Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas

These simple Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas are full of flavor and have a great crunchy texture. Sure to please the entire family!

So what is a chimichanga? It’s basically a fried burrito. A chimichanga is usually filled with a combination of beef, beans, cheese and rice. While some people believe the chimichanga originated in Mexico, most food historians agree that it originated in the United States. It is a staple at most Mexican, Tex-Mex and Southwestern restaurants in the United States. The chimichanga delivers all the flavors of a Burrito in a crispy and crunchy, delicious package.

In this recipe we use beef, beans and cheese to make our chimichanga. The great thing about chimichangas is that you can substitute your favorites like chicken or pork, add rice and black beans, maybe add some onions and peppers too. Whatever flavors you like, just put them in the filling and you are sure to have a great chimichanga.

Air Fryer Beef Chimichangas-Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 4 oz chopped green chilis (1 can)
• 4 oz refried beans (optional)
• 8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 14 6-inch flour tortillas

Instructions

• Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
• Add taco seasoning per instructions on packet.
• Add green chilis and refried beans and mix thoroughly.
• Place 2 tablespoons of beef mixture in the middle of tortilla and add cheese.

• Fold tortilla up, fold sides in and close. Repeat until all beef mixture has been used. Approximately 14 chimichangas.

• Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees.
• Working in batches. Place the chimichangas in air fryer basket making sure not to crowd.
• Coat the chimichangas with olive oil spray and cook for 8 minutes. Flip, coat halfway through.
• Serve immediately, top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Great Toppings for Chimichangas

• Queso:  Pour it over the top for some creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: One of the most common toppings, shredded cheddar cheese elevates the flavors of meat and vegetables.
• Fresh salsa: A staple found in many Mexican dishes, salsa adds some spice and tons of flavor and texture.
• Guacamole: This creamy mixture is a combination of mashed avocados, onion, garlic, peppers, lime juice, salt and pepper. A delicious topping that you can add to the inside or outside!
• Habaneros: Years ago the habanero was listed as one of the world’s hottest chilis. However, in recent years, it has been displaced by hotter peppers. The habanero is categorized in the extra-hot zone on the Scoville heat scale, ranging from 100,000-350,000, just below the super-hot peppers. Cut them up and add some real heat!
• Tomatoes: Add a little juicy sweetness to your chimichanga! Tomatoes also pair well with meats and other vegetables.
• Grilled onions and peppers: Both go well with tomatoes and other vegetables that you may add to your chimichanga. The onions will add a light and sweet flavor while the green peppers will add a little grassy bitterness.
• Jalapeños: For those that like a little more milder spice, cut up some fresh jalapeños. Jalapeños range from 2,500 to 8,000 on the Scoville heat scale.  Much milder than a habanero.
• Corn: Adds a sweet, starchy, and crunchy taste to your chimichanga.
• Shredded lettuce: Adds a little texture and crunchiness to your chimichanga.
• Chillies: Chillies have a variety of flavors including smoky, spicy, earthy, sweet, and grassy. Depending on your mood, add some of your favorites!
• Sour cream: Adds a tart, creamy, cool taste to your chimichanga.
• Hot sauce: A spicy condiment made from hot chili peppers that raises the heat intensity in your chimichanga. Depending on the hot sauce, temperatures may range from mild to super-hot!
• Cilantro: Cilantro is a relative of parsley and is used as an herb or spice. Adding it to your chimichanga will add a little fresh, citrusy flavor.

Try them all or just add your favorites. There’s no wrong way to build your chimichanga!

Try these other great recipes too!

Air Fryer Corned Beef Reuben Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Barbacoa Style Short Rib Tacos

Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce

Mango Hot Pepper Sauce

Simple Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Drinks that go great with these chimichangas:

Fresh Strawberry Margarita

Frozen Watermelon Margarita

Simple Lemon Margarita

Spicy Paloma Cocktail

Tequila Breeze Margarita (grapefruit)