Why I Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Enchiladas are a delightful twist on a traditional Mexican favorite. What makes them so special is how easy they are to prepare, especially using the air fryer. You get crispy, cheesy enchiladas with minimal mess and cooking time. The seasoned beef filling adds rich flavor, while the combination of red enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese makes these enchiladas irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress guests, these enchiladas hit the spot every time!
Air Fryer Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 674 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (cooked with taco seasoning)
- 12 to 16 corn tortillas
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat:
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add taco seasoning according to the package instructions or your preferred homemade blend. Once the beef is fully cooked and seasoned, set aside. - Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of enchilada sauce with 1 cup of the cooked meat. This mixture will be used to coat the enchiladas for extra flavor. - Prep the Tortillas:
Microwave the corn tortillas for 15 seconds to make them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking. - Assemble the Enchiladas:
Spread 2 or 3 spoonfuls of the sauce mixture across the bottom of a baking pan that will fit into your air fryer.
Take a tortilla, add 2 tablespoons of the seasoned meat to the center, sprinkle with a little cheese, and roll it up tightly. Place the tortilla seam side down in the pan. Repeat with the remaining tortillas until the pan is filled. - Top the Enchiladas:
Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese to cover the enchiladas evenly. - Air Fry the Enchiladas:
Place the prepared pan into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until the tortillas are crisp, the cheese is melted, and everything is heated through. - Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the pan from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Tortilla Size: If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to adjust the number of tortillas you use. You can also overlap the tortillas slightly to fit them all in.
- Soft Tortillas: If you have trouble with the tortillas cracking when you roll them, microwave them a bit longer (up to 20 seconds) or wrap them in a damp cloth and heat in the microwave to soften them.
- Meat Alternatives: While ground beef is the classic choice, you can use ground chicken, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian filling like black beans or lentils for a different variation.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is traditional, you can mix it up with monterey jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a combination of different cheeses.
- Customize the Sauce: If you like your enchiladas extra spicy, feel free to use a spicy enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños into the filling.
Recipe Notes
- Even Distribution: Ensure that the sauce and cheese are spread evenly over the enchiladas so they cook evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Pan Size: Use a pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. If your air fryer doesn’t have a large enough basket, consider using a smaller, round pan or baking dish.
- Layering Tips: If you prefer thicker enchiladas, layer more sauce and cheese between the tortillas, but be careful not to overcrowd them in the air fryer basket.
FAQs
1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas and hold up better when baking or air frying.
2. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before air frying, and you may need to add a couple more minutes of cooking time.
3. Can I freeze the enchiladas?
Yes! To freeze, assemble the enchiladas in the pan, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, air fry straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
4. My tortillas are breaking when I roll them, what can I do?
Make sure to microwave your tortillas long enough to soften them. If they continue to break, you can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for a few more seconds.
5. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning for the beef?
Absolutely! Store-bought taco seasoning makes the process easier and faster, but feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble and air fry the enchiladas as usual. Allow them to cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container or plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5-6 minutes to restore the crispiness of the tortillas.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: Serve with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor.
- Sides: These enchiladas pair perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or pickled onions on top to enhance the flavor.
These Air Fryer Enchiladas are an easy, flavorful alternative to more traditional Mexican dishes. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something cheesy and delicious, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your rotation. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness in less time with the help of your air fryer
