Air Fryer Enchiladas

An enchilada is a classic Mexican dish made by wrapping a tortilla around a flavourful meat filling. Then smothering it in a rich, melted cheese sauce. These air fryer beef enchiladas take this beloved dish to the next level, combining all the authentic, bold flavours of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of the air fryer. Not only are these enchiladas incredibly quick and easy to make, but they’re also packed full of savoury, spicy goodness. That will make your taste buds dance with joy.

One of the best things about these air fryer enchiladas is how simple they are to prepare. You start by cooking a flavourful beef filling, seasoned with a mix of spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion. Once the beef is perfectly cooked and seasoned, you roll it up in soft tortillas. Then smother them with your favourite enchilada sauce. And top it all off with a generous layer of melted cheese. The magic of the air fryer is that it cooks the enchiladas quickly, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and full of flavour. You get that perfect combination of a golden, crunchy top and a tender, savoury filling in every bite.

What’s even better is that these enchiladas can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. This makes them an ideal dish for meal prepping or for when you want to have a homemade, hearty meal ready to go without spending much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these air fryer enchiladas are sure to be a hit.

PREP 10 minutes

COOK 30 minutes

SERVES 2 people

KIT you will need an air fryer, mixing bowl and oven proof dish.

Ingredients for air fryer enchiladas

1 carrot, grated

1 small onion, peeled and diced

500g of beef mince

2 cloves of garlic, grated

1 teaspoon of ground coriander

1 tablespoon of ground cumin

A teaspoon of paprika

1 teaspoon of ground turmeric

1 teaspoon of dried chilli flakes

A tablespoon of tomato puree

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

To Serve:

6 Medium size tortilla wraps

1 tablespoon of frozen chopped coriander

Chopped Jalapenos

Grated mozzarella cheese

Method

So start by chopping your onion and grating your carrot and adding to a mixing bowl with a drizzle of oil. Add to an oven proof dish and air fry on 190c for 5 minutes. Or until they start to soften. Whilst they cook, grate your garlic cloves. Add the garlic to the dish, give a good stir then cook for 3 minutes until the vegetables are soft and starting to brown.

And whilst they cook, in the mixing bowl add the mince and spices: a teaspoon of ground coriander, a tablespoon of ground cumin, a teaspoon of paprika, a teaspoon of ground turmeric, a teaspoon of chilli flakes. But you can add more chilli flakes if you like it hot! Then add a dash of olive oil to the bowl and mix the mince and spices together well with a spoon. Or you could use silicone gloves and mix the mixture by hand.

So next season the beef mince with salt and pepper. Add your seasoned mince to the air fryer drawer and mix with the vegetables. Cook on 190c for 8 minutes or until the mince has started to brown. But remember to stir a few times to break up the mince.

So after 8 minutes, or once the beef has browned, add your stock, Worcestershire sauce then and cook for 5 to 8 minutes on 180c. Once cooked, remove your dish and create your burritos, with an equal amount of mixture in each wrap. Then place into an oven proof dish, sprinkle over the mozzarella and place into the air fryer on 180c for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has started to brown.

Serve your air fryer enchiladas with freshly chopped coriander and spicy jalapeños.

Tips for Air Fryer Enchiladas

1. Use Small Tortillas
Stick to 6-inch tortillas (flour or corn) so they fit comfortably in the air fryer basket. Overfilled or oversized enchiladas can break or stick together.

2. Soften Tortillas First
Warm tortillas in a microwave or skillet before rolling. This makes them pliable and less likely to crack when filled.

3. Don’t Overfill
Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of filling (like shredded chicken, beans, cheese, or veggies). Overstuffed enchiladas will spill and lose shape.

4. Roll Tightly & Seal
Roll them snugly and place them seam side down in the air fryer. This prevents unrolling during cooking.

5. Light Spray of Oil = Crispier Shell
Lightly spray or brush the outside of the enchiladas with oil for that golden, crisp texture.

6. Sauce Goes After Cooking (Usually)
To avoid soggy results, air fry first and then spoon warm enchilada sauce over the top just before serving.

Optional: If you want the sauce cooked onto them, use a small amount and cook in a foil tray or parchment-lined basket.

7. Add Cheese at the End
For gooey, melted cheese, add shredded cheese in the last 2–3 minutes of air frying so it doesn’t overcook or burn.

8. Use Foil or a Tray for Easy Clean-up
Place a foil sling or small oven-safe tray in the basket to catch sauce or melted cheese, making clean-up easier.

9. Cook in Batches
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between enchiladas so air can circulate and crisp up the edges.

10. Cook Time Guide
Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the tortillas are crisp and filling is hot. Add 2 or 3 minutes more if using cold ingredients.