Air Fryer Chimichanga
Ready in about 24 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
A deep-fried burrito reborn: a chicken and cheese filled tortilla air fried to blistered, crackling perfection with barely any oil. All the crunch of the restaurant classic without the grease.
Written for 2. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 250 g cooked shredded chicken
- 100 g cheese, grated
- 80 g refried beans
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Soured cream and guacamole, to serve
Method
- 1Mix the chicken with cumin, paprika and a little cheese.
- 2Spread beans on each tortilla, add the chicken mix and remaining cheese.
- 3Fold into tight parcels, tucking in the ends.
- 4Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F.
- 5Brush the parcels all over with olive oil and place seam-side down.
- 6Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden and crunchy.
- 7Serve topped with soured cream and guacamole.
Tips for the best results
- Secure the seams with a cocktail stick if they spring open.
- A generous oil brush gives that signature blistered shell.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer chimichanga steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer chimichanga?
A typical starting point is 200°C / 400°F for 8-10 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer chimichanga ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer chimichanga serve?
This recipe is written for 2. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.