When hunger hits, a crispy chimichanga is what we crave. Stuff a flour tortilla with breaded popcorn shrimp, rice, beans and cheese and then air-fry until golden and hot. Topped with salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce and guacamole, this is a diner’s delight that elevates humble pantry ingredients to Chopped status.
Prepare the popcorn shrimp according to the package directions for the air fryer.
Bring 1/2 cup water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the rice and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Return to a simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork. Stir in the cilantro and lime zest.
Wrap the flour tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave until warm and pliable, about 30 seconds. Place the tortillas on a cutting board or clean work surface. Using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread 1/4 cup of the refried beans in the center of each tortilla in a rectangular shape. Top with 1/4 cup rice, a quarter of the popcorn shrimp and 1/4 cup of the cheese.
Fold in the two opposite side of the tortilla over the filling. Fold the side closest to you over the filling, then tightly roll the burrito away from you. Place the chimichanga seam-side down and brush the top and bottom with olive oil. Repeat with the remaining 3 tortillas.
Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. Place the chimichangas in the air fryer basket seam-side down (see Cook's Note). Air fry until golden brown and crisp all over, 5 to 6 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on the top of the chimichangas, then air fry 1 minute more to melt. Serve with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, diced avocado, sour cream and lime wedges.
Cook’s Note
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to air fry the chimichangas in batches.
Tools You May Need
Tools You May Need
Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off
these links.
By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use
and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
Food Network and
its affiliates
may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.
To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the
Privacy Policy.