Oh my gosh, you have to try these Air Fryer Beef & Bean Chimichangas! They’re my family’s new obsession for taco night – all that crispy, golden tortilla goodness without the guilt of deep frying. I used to think nothing could beat the original fried version, but trust me, the air fryer works magic here. In just 25 minutes from start to finish, you get that perfect crunch we all crave, with way less oil splattering all over your stove. My kids go wild when they smell these cooking, and honestly? I don’t blame them. That beef and bean filling wrapped up in a crispy shell is everything you want in a weeknight meal – fast, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Beef & Bean Chimichangas
These chimichangas are about to become your new go-to meal for so many reasons:
- Crazy fast – ready in under 30 minutes!
- So much easier than deep frying (no messy oil cleanup)
- That perfect crispy crunch we all crave
- Healthier than restaurant versions but just as delicious
- Totally customizable with your favorite toppings
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
When I’m racing between soccer practice and homework help, these save my life. Brown the beef, stuff the tortillas, and let the air fryer do its magic while I set the table.
Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor
Traditional chimichangas soak up cups of oil – yikes! These get just a light brush of oil but still turn out beautifully golden and crisp. My husband didn’t even notice the difference!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Beef & Bean Chimichangas
Let’s talk ingredients – and I promise, nothing fancy here! This is my kind of shopping list where you probably have half this stuff in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy beauties:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 works great for flavor without too much grease)
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans – I’m partial to the traditional kind, but black bean version works too
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I use a Mexican blend, but cheddar alone is delicious too)
- 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch size gives you room to stuff generously)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (just enough for that perfect golden brush on the outside)
See? Told you it was simple! Now let’s get cooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these kitchen basics and you’re ready to roll (literally, with those tortillas!):
- Your trusty air fryer (obviously!)
- A good skillet for browning that beef
- Mixing spoon – I like a sturdy wooden one
- Pastry brush for lightly oiling the chimichangas
Pro tip: Keep your microwave handy just in case your tortillas need a quick 10-second warm-up to make them more pliable. Cold tortillas can be stubborn when folding!
How to Make Air Fryer Beef & Bean Chimichangas
Okay friends, let’s get to the fun part – making these crispy pockets of deliciousness! I’ve broken it down into simple steps so you can nail it on your first try. Just follow along and soon you’ll be biting into golden, crunchy perfection.
Preparing the Filling
First, grab your skillet and brown that ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks – we want nice small crumbles. Once it’s no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes), drain off that excess fat. Trust me, your chimichangas will thank you for not being greasy! Now stir in the taco seasoning and refried beans until everything’s beautifully combined. That rich, savory smell? That’s how you know you’re doing it right!
Assembling the Chimichangas
Here’s where the magic happens! Lay out your tortillas and spoon about 1/2 cup of that delicious filling onto each one. Sprinkle with cheese (don’t be shy!). Now fold like a pro: fold in the sides first, then roll tightly from the bottom up. If your tortillas crack, just pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften. Pro tip: Don’t overstuff or they’ll burst open in the air fryer – learned that one the hard way!
Air Frying to Crispy Perfection
Preheat that air fryer to 375°F – this helps get that instant crisp we want. Lightly brush each chimichanga with oil (just a thin layer does the trick) and place them in the basket with some space between – they need room to breathe! Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully flip and go another 3-5 minutes until they’re gloriously golden brown. The crunch when you bite in? Absolute heaven!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chimichangas
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – we’re obsessed!), I’ve learned all the tricks for perfect chimichangas every time. First, stick with lean ground beef – it browns beautifully without making your filling greasy. When assembling, resist the urge to overstuff those tortillas! About 1/2 cup filling per tortilla is the sweet spot. And that oil brush? Just a whisper-thin layer is all you need – any more and they might get soggy. Oh! One last thing – if your air fryer runs hot (some do!), check them a minute early to prevent over-browning. Happy frying!
Serving Suggestions
Now for the best part – loading up these crispy chimichangas with all your favorite toppings! I always set up a little DIY topping bar because everyone in my family likes theirs different. My go-tos? Cool sour cream, chunky salsa, and creamy guacamole for sure. Sometimes I’ll add pickled jalapeños for heat lovers or a simple side salad to balance things out. Oh, and don’t forget the lime wedges – that bright squeeze right before biting in? Chef’s kiss!
Storing and Reheating
Here’s the best part – these chimichangas keep beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. They’ll come out just as crispy as the first time – no sad, soggy leftovers here!
Air Fryer Beef & Bean Chimichangas FAQs
I get so many questions about these chimichangas – here are the answers to the ones I hear most often!
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken both work great. Just adjust the seasoning to taste – I sometimes add an extra pinch of cumin when using chicken for that authentic flavor.
How do I prevent soggy chimichangas?
Two simple tricks: First, don’t overstuff them – too much filling traps steam. Second, make sure to brush oil evenly across the entire surface. Uneven oiling leads to soft spots!
Can I freeze these?
Yes! Assemble them completely (including the oil brush), then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to bags. When ready, air fry straight from frozen – just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cook time.
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I can tell you these chimichangas are way lighter than their deep-fried cousins! Exact numbers vary based on your specific ingredients (especially the cheese – no judgment here!), but you’re looking at a satisfying meal with decent protein and fiber from those beans. As with any recipe, your mileage may vary depending on brands and how generous you are with toppings!
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Beef & Bean Chimichangas in 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 chimichangas
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy and flavorful chimichangas made with beef and beans, cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and refried beans. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Spread the beef and bean mixture onto tortillas. Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Fold the tortillas tightly into burrito shapes.
- Brush each chimichanga lightly with vegetable oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chimichangas in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Customize with toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
- If tortillas crack when folding, warm them briefly in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican