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Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas (Air Fryer Method)

Two golden-brown, crispy Chimichangas on a white plate, one cut open to show ground beef and melted cheddar cheese filling.
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Make satisfying, crispy beef and cheese chimichangas using your air fryer. This recipe offers a lighter alternative to deep-frying while delivering the crunch and flavor you expect from this Tex-Mex favorite. It is a quick dinner idea.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and let the beef cool slightly.
  3. In a bowl, mix the cooled seasoned beef with the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until combined. This is your filling.
  4. Lay a tortilla flat. Place about 1/4 cup of the beef and cheese mixture slightly below the center of the tortilla.
  5. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, tightly roll the tortilla up from the bottom, creating a sealed burrito shape. Secure the seam with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat with the remaining filling and tortillas.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly spray the outside of each chimichanga 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 for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Serve your crispy beef chimichangas immediately with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

  • For an oven-baked option, place the sprayed chimichangas on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or shredded cooked chicken for the ground beef to make a different flavor variation.
  • These chimichangas freeze well. Cool them completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Nutrition

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