Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

This deliciously easy Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas recipe lets you cook both the chicken and the assembled enchiladas in the air fryer, cutting down on cleanup and time. It’s a quick way to enjoy a family favorite Mexican dish with juicy seasoned chicken wrapped in cheesy tortillas smothered in enchilada sauce.

I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed dinner fast and everyone loved how tender the chicken was. Now it’s a go to when I want comforting Mexican flavors without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Two boneless skinless chicken breasts: easy to butterfly and cook evenly
• One tablespoon olive oil: helps keep chicken moist and adds subtle flavor
• One ounce packet taco seasoning: builds that classic Mexican spice profile, look for your favorite brand or homemade mix
• Five flour tortillas soft taco size: flexible and perfect for rolling enchiladas
• Fifteen ounce can black beans drained: adds fiber and protein, optional but tasty in filling
• Twenty eight ounce can red enchilada sauce: the rich sauce ties everything together, choose a quality brand or homemade if you can
• Two cups shredded Colby Jack cheese divided: Colby Jack melts beautifully and adds a mild tang, split for filling and topping
• Optional toppings such as sliced tomatoes sour cream avocado guacamole and fresh cilantro: for extra freshness and creaminess

Instructions

Slicing and Preparing the Chicken:

Place one hand on each chicken breast and carefully slice horizontally through the middle to create thinner pieces. Aim for about one quarter inch thick for quick even cooking. If needed gently flatten with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer.

Seasoning the Chicken:

Drizzle each piece with olive oil and sprinkle taco seasoning over both sides. Rub the seasoning in well to ensure every bite has vibrant flavor.

Cooking the Chicken in the Air Fryer:

Spray a 5 quart air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken pieces in the basket without overlapping. Cook at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for six minutes then flip and cook six more minutes. Chicken should reach 165 degrees internal temperature before removing.

Preparing the Basket for Enchiladas:

Line the air fryer basket with nonstick aluminum foil so it covers the bottom and halfway up the sides. Spray the foil lightly with nonstick spray to make cleanup easier.

Slicing the Chicken:

Allow the cooked chicken to rest a few minutes then slice into strips for filling.

Assembling the Enchiladas:

Spread about two tablespoons of enchilada sauce on each tortilla. Down the center layer sliced chicken, black beans, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Roll tortillas tightly and arrange them standing side by side in the prepared air fryer basket.

Topping and Cooking Enchiladas:

Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top making sure it covers well. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten minutes. Keep an eye so the cheese melts without burning.

Serving:

Serve the enchiladas hot with your preferred toppings like sour cream, slices of tomato, avocado, or a sprinkle of cilantro.

The star of this dish for me has always been the taco seasoned chicken cooked in the air fryer. It comes out juicy and flavorful every time. One cold evening when my kids were home from school, I whipped these up quickly and we all agreed it was comfort food at its best.

Storage Tips

Store leftover enchiladas covered in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for five to seven minutes to keep the cheese melty and edges crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten free option just be gentle rolling them so they don’t crack. Use shredded cheddar instead of Colby Jack if that’s what you have on hand. Black beans can be left out or replaced with cooked pinto beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Fresh lime wedges add a nice brightness when squeezed on top.

These air fryer chicken enchiladas are a quick, family friendly dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. Enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I prepare the chicken for even cooking?

Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces about ¼ inch thick, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.

→ What temperature and time works best for air frying?

Cook the chicken at 370°F for 6 minutes, flip, then another 6 minutes until it reaches 165°F internally.

→ Can I add beans to the filling?

Yes, black beans can be added for extra texture and flavor along with the chicken and cheese.

→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer for this dish?

No preheating is required; simply place ingredients in the air fryer and cook according to the instructions.

→ What are some recommended toppings?

Enhance flavor with sliced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for a bright finish.

→ How do I prevent sticking in the air fryer basket?

Line the basket with nonstick aluminum foil or spray it to keep tortillas from sticking while cooking.