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Air Fryer Enchiladas are a delicious and classic Mexican dish that can easily be made in an air fryer. All you need is a simple enchilada sauce, some shredded chicken, and a few tortillas. Simply roll up the chicken in the tortillas, smother with sauce, and air fry until hot and bubbly.
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Check out my Air Fryer Deviled Eggs and my Air Fryer Biscuits for more delicious air fryer recipes!
Love enchiladas but not the greasy mess that comes with them? This air fryer version is for you! These enchiladas are just as delicious as the traditional kind, but much lighter and healthier.
Enchiladas are a delicious and hearty Mexican dish that typically features a corn tortilla filled with meat, cheese, and sauce. There are endless possibilities when it comes to air fryer enchiladas. You can use your favorite type of tortilla, fill it with your favorite protein and veggies, and top it with your favorite sauce.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Enchiladas are quick and easy to make. Traditional enchiladas can take hours to prepare, but air fryer enchiladas can be on the table in just 30 minutes.
- They're healthier than deep-fried enchiladas. Because air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods, they produce healthier versions of your favorite dishes.
- Perfect for leftovers. Enchiladas freeze well, so you can always have a quick and easy meal on hand for those busy weeknights. Simply reheat your enchiladas in the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Yellow Corn Tortillas: For this recipe, we recommend using yellow corn tortillas instead of flour because they hold up better in the air fryer and have a more authentic taste.
- Shredded Chicken or Ground Beef: Use your protein of choice, or omit for a vegetarian option.
- Shredded Cheese: We used a Mexican blend, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
- Softened Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy and rich element to the enchiladas.
- Hatch Green Chili: Adds a mild heat and great flavor.
- Green Enchilada Sauce: A key ingredient for that classic enchilada taste.
- Toppings: Diced tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, jalapeños (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Add chicken, cream cheese, half of the shredded cheese, and chilies into a mixing bowl. Mix completely.
Step 2:
In a shallow pan fitting in your air fryer basket, add a thin layer of sauce. Roll tortillas with 1-2 tablespoons of chicken mix and place over sauce.
Step 3:
Once the pan is fully covered with sauce and remaining cheese. Divide sauce and cheese evenly.
Step 4:
Cook at 400 degrees F for 6-8 minutes until the enchilada ends are crispy and cheese is melted.
Step 5:
Let cool and top with cilantro, green onions, sour cream, and or your favorite Mexican toppings.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Preheat your air fryer before you start assembling the enchiladas. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. They're less likely to tear and dry out in the air fryer.
- Don't overstuff the enchiladas! Fill them just enough so that they're plump but not bursting at the seams.
Variations
- Healthy options: If you're looking for a healthy option, try using whole wheat tortillas and filling them with grilled chicken or shrimp, black beans, and sautéed veggies. Top with salsa or guacamole for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
- Hearty option: For a hearty option, focus on the protein. Try using beef or pork enchilada filling, and top with cheese and a robust red sauce. This is sure to satisfy your hunger!
- Sweet option: If you want something sweet, try using a flour tortilla and filling it with cinnamon-sugar roasted apples or pears. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Freezing: You can also freeze your assembled (but not cooked) enchiladas for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then cook as directed.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can place them in a traditional oven preheated to 400 degrees F and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the ends are crispy.
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as salsa, diced onions, olives, or your favorite Mexican blend shredded cheese. The options are endless!
You can use ground beef, shredded chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even just veggies for a vegetarian option. Get creative and use what you have on hand!
Yes, just use corn or gluten-free tortillas and check your other ingredients for any hidden sources of gluten. Make sure to also use a gluten-free sauce if necessary.
No, enchiladas are typically not fried before baking. In this air fryer version, they are cooked solely in the air fryer without any frying beforehand.
Frying tortillas before filling them with enchilada fillings helps to soften the tortillas and make them more pliable, preventing them from cracking or breaking when rolled. In this air fryer version, we skip that step as the air fryer helps to crisp and soften the tortillas at the same time.
More Chicken Recipes You'll Love
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Air Fryer Enchiladas
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups of seasoned shredded chicken
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 cups of shredded cheese divided
- 4 ounces hatch green chili
- 20 yellow corn tortillas
- 18 ounces green enchilada sauce
Instructions
- Add chicken, cream cheese, half of the shredded cheese, and chilies into a mixing bowl. Mix completely.
- In a shallow pan fitting in your air fryer basket, add a thin layer of sauce. Roll tortillas with 1-2 tablespoons of chicken mix and place over sauce.
- Once the pan is full cover with sauce and remaining cheese. Divide sauce and cheese evenly.
- Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, until enchilada ends are crispy and cheese is melted.
- Let cool and top with cilantro, green onions, sour cream, and/or your favorite Mexican toppings.
Notes
- Preheat your air fryer before you start assembling the enchiladas. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. They're less likely to tear and dry out in the air fryer.
- Don't overstuff the enchiladas! Fill them just enough so that they're plump but not bursting at the seams.
- Storing: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can also freeze your assembled (but not cooked) enchiladas for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then cook as directed.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Enjoy!
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