fryer and get ready for chimichangas done right—your new favorite comfort food is just a few steps away!