If you’re craving a dinner that’s both crispy and bursting with bold flavors, you are going to love this Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that brings together tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a perfect blend of spices all wrapped in a crispy golden tortilla. The magic of the air fryer means you get that incredible crunch without all the oil or mess of deep frying, making it a fantastic, easy-to-love dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds one large, round, pale beige tortilla with small brown spots scattered across its surface, positioned on a white marbled texture. Around the tortilla are seven ingredients: a block of white cheese wrapped in white paper with blue text at the top center; shredded white chicken in a white bowl to the right of the cheese; a white bowl of chopped red tomatoes, green herbs, and onions below the chicken bowl; a white bowl of smooth, white sour cream below the tomato bowl; a bright green whole lime near the sour cream; a white bowl filled with shredded yellow and white cheese near the bottom left; a small white bowl with reddish-orange seasoning powder to the right of the shredded cheese; and an open can of green chili pieces at the bottom right. The scene is brightly lit with natural light, arranged neatly with clear visibility of each ingredient. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients come together in harmony to create the ultimate comfort food experience. Each element adds its own flair—creamy cheese for richness, zesty green chiles for a mild kick, and perfectly seasoned chicken as the star of the show.

Shredded cooked rotisserie chicken: The perfect time-saver, providing tender and flavorful protein without extra prep.
Cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy texture that binds everything together smoothly.
Diced green chiles (drained): Offers a gentle, smoky heat that lifts the flavor profile.
Taco seasoning: Brings in a vibrant mix of spices, perfectly complementing the chicken.
Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully, adding gooey, cheesy goodness inside each chimichanga.
Large flour tortillas (8 or 10 inch): Soft, flexible wrappers that crisp wonderfully in the air fryer.
Toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, and lime wedges: Fresh accents that brighten every bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Filling

Start by spraying your air fryer basket with a light coat of olive oil spray—this helps keep things from sticking without adding any heaviness. Then, in a medium bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, softened cream cheese, drained diced green chiles, and taco seasoning. Mix until all those flavors are evenly blended, creating a creamy, spicy filling that’s simply irresistible.

Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas

Lay out a large flour tortilla and spread about one-quarter of the chicken mixture right in the center. Scatter half a cup of shredded Mexican cheese next to the filling to ensure every bite is delightfully cheesy. Now comes the wrapping magic—fold one side over the filling, tuck in the edges on both sides to seal in the goodness, and then roll up snugly, tucking the last edge underneath. Repeat this step until all four chimichangas are formed, each packed full of deliciousness.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Place two chimichangas in the air fryer basket at a time and generously spray their tops with cooking spray or brush lightly with melted butter. This step guarantees a golden, crispy exterior. Cook at 400F for 8 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through and reapplying the spray to ensure even crisping. The result is a crunchy, golden shell encasing that warm, melty filling.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove your chimichangas from the air fryer and serve immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. Add your favorite toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing contrast to the savory filling. This simple process transforms everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Two rolled soft tortillas with light brown spots are placed side by side inside a black air fryer basket featuring a grid pattern and small holes, which is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Crisp chimichangas are even better with fresh, lively garnishes. A dollop of sour cream adds creamy coolness, while vibrant pico de gallo introduces a juicy, tangy burst of flavor. Don’t forget a generous squeeze of lime to brighten every bite and bring the whole dish together beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair the chimichangas with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. These classic companions balance out the meal with their comforting textures and help round out your dinner plate for a complete, satisfying experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by slicing your chimichangas into bite-sized pieces for appetizers at your next gathering. You can also set up a toppings bar featuring guacamole, salsa verde, and pickled jalapeños to let everyone customize their plate. Serving with colorful plates or rustic wooden boards makes the presentation feel inviting and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making a quick, flavorful lunch or dinner option that’s ready to heat and enjoy.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these ahead of time, wrap each uncooked chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. When ready to eat, simply cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fry time.

Reheating

To reheat and preserve that irresistible crispiness, pop your leftover chimichangas back into the air fryer at 350F for about 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, shredded cooked chicken breast or even leftover grilled chicken works wonderfully. Just make sure the chicken is well-seasoned for the best results.

What size air fryer is best for cooking chimichangas?

A medium-sized air fryer with at least a 4-quart capacity is ideal, as it gives enough space to cook two chimichangas at a time without overcrowding, ensuring even crisping.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with cooked beans or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and peppers, and adjust the seasoning accordingly. The air fryer will still deliver that amazing crunch.

Is it necessary to spray or butter the chimichangas before air frying?

This step is highly recommended because it helps create that golden, crispy exterior everyone loves. A light coating of olive oil spray or melted butter does the trick perfectly without adding excess oil.

How do I prevent the chimichangas from unrolling during cooking?

Make sure to tuck in the edges tightly while rolling and place the seam side down in the air fryer basket. This simple trick keeps them securely rolled up as they cook.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy, cheesy chimichanga fresh from the air fryer, and this Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe makes achieving that delight unbelievably easy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, it’s a go-to dish that delivers flavor, crunch, and comfort in every bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

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3.9 from 7 reviews

These Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas are a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner option, combining tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and taco seasoning wrapped in crispy flour tortillas. Cooked in the air fryer, they turn out perfectly golden and crunchy in under 20 minutes, ideal for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 chimichangas
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American, Mexican

Ingredients

Filling

1 ½ cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
4 ounce can diced green chiles, drained
1 ounce package taco seasoning
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese

Wraps

4 large (8 or 10 inch) flour tortillas

Toppings (optional)

Pico de Gallo
Sour cream
Lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, preferably olive oil spray, to prevent sticking and avoid buildup.
Make the filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, drained diced green chiles, and taco seasoning. Mix until well incorporated.
Assemble the chimichangas: Lay out a flour tortilla and spread one-quarter of the chicken mixture in the center. Next to it, sprinkle half a cup of shredded Mexican cheese.
Roll the tortillas: Roll one side of the tortilla over the filling, fold in the edges to encase the filling, then roll the remaining side underneath to form a tightly wrapped burrito. Repeat for all four tortillas.
Prepare for air frying: Place two chimichangas at a time into the air fryer basket. Generously spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with melted butter to ensure a crispy, golden finish.
Cook the chimichangas: Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking and spraying again to promote even crisping.
Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as pico de gallo, sour cream, and lime wedges.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken saves prep time and adds extra flavor.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
Be gentle when folding tortillas to avoid tearing.
Spraying chimichangas with oil or butter is key for a golden and crispy exterior.
Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, allowing even heat circulation.

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need