Air fryer Enchiladas

Skip the oven, keep the comfort. Air fryer enchiladas deliver the same saucy, cheesy goodness you love—only faster, with irresistibly crisp edges and a melty center that hits weeknight-dinner bliss in minutes.

Grab warm corn tortillas, a favorite filling (shredded chicken or black beans), and your go-to red or green sauce. In one quick batch, you’ll plate crunch-kissed, sauce-drenched enchiladas that taste slow-baked but cook in a fraction of the time.

Make crowd-pleasing enchiladas

Make crowd-pleasing enchiladas with crispy edges and melty centers—fast—using your air fryer. This version keeps the classic saucy comfort while cutting oven time and boosting weeknight convenience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes (per batch)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (8 enchiladas)

Ingredients

• 8 corn tortillas (6-inch), warmed until pliable

• 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken (or rotisserie), or black beans for vegetarian

• 1½ cups shredded cheese, divided (Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or cheddar)

• 1½ cups enchilada sauce (red or green), plus extra for dipping

• ½ cup finely diced onion (optional)

• 1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or canola)

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp chili powder or smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Toppings (optional): chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, sour cream, avocado, pickled jalapeños, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & prep. Heat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly brush the basket with oil or line with perforated parchment to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the filling. In a bowl, combine chicken (or beans), ½ cup cheese, onion, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Warm tortillas. Microwave tortillas wrapped in a damp towel 30–45 seconds until flexible (or quickly toast on a dry skillet). This prevents cracking.

4. Sauce the bases. Spread ¼ cup enchilada sauce on a plate. Lightly drag each tortilla through the sauce (just one side) so the outside gets a thin coat—this encourages crispy-saucy edges.

5. Fill & roll. Add 2–3 tablespoons filling to the unsauced side, roll snugly, and place seam-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each.

6. Top & air fry. Spoon 1 tablespoon sauce over each roll and sprinkle with a little cheese. Air fry 7–9 minutes, until the edges are crisp and the cheese is bubbling.

7. Finish & serve. Transfer to plates, drizzle with more warm sauce, add remaining cheese to melt on contact, and finish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings.

Tip: Working in batches keeps airflow strong. Keep finished enchiladas warm in a low oven (200°F/93°C) while the next batch cooks.

Variations & Swaps

• Veggie Supreme: Use sautéed zucchini, corn, and black beans. Add a pinch of chipotle for smoky heat.

• Green Goddess: Swap in salsa verde and pepper jack; top with sliced avocado and lime crema.

• Beef & Red Chile: Use spiced ground beef (taco-seasoned) and a robust guajillo or canned red enchilada sauce.

• Breakfast Enchiladas: Fill with scrambled eggs, chorizo or potatoes, and cheese; serve with pico de gallo.

• Gluten-Free Note: Traditional corn tortillas are naturally GF—just ensure your sauce is certified gluten-free.

• Lighter Option: Reduce cheese to 1 cup and add extra veggies (spinach, bell peppers).

• Extra-Crispy Edges: Mist rolled enchiladas lightly with oil before saucing the tops.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-Ahead: Roll and refrigerate (unsauced) up to 24 hours. Air fry straight from the fridge, adding 1–2 minutes.

• Reheat: Air fry leftovers at 360°F (182°C) for 3–4 minutes.

• Freeze: Freeze rolled, unsauced enchiladas up to 2 months; thaw overnight before cooking.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving, chicken & cheese)

Calories: ~430 | Protein: ~28g | Carbs: ~35g | Fat: ~18g
Values vary with sauce, cheese, and toppings.

FAQ

Can I stack them in the basket?
Better not. Airflow = crispness. Cook in a single layer for best results.

Corn vs. flour tortillas?
Corn gives classic flavor and holds up better in the air fryer. If using flour, reduce time by 1–2 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Do I need to preheat?
Preheating helps the tortillas set quickly, preventing sogginess.

A Saucy Goodbye (and a Crisp Hello)

Crunch-Kissed, Sauce-Drenched Enchiladas—On a Weeknight! That’s the beauty of the air fryer: speed, texture, and zero fuss.

Tweak the filling, play with the sauce color, and make it yours.