Craving a crispy, flavor-packed meal? These Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas are the perfect solution! With tender beef, melty cheese, and a crispy golden exterior, you can enjoy this classic Mexican dish in a healthier, quicker way—all thanks to your air fryer!
Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas are a quick and easy way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful Mexican classic with less oil. Tender beef, seasoned to perfection, is wrapped in a flour tortilla and air-fried until golden brown and perfectly crunchy.
Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a snack, these beef chimichangas are sure to be a hit, especially when paired with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just a fraction of the time it takes to fry them the old-fashioned way, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a satisfying meal in a hurry.
- Packed with Flavor: The savory, seasoned beef filling combined with melted cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that will satisfy your cravings for Mexican-inspired cuisine.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling to suit your preferences, adding ingredients like beans, rice, or even spicy jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Mess-Free: With no need for hot oil or a deep fryer, this recipe keeps things clean and simple, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying a delicious meal.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Beef – Flavorful, seasoned beef for the filling.
- Flour Tortillas – Soft tortillas to wrap the filling.
- Cheese – Melted cheese for a gooey, delicious center.
- Onion – Adds savory depth to the beef filling.
- Garlic – A hint of garlic for extra flavor.
- Taco Seasoning – Spice blend for authentic Mexican taste.
- Olive Oil – Light coating for crispy, golden texture.
How To Make Air Fryer Beef Chimichanga
Step One: In a pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine, then cook for a few more minutes until the onion softens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step Two: Lay a flour tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture in the center. Top with shredded cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly, securing the filling inside.
Step Three: Lightly brush or spray the outside of the rolled chimichangas with olive oil to ensure a crispy golden finish.
Step Four: Set the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C). Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket, seam side down, and set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step Five: Once cooked, remove the chimichangas from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings, like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. Enjoy your crispy, delicious Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas!
Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas Recipe Tips
- Prevent Overfilling – Avoid overstuffing the tortillas to prevent filling from spilling out while air frying.
- Secure the Wrap – Fold the sides in tightly and roll firmly to keep the chimichangas sealed while cooking. You can use a toothpick if needed.
- Lightly Oil for Crispiness – Brushing or spraying a light coat of oil on the chimichangas helps achieve a perfectly golden, crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Place the chimichangas in a single layer with space between them to allow even air circulation for the best crispiness.
- Flip for Even Cooking – Flip the chimichangas halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get evenly crispy.
- Customize the Filling – Add beans, rice, or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve Immediately – Air fryer chimichangas are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, so serve them right away with your favorite toppings!
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover air fryer beef chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat chimichangas in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Chimichangas Beef Recipe
Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas pair perfectly with a variety of delicious sides and toppings. Serve them with classic Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad for a well-rounded meal. Top them with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or queso for extra flavor.
For a refreshing contrast, add a side of pico de gallo or a squeeze of fresh lime. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with toppings, these crispy chimichangas are sure to be a hit!
Air Fryer Chimichangas Beef Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! You can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, pork, or even a meatless option like black beans or tofu.
How do I keep my chimichangas from unrolling in the air fryer? Make sure to roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the air fryer. You can also use toothpicks to help keep them secure while cooking.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the chimichangas and store them in the fridge for up to a day before air frying, or freeze them for longer storage.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheating is recommended for the crispiest results, but if you skip it, just add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Copycat Applebee’s Cheese Sticks
- Air Fryer Bagel Dogs
- Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs
- Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Bites
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Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning, or homemade 2 1/2 teaspoons
- 1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice
- 4 flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole,
Instructions
- In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine, and cook for a few more minutes until the onion softens. Remove from heat.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture in the center. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly, securing the filling inside.
- Lightly spray or brush the chimichangas with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chimichangas seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the chimichangas and let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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