Shredded Beef Chimichanga Recipe In The Air Fryer
If you’re craving crispy, flavorful Mexican cuisine but want a healthier alternative to deep-fried favorites, look no further than this Shredded Beef Chimichanga Recipe in the Air Fryer. Packed with tender, seasoned shredded beef and wrapped in a golden, crispy tortilla, these chimichangas are easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight treat. By using an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crunch with significantly less oil, making this recipe both delicious and guilt-free. Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time (Active Time): 12-15 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Main Course
Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Ingredients
For the shredded beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) beef chuck roast or brisket
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the chimichanga assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas (8-10 inches)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1 cup refried beans (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies or jalapeños (optional)
- Cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
Equipment
- Air fryer (any model with at least a 5-quart capacity)
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot (for cooking the beef)
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Pastry brush (for applying oil)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shredded Beef
- Cook the beef: Place the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Season it with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the beef broth and lime juice. Cook in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours) until the beef is tender and easy to shred. If using an Instant Pot, pressure cook on high for 60 minutes and let it naturally release pressure.
- Shred the beef: Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded beef back into the juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
2. Assemble the Chimichangas
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread 2-3 tablespoons of refried beans (if using) onto the center of the tortilla.
- Add a generous amount of shredded beef on top of the beans, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese and diced green chilies or jalapeños if desired.
- Fold the tortilla: First, fold in the sides, then roll it up tightly like a burrito. Secure the seam side down.
3. Air Fry the Chimichangas
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray or brush the outside of each chimichanga with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Place the chimichangas seam-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap (cook in batches if necessary).
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the chimichangas rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow them to crisp further.
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or freshly chopped cilantro.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
- Fat: 12-15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg (varies depending on seasoning and toppings)
Why Use an Air Fryer for Chimichangas?
Air frying is a game-changer when it comes to making traditionally fried dishes healthier. Unlike deep frying, which submerges food in oil, the air fryer circulates hot air around the food to create a crispy exterior. This method uses only a fraction of the oil, significantly cutting down calories and fat while retaining the satisfying crunch we all love in chimichangas.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shredded Beef Chimichangas
- Don’t overfill the tortillas: Overfilling can cause the chimichangas to tear or spill out during cooking.
- Secure the seams tightly: Rolling the tortilla tightly and placing it seam-side down ensures it stays intact in the air fryer.
- Reheat leftovers carefully: To reheat, place leftover chimichangas in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
- Make it your own: Feel free to swap shredded beef for chicken or pork, and experiment with different cheeses or additional fillings like sautéed onions or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these chimichangas with a side of Mexican rice, a crisp garden salad, or a bowl of tortilla chips with salsa and queso. They also make a great standalone meal with all your favorite toppings.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.