Print

Crispy Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas

A single, golden-brown, crispy air fryer chimichangas filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese, resting on a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make perfectly crispy, cheesy beef chimichangas using your air fryer. This recipe offers a lighter alternative to deep-frying while delivering satisfying Tex-Mex flavor quickly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil recommended)
  • Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
  3. Warm the flour tortillas briefly in a microwave or dry skillet to make them pliable.
  4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
  5. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then tightly roll the bottom edge up over the filling to create a sealed burrito shape. Tuck the ends in neatly.
  6. Lightly spray both sides of the rolled chimichangas with cooking spray.
  7. Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to work in batches.
  8. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings for a quick dinner or snack.

Notes

  • For freezer-friendly meals, assemble the chimichangas completely, spray lightly with oil, and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the air fry time.
  • If you prefer baking, place them on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping once, until golden.
  • Use pre-cooked shredded chicken instead of beef for easy chicken chimichangas.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/crispy-air-fryer-beef-chimichangas/