While chimichangas usually involve savory fillings stuffed in a fried tortilla and often smothered in sauce, I’m changing things up. My air fryer cheesecake chimichangas are a dessert option filled with sweetened cream cheese and strawberries. They’re air fried instead of deep fried for a lower-oil option with all the crunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer cheesecake chimichangas are such a fun and easy dessert. They’re akin to a dessert egg roll, but wrapped in a flour tortilla instead. Then, they’re air fried to browned, crispy perfection for the perfect bite around a creamy, sweet center.
The filling is a sweetened cream cheese (cheesecake) base, which you can leave plain or add in any types of fruit fillings you like, such as strawberry, cherry, or blueberry. Keep it simple by using pie filling, or add fresh fruit like I do in my Air Fryer Strawberry Cream Hand Pies.
They’re a perfect Mexican-inspired dessert option that’s great for Cinco de Mayo. However, you can truly enjoy them any time of year! These dessert chimis are crunchy, sweet, and simple to make, even for a crowd.
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Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichanga Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (or neufchatel), softened
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry pie filling (or another fruit of choice)
- 6 medium (8”) flour tortillas (soft taco size)
- 3 Tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I do not use sour cream, but you can add some (about ¼ cup) to the cream cheese if you’d like a little more tanginess
- The amount of powdered sugar is adjustable to taste. If you use fresh fruit, you may want to add more to compensate
- Any fruit pie filling is fine, with cherry and blueberry being my next favorite choices. You can also substitute about 1 cup of diced fresh strawberries
- If you can’t find the same size tortillas, any size will work. You’ll just end up with a different number and they’ll be a slightly different size overall (but still delicious)!
- The butter may be swapped for olive oil (or similar) spray if preferred
How To Make Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas
- In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and mix until smooth
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or the closest setting your particular air fryer has)
- Lay your tortillas down on a clean work surface. Divide the cream cheese filling evenly across them, adding it to the center of each tortilla (leave the edges clean)
- Top the cream cheese mixture evenly with the pie filling
- Fold the sides in over the filling, then fold the bottom over, and roll away from you until you have a mini burrito formed
- Place the chimichangas into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer seam side down. Allow some air space between each one for even cooking (work in batches if needed and do not overcrowd)
- Brush 1 Tbsp of the melted butter over the tops of the chimichangas
- Cook on the air fry setting for about 10 minutes at 375°F, until golden brown (times may vary slightly between air fryers and based on personal preference). Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a shallow bowl while they’re cooking
- Brush the cooked chimichangas with the remaining butter, then immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture
- Cool for a few minutes (the insides will be hot), cut in half if desired (they’ll cool faster this way), and enjoy!
More Air Fryer Dessert Recipes
Recipe FAQs
What Are Cheesecake Chimichangas?
Cheesecake chimichangas are a delicious dessert inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine. They consist of a creamy cheesecake filling wrapped in a flour tortilla. They are usually deep fried until crispy and golden brown.
However, air frying is also a common preparation method, which reduces the amount of oil needed.
Can I Use Different Flavors of Cheesecake Filling?
Yes, you can customize the flavor of your cheesecake filling to suit your preferences. Experiment with different extracts to alter the flavor.
Additionally, use add-ins such as fruit preserves, pie filling, diced fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to create unique variations.
How Long Do I Cook Cheesecake Chimichangas in the Air Fryer?
As a general guideline, cook cheesecake chimichangas in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes at 375°F, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer brand and model, and available temperature settings.
What Toppings Can I Serve With Cheesecake Chimichangas?
Cheesecake chimichangas can be served with a variety of toppings. Popular options include whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts.
Toppings are, however, optional, since these chimichangas are sweet and flavorful on their own.
Are Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas Gluten Free?
Cheesecake chimichangas are not usually gluten free, due to the use of flour tortillas.
Look for gluten free tortillas or alternative wrappers made from cassava flour if you have dietary restrictions. Note, however, that the texture may change slightly as a result, and they may be more difficult to roll.
Recipe Pro Tips
- It’s important to actually preheat your air fryer for this recipe. I know sometimes we’re in a hurry, but since you don’t flip the chimichangas it really helps to get the bottoms warm and crisp
- You should not flip the chimichangas because the seams tend to unravel and open in the air fryer (that’s why you put the seam side down). You can still eat them if that happens, but they won’t be pretty looking by any means!
- I find that no matter how hard you try, it’s normal for a small amount of filling to leak out during cooking (but try to roll them well and seal the filling in for best results)
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover cheesecake chimichangas in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- Cheesecake chimichangas are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until warmed and re-crisped if you’d like
- You can freeze cheesecake chimichangas for later enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, defrost overnight before reheating in the air fryer
More Mexican Inspired Air Fryer Recipes
Final Thoughts
These air fryer cheesecake chimichangas are creamy and delicious, with a golden crispy crust for a perfect sweet dessert.
Fill them with fruit or pie filling in addition to the cheesecake to really make them your own! Alternatively, drizzle some chocolate or caramel on top!
They’re a perfect dessert for Cinco de Mayo, but you can enjoy them any time of the year. It’s basically like enjoying a mini cheesecake in a handheld fried burrito – what’s not to love?
The air fryer gets them crispy and golden in just 10 minutes, with way less oil than the deep fryer. Seems like a win to me!
Katie’s tip
For a savory option, make sure to check out my Air Fryer Shrimp Chimichangas too!
Strawberry Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas (No Sour Cream)
Equipment
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (regular or low fat)
- 2 Tbsp powdered confectioner's sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry pie filling (or another fruit of choice)
- 6 medium flour tortillas (8" or soft taco size)
- 3 Tbsp salted butter (melted)
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and mix until smooth8 ounces cream cheese, softened, 2 Tbsp powdered confectioner's sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or the closest setting your particular air fryer has)
- Lay your tortillas down on a clean work surface. Divide the cream cheese filling evenly across them, adding it to the center of each tortilla (leave the edges clean)6 medium flour tortillas
- Top the cream cheese mixture evenly with the pie filling½ cup strawberry pie filling
- Fold the sides in over the filling, then fold the bottom over, and roll away from you until you have a mini burrito formed
- Place the chimichangas into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer seam side down. Allow some air space between each one for even cooking (work in batches if needed and do not overcrowd)
- Brush 1 Tbsp of the melted butter over the tops of the chimichangas3 Tbsp salted butter
- Cook on the air fry setting for about 10 minutes at 375°F, until golden brown (times may vary slightly between air fryers and based on personal preference). Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a shallow bowl while they’re cooking1 Tbsp granulated sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon
- Brush the cooked chimichangas with the remaining butter, then immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture
- Cool for a few minutes (the insides will be hot), cut in half if desired (they’ll cool faster this way), and enjoy!
Notes
- The amount of powdered sugar is adjustable to taste. If you use fresh fruit, you may want to add more to compensate
- Any fruit pie filling is fine, with cherry and blueberry being my next favorite choices. You can also substitute about 1 cup of diced fresh strawberries
- If you can’t find the same size tortillas, any size will work. You’ll just end up with a different number and they’ll be a slightly different size overall (but still delicious)!
- The butter may be swapped for olive oil (or similar) spray if preferred
- It’s important to actually preheat your air fryer for this recipe. I know sometimes we’re in a hurry, but since you don’t flip the chimichangas it really helps to get the bottoms warm and crisp
- You should not flip the chimichangas because the seams tend to unravel and open in the air fryer (that’s why you put the seam side down). You can still eat them if that happens, but they won’t be pretty looking by any means!
- I find that no matter how hard you try, it’s normal for a small amount of filling to leak out during cooking (but try to roll them well and seal the filling in for best results)
- Store leftover cheesecake chimichangas in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- Cheesecake chimichangas are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until warmed and re-crisped if you’d like
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, size of tortillas, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
