Crispy tortilla wrapped around creamy cheesecake filling, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served warmthat’s what makes air fryer cheesecake chimichangas the kind of dessert you crave on repeat. Golden edges, melty center, and zero deep fryer mess.
I tested this back in fall 2022 when my sister asked for “something fun but not too heavy” after dinner. The first batch came out so goodcrispy without being greasythat we ate three each standing at the counter. The trick is brushing just enough butter so they crisp up fast, and now it’s the dessert I make whenever I want something impressive in under 15 minutes.
Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas: Easy Irresistible Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy, then set aside.
- Warm the flour tortillas by covering them with a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate and heating for 20 to 30 seconds to make them flexible.
- Divide the cheesecake mixture evenly into four parts.
- On a clean surface, place each warm tortilla and spoon one portion of the cheesecake filling into the center, then top with strawberry pie filling.
- Fold the tortillas by folding the sides inwards, then fold the bottom edge up over the filling and roll it tightly to close.
- Brush the outside of each chimichanga with oil and arrange them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 360°F / 180°C in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes until they are golden and crisp.
- While cooking, combine the granulated sweetener and cinnamon in a bowl.
- After air frying, brush each chimichanga with melted butter then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious air fryer cheesecake chimichangas.
Notes
- No need to preheat the air fryer; if you do, the cooking time might be slightly faster. Avoid overfilling tortillas to prevent difficulty folding. Warming tortillas before filling helps prevent tearing, especially if they were refrigerated.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
These warm, crispy treats hit all the right notessweet cream cheese filling with a fruity swirl, wrapped in golden tortillas and dusted with cinnamon sugar. They taste like something from a fancy brunch menu, but you’ll have them ready in about 20 minutes start to finish.
- Healthier than deep-fried: The air fryer gives you that crispy shell without soaking up all that oil
- Just 5 core ingredients: Cream cheese, a sweetener, egg, tortillas, and strawberry pie fillingmost of which you probably have on hand
- Family-approved: My kids love helping fold these, and they’re just the right size for little hands
- Flexible sweetness: Use regular sugar or swap in a natural sugar-free optioneither way, they’re delicious
What You’ll Need (Plus Smart Swaps)
The ingredient list is short and forgiving. I’ve made these with full-sugar versions and with monk fruit blends, and both work beautifully. If you’re watching carbs, low-carb tortillas crisp up just as well as regular flour tortillas.
| Ingredient | What It Does | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | Creates rich, creamy filling | Use full-fat for best texture |
| Powdered sweetener | Sweetens without graininess | Regular powdered sugar or monk fruit blend |
| Flour tortillas | Wraps and crisps beautifully | Low-carb tortillas work great |
| Strawberry pie filling | Adds fruity sweetness | Try blueberry or cherry filling |
| Butter & oil | Helps achieve golden, crispy edges | Use avocado or coconut oil spray |
How to Make Them (Step by Step)
The process is straightforwardmix, fill, fold, and air fry. Warming those tortillas for just 20 to 30 seconds makes all the difference; they’ll fold without tearing, even if they’ve been sitting in the fridge.
Pro tip: Don’t overfill each tortilla. A scoop of cheesecake mix plus a spoonful of strawberry filling is just right. Too much and they’ll burst open while cooking.
| Step | What to Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Mix filling | Blend cream cheese, sweetener, egg, and vanilla until smooth | 2 mins |
| 2. Warm tortillas | Microwave covered with paper towel for 20–30 seconds | 30 secs |
| 3. Fill & fold | Spoon filling into center, add strawberry topping, fold burrito-style | 5 mins |
| 4. Air fry | Brush with oil, cook at 360°F for 8–10 minutes | 10 mins |
| 5. Finish | Brush with melted butter, roll in cinnamon sugar | 1 min |
Quick Troubleshooting Tips
If your tortillas crack while folding, they’re too coldpop them back in the microwave for another 10 seconds. And if the filling leaks out during cooking, it usually means they were overfilled or not sealed tightly enough on the ends.
- Tortillas tearing? Warm them a bit longer and work gently
- Filling oozing out? Use less filling next time and tuck those ends in snugly
- Not crispy enough? Brush with a little more oil or add 1–2 extra minutes in the air fryer
Serving and Storage
These air fryer cheesecake chimichangas are best served warm, right after you roll them in that cinnamon sugar. We love them plain, but a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce takes them over the top. If you have leftovers (rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
| Storage Method | How Long | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight, then air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes |
Note: The texture stays best when reheated in the air fryer rather than the microwave, which can make them a bit soggy.
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FAQs ( Air fryer cheesecake chimichangas )
What temperature should I cook these at?
Cook at 375°F for the best results. This temperature gives you a golden, crispy exterior without burning the tortilla. The cream cheese filling will be perfectly heated through in about 8-10 minutes at this setting.
Can I use frozen tortillas for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry with paper towels. Frozen tortillas contain extra moisture that can make your chimichangas soggy. Let them reach room temperature for easier rolling and better sealing.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Don’t overfill the tortillas and seal the edges tightly with a fork or your fingers. Brush the edges with water before folding to help them stick. Place seam-side down in the air fryer basket for extra security.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for the creamiest texture. Low-fat versions can become grainy when heated. Let it soften for about 30 minutes before mixing with your other ingredients for easier blending.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. This actually helps the tortillas seal better. Cook directly from the fridge, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
You’ll love how these air fryer cheesecake chimichangas turn outgolden and crispy on the outside, warm and creamy inside, ready in just minutes. They taste indulgent but feel lighter than the deep-fried version, which means you can enjoy them without that heavy, greasy feeling afterward. Perfect for when you want dessert that feels special but doesn’t require an afternoon in the kitchen.
Try swapping the strawberry filling for blueberry or even a spoonful of Nutella if you’re feeling adventurousboth work beautifully. If you’re making these ahead for a gathering, assemble them earlier in the day and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. A little trick I picked up: brush the tortillas with melted coconut oil instead of butter for a subtle tropical hint that pairs wonderfully with the fruit filling.
I’d love to see how yours turn outtag me if you share a photo, or tell me in the comments which filling you tried. Did your family gobble them up as fast as mine did, or did you actually manage to save a few for later? However they turn out, I hope they bring a little sweetness to your table and maybe become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.
