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Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

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3.9 from 80 reviews

  • Author: Maggie
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Description

This Air Fryer Chimichanga recipe features tender shredded chicken seasoned with taco spices, layered with refried beans and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a crispy flour tortilla. The chicken is first cooked in an Instant Pot to retain moisture and flavor, then the chimichangas are air fried to golden perfection for a deliciously crunchy finish. Perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal, this recipe serves 5 and comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Chicken Filling

  • 1 pound chicken breasts
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup water

Assembly

  • 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
  • 5 burrito-sized flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • cooking oil spray, for air frying

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Your favorite chimichanga toppings

Instructions

  1. Pressure Cook Chicken: Add 1/2 cup water to the base of the Instant Pot. Place chicken breasts inside, sprinkle with 1 packet taco seasoning, and pour 1 cup salsa over the top. Close the lid, lock it, and cook on high pressure for 14 minutes. Perform a quick release once done and shred the chicken using two forks.
  2. Prepare Tortillas: Lay the 5 burrito-sized flour tortillas out flat on a clean surface. Spread a layer of refried beans evenly onto each tortilla, then top with the shredded chicken and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. Roll Burritos: Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll them tightly into burrito shapes, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed.
  4. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400º F and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chimichangas.
  5. Grease and Place Burritos: Lightly spray the outside of each rolled burrito with cooking oil. Arrange them seam side down in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each so they cook evenly and crisp up well.
  6. Air Fry Chimichangas: Cook the chimichangas for about 10 minutes in the air fryer, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides become golden brown and crispy.
  7. Serve: Carefully remove the chimichangas from the air fryer and top with sour cream, guacamole, or your preferred toppings before serving.

Notes

  • Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crisping.
  • Leftover chimichangas can be reheated in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
  • Feel free to customize fillings with your favorite beans, cheeses, or sauces.
  • If you don’t have an Instant Pot, the chicken can be cooked on the stovetop until tender before shredding.
  • Use non-stick spray or oil to get a crispy exterior without deep frying for a healthier alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://recipeworthsaving.com/air-fryer-chicken-chimichangas-recipe/