If you are craving a flavorful, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly and offers that perfect blend of savory and cheesy goodness, then this Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. With tender shredded rotisserie chicken, sweet onions, rich enchilada sauce, and melty Colby Jack cheese nestled in soft flour tortillas, these enchiladas cook up crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a classic Mexican-inspired dish with less fuss and a whole lot of heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, contributing to the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make these enchiladas so irresistible. From the tender chicken to the sweet enchilada sauce and fresh toppings, you’ll see how every item plays a star role.
- Soft flour tortillas (20 count): These provide a tender but sturdy base to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- Rotisserie chicken: Already cooked and packed with flavor, it saves you time and ensures juicy, shredded chicken every time.
- Sweet onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and crunch that balances the richness of the sauce and cheese.
- Large can of mild enchilada sauce (28 ounces): The rich, tangy sauce brings a comforting depth and moistness to every bite.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): A pinch of sweetness that mellows out the acidity and adds complexity to the sauce.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melted over the enchiladas, it creates the perfect cheesy, gooey topping.
- Green onions (chopped fine): For a fresh, vibrant color and a hint of mild onion flavor as a finishing touch.
- Cherry tomatoes (washed): Serve as a fresh, juicy side that complements the enchiladas beautifully.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pulling the meat from your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized, shredded pieces, placing them in a large bowl. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a game changer here because it adds rich, savory flavor while cutting your prep time dramatically. This tender chicken will be the heart of your enchiladas.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Chop your sweet onion finely and set it aside. Pour the enchilada sauce into a heavy saucepan, add the brown sugar, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil before turning off the heat. This warming process allows the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld, enhancing the sauce’s natural tang and adding a subtle sweetness that balances the dish perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Place the tortillas flat on a plate. Lightly brush the inside of each tortilla with the enchilada sauce, giving the base a flavorful coat. Next, add a generous spoonful of shredded chicken, a sprinkle of the chopped onion, and a handful of shredded Colby Jack cheese right in the center. For an extra burst of flavor, add a little more sauce on top before folding.
Step 4: Fold and Prepare for Air Frying
Line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Carefully fold the tortilla sides inward over the filling, ensuring the fillings stay tucked neatly inside. Place each enchilada folded-side down in the basket so they hold their shape during cooking. Continue this process until the basket is full but not overcrowded, giving each enchilada room to cook evenly.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Once all the enchiladas are nestled in the air fryer, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over them and sprinkle with more shredded cheese to achieve that perfect gooey topping. Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 15 minutes. This step crisps up the tortillas on the outside while melting the cheese and heating the filling through, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
After the cooking time is up, carefully transfer your enchiladas to serving plates or a large platter. Garnish generously with freshly chopped green onions which add a lovely color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the dish. Serve alongside vibrant cherry tomatoes and extra enchilada sauce or crunchy tortilla chips for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are the classic choice, lending a pop of color and subtle sharpness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for even more flavor and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your enchiladas with simple sides like fresh cherry tomatoes or a crisp green salad to lighten the meal. Crunchy tortilla chips and a small bowl of guacamole or salsa can also add excellent contrast and fun dips for your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, serve your Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas Recipe in a large serving dish, drizzled with extra enchilada sauce and sprinkled liberally with fresh cheese and green onions. You could also roll smaller tortillas for appetizer-sized bites or assemble individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked assembled enchiladas by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking in the air fryer as usual for a convenient meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place enchiladas in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. This method keeps the tortillas pleasantly crisp while warming the cheesy filling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas will give a more traditional flavor and can crisp nicely in the air fryer. Just make sure to warm them slightly first to avoid cracking when folding.
Do I have to use rotisserie chicken?
While rotisserie chicken offers convenience and great flavor, you can use cooked shredded chicken from any source or even leftover chicken breast if you prefer.
Can I make these spicy?
Definitely! Swap the mild enchilada sauce for a medium or hot variety or add diced jalapeños inside for a spicy kick.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these enchiladas in a conventional oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
How many enchiladas does this recipe make?
This Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas Recipe yields about 7 generous enchiladas, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines ease, flavor, and that comforting homemade feel in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd, these enchiladas deliver every time with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how simple and delicious this dish can be!
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Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas are a quick and delicious Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender rotisserie chicken, sweet onions, and melty Colby Jack cheese wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they are coated in a flavorful mild enchilada sauce sweetened lightly with brown sugar. Topped with fresh green onions and served with cherry tomatoes, this easy recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Enchiladas
- 1 package soft flour tortillas (20 count)
- 1 rotisserie chicken, pulled
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 1 large can (28 ounces) mild enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 package shredded Colby Jack cheese (about 2 cups)
Toppings & Sides
- Chopped green onions, for topping
- Cherry tomatoes, washed, for serving
- Additional enchilada sauce and tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pull the meat off the rotisserie chicken and place it in a large bowl. You can use pre-pulled rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Cook the sauce: Chop the sweet onion and set aside. Pour the enchilada sauce into a large heavy saucepan, add the brown sugar, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble enchiladas: Lay a tortilla flat on a plate and lightly spread the inside with some of the warm enchilada sauce. In the center, add a portion of the pulled chicken and chopped onion, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and a drizzle of additional sauce.
- Fold tortillas for air frying: Line the air fryer basket with foil for easier cleanup. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling so all four edges cover the center. Place the filled tortilla seam side down in the air fryer basket. Repeat until the basket is full but not overcrowded.
- Add sauce and cheese topping: Spoon more enchilada sauce over the folded tortillas and sprinkle with extra shredded cheese to create a cheesy crust.
- Air fry enchiladas: Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook the enchiladas for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tortillas are slightly crisp.
- Serve: Carefully remove the enchiladas from the air fryer and place them on serving plates. Top with chopped green onions and serve with cherry tomatoes, extra sauce, and tortilla chips on the side. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- Using foil in the air fryer basket helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Adjust the amount of enchilada sauce and cheese according to personal preference for sauciness and cheesiness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, substitute mild enchilada sauce with medium or hot.
- These enchiladas reheat well in the air fryer at 325°F for 5-7 minutes.
- For a crispier tortilla, you can preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes before adding the enchiladas.
