Air fryer Chicken Enchiladas

These air fryer chicken enchiladas are so good that your family will be asking for them all the time. Shredded chicken, refried beans, cheese, enchilada sauce, the perfect seasoning to bring it all together. If you are a lover of Mexican food, then this air fryer recipe will be up your alley. Let's do this

What makes these air fryer enchiladas so good

• This chicken and bean enchilada is easy to make. I made it using leftover chicken from my air fryer shredded chicken, making it convenient and budget-friendly.

• You need a handful of ingredients with minimal prep to make this comfort food.

• Filling and satisfying weeknight meal that is packed with protein.

• Easily customizable, freezer friendly and perfect for meal prepping.

What you will need

You will need the following ingredients to make this delicious chicken and bean enchilada in your air fryer.

Enchilada sauce: I used storebought enchilada red sauce (no shame or judgment here as I went for what was convenient for me). You can use homemade sauce if you want.

Cooked chicken: This can be from a rotisserie chicken or one you made from scratch, such as this air-fried shredded chicken or the boiled version.

Refried beans: I used canned refried beans

Chili powder

Cumin

Green bell pepper: Substitute with any color of bell pepper that you have.

Olive oil

Garlic

Onion

Mini flour tortilla: Substitute with corn tortilla

Cheese: I used a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese

Salt and black pepper

How to make air fryer chicken enchiladas

Make the filling: Place a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and heat until hot. Add onions and bell pepper, sauteing until soft and translucent. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Next, stir in shredded chicken, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for about 1 minute, then add refried beans and ¼ cup enchilada sauce, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until well combined and warmed through.

Assemble the enchiladas: Spread about 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce on a baking sheet (that will fit the air fryer basket). Distribute the chicken-bean mixture evenly among the tortillas, add shredded cheese, then fold in the sides and roll them up tightly. Place the rolled-up tortilla in the prepared baking pan tightly in a single layer until exhausted.

Pour the remaining enchiladas over the tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of them.

Air fry: Carefully place the baking sheet in the air fryer basket and air fry the enchilada uncovered for 10-15 minutes at 360F/180C or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy at the edges.

Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately with any topping of your choice, with chips and a side salad.

Watch how to make it

How long to cook enchiladas in air fryer

Depending on how crispy you want it, I find that it is best to cook it for 10-15 minutes at 360F/180C

Can you make air fryer enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, assemble the enchiladas in the air fryer.

How to freeze and reheat air fryer chicken enchiladas

To freeze, follow the instructions above and assemble the enchiladas. Place them in a strong baking foil sprayed with oil, top with cheese, then cover it with plastic film before covering with foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months or refrigerate for a day before cooking.

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then follow the cooking instructions above until heated through.

Variations

• For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with black beans and add in some extra veggies like corn or zucchini.
• Want to add some heat? Try adding diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
• You can also switch up the cheese to your liking to make it more authentic, such as using Mexican cheese or Monterey jack.