Name: Chimichangas in an Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup salsa; 1 16-ounce can refried beans; 6 burrito size flour tortillas; 1 1/3 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese; Avocado oil spray; Greens; Salsa; Sour cream; Cheese; Cilantro

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Introduction

Chimichangas are a delicious, crispy treat that combines tender, flavorful chicken with beans and cheese, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Using an air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without deep frying, making this a lighter yet satisfying meal.

A folded light brown burrito sits in the center of a white plate, resting on a bed of fresh, bright green lettuce leaves. The burrito is topped with a thick layer of red chunky salsa sauce spread down the middle, and drizzled with white creamy sauce in thin irregular lines. Several small dots of the white sauce are also placed on the lettuce and the plate. A fork is visible on the right side of the plate, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup salsa
1 16-ounce can refried beans
6 burrito size flour tortillas
1 1/3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Avocado oil spray
Optional for serving: greens, salsa, sour cream, cheese, cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place chicken thighs in a 9×13 casserole dish and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle cumin, garlic powder, and salt over the chicken. Use tongs to coat all pieces evenly, then arrange in a single layer.
Step 2: Spoon salsa over the chicken, covering it completely. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 3: Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks.
Step 4: Transfer shredded chicken and cooking juices to a large bowl. Add refried beans and mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 3 minutes.
Step 6: Lay out a tortilla and spoon about 1 1/3 cups of filling into the center. Sprinkle approximately 1/4 cup cheese on top.
Step 7: Wrap the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a burrito: pull sides over ends, fold up the bottom, tuck in sides and bottom, then fold over remaining open tortilla to seal.
Step 8: Place two chimichangas folded side down in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with avocado oil spray.
Step 9: Cook at 360°F for 6-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with remaining chimichangas.
Step 10: Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime to the chicken mixture before assembling.
Use your favorite salsa variety for different spice levels and flavors.
Swap refried beans for black beans or pinto beans for a different texture.
To make them vegetarian, omit chicken and increase beans and cheese.
To freeze cooked chimichangas, wrap individually in foil and air fry at 360°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, to reheat.

Storage

Store cooked chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 2 minutes or air fry until warmed through and crispy. For freezing, wrap individually in foil and freeze. Reheat frozen chimichangas in the air fryer at 360°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, to maintain a crisp exterior.

How to Serve

A folded burrito with a soft light brown tortilla sits in the middle of a white plate, surrounded by fresh green lettuce leaves that add texture and color around it. The burrito is topped with a thick red salsa sauce that looks chunky and slightly glossy, and white sauce drizzled unevenly over the salsa and burrito. A fork rests on the edge of the plate, with some white sauce drops scattered around the plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs stay juicier and more tender after baking. Adjust cooking time to ensure breasts reach 165°F internal temperature.

Do I need to spray the tortillas with oil before air frying?

Spraying the tops of the chimichangas with avocado oil spray helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior without frying. There’s no need to spray the entire tortilla or flip during cooking.