Air Fried Chicken Chimichangas

Last updated on May 26th, 2024 at 07:07 pm

Chicken chimichangas are a popular Tex-Mex dish, but can be heavy and high in calories. These air fried chicken chimichangas are lightened up but still crispy and absolutely delicious!

Chimichangas are one of my favorite dishes to order out at a Mexican restaurant. But because they are traditionally deep fried, they are far from the healthiest choice on the menu.

That is why I love making homemade air fried chimichangas at home. Air frying chimichangas vs deep frying them saves on tons of oil and added fat, but you still get that crispy golden exterior!

I’ve had chicken chimichangas on my list of things to make in my air fryer ever since I got it. I finally made them for Cinco de Mayo and they were so good, we had them twice in one week.

These air fried chimichangas are filled with slow cooked chicken, so it is fall apart tender, as well as spices, peppers and lots of gooey melted cheese. There are so many delicious toppings to choose from (ideas below) and we served these chicken chimichangas with rice and simmered black beans. Don’t forget an ice cold Coconut Lime Margarita to wash it all down!

Make these air fried chicken chimichangas for taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo celebration, or they are perfect for meal prep!

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken: the chicken is slow cooked in your choice of salsa and spices until it is fall apart tender.
• Salsa: use your favorite salsa to cook the chicken in. I use a restaurant style red salsa.
• Chipotle peppers: optional, but they add a great smoky flavor and a little bit of heat.
• Cheese: I like to use a shredded Mexican blend.
• Green chilies: green chilies add extra flavor and a southwestern flair.
• Spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.
• Tortillas: use large burrito sized flour tortillas.

Topping Suggestions

• Avocado crema
• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce

Equipment

Compact AirFryer
Slow cooker
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Air Fried Chicken Chimichangas

1. Combine chicken breasts, jar of salsa, chipotles and spices in a slow cooker. Set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, let cool for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup salsa from the slow cooker, shredded cheese and green chilies.
3. Place about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture in a rectangle close to one edge of the tortilla. Fold the closest edge over the mixture, then fold in the two sides and roll up.
4. Place chimichangas seam side down in the air fryer basket. Spray with oil and air fry at 425 for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Side Dishes to go with Chicken Chimichangas

• Street Corn Fritters
• Simmered and seasoned black beans
• Mexican street corn pasta salad
• Refried beans
• Mexican rice or Mexican cauliflower rice
• Chips and salsa and/or guacamole
• Margaritas (actually, this one is a must)

Tips for Making Perfect Air Fried Chimichangas

• Use burrito size tortillas that are 7 to 8 inches in diameter.
• Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before stuffing. This will make them more pliable and easier to wrap.
• Place chimichanga seam side down on air fryer basket to help them stay wrapped.
• If the chimichanga won’t stay wrapped or tries to open while cooking, you can keep it together with a toothpick or small skewer.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or the chimichangas won’t get crispy. Air fry the chimichangas in batches, if needed.
• Check the chimichangas every few minutes. They can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly!

Substitutions

• Chicken: I use chicken breast but you can use chicken thighs. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• Chipotle Peppers: You can omit the chipotle peppers if you do not like the spice/smoky flavor.
• Tortillas: Use your favorite type, such as flour, corn, or flour alternative, just make sure they are burrito size.

More TexMex Recipes You’ll Love

• Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
• Crispy Salsa Chicken Tacos
• Beef Burrito Bowls
• Santa Fe Salad
• Shrimp Burrito Bowls

If you make these Air Fried Chicken Chimichangas, please let me know by commenting and rating this recipe below. If you snap a picture, tag me on Instagram @thechowdown. I love seeing your recreations!