Air Fryer Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas are a healthier version of deep-fried burritos or taquitos. This quick and easy dessert of stuffed soft flour tortillas with creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and cinnamon sugar is simply irresistible!
A favorite in Tex-Mex and other Southwestern US cuisine, xangos or fried cheesecake has its roots in Mexico. It's a quick-fix treat for those last-minute sugar cravings.
You are probably familiar with chimichanga as a savory dish, usually stuffed with shredded chicken or beef, rice, and beans. But have you ever tried this sweet version of scrumptious crispy pastry with a fruity, creamy center and a sugary topping?
Let me tell you, my cheesecake addiction just got greater by a notch.
You don't have to be planning a Cinco de Mayo celebration or Fiesta Party to enjoy these delicious strawberry cheese-filled chimis. They are perfect when you need a sweet treat in a pinch and are sure to be your family's new favorite.
Why it Works
- Quick and easy to make with simple and affordable ingredients.
- Made in an air fryer, they are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chimichangas. If you don't own one, you can also bake them in the oven (see the FAQ section below) or pan-fry them.
- It's a celebration of texture that adds a whole new dimension to your taste buds experience: crispy, creamy, and crunchy.
- It's a family-approved dessert and the perfect snack to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.
How is air-frying food healthier?
Cooking or frying your food in an air fryer is much healthier because of the minimal oil required in the cooking process. If an air fryer is not in your budget, baking is another alternative.
We used avocado cooking spray in this recipe, instead of butter or vegetable oil, but coconut oil is also a healthy option.
🛒Ingredients and Notes
Tortillas: Use soft flour or gluten-free tortillas. Wonton wraps and fillo dough would also work as an alternative, but not the corn tortillas.
Cream cheese: I recommend full-fat for the creamier texture.
Strawberries: Fresh is the best way to go.
🔪Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
- Beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, 2 tablespoon sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
- Fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the tortillas; then roll the tortilla up like a burrito. Secure it with a toothpick. Repeat the rolling process with the remaining tortillas.
Step 2
- Place chimichangas seam side down in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to work in batches.
- Bake at 400 F for 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them once after 3 minutes.
- Roll the warm chimichangas into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat the frying and rolling process with the remaining chimichangas.
💡Top Tips
- Tortillas come in a thick and thin texture. Thin work better for this recipe.
- Use gluten-free tortillas if you or someone in your family has celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
- Keep tortillas at room temperature or warm them up so they don't crack when rolling.
- If your cinnamon sugar isn't sticking to the tortillas, spray with oil or lightly brush with melted butter or coconut oil while still warm.
- You could also divide the cheesecake filling among 8 tortillas.
Variations
Try these delicious fillings:
- Banana and chocolate or Nutella
- Caramel apple pie filling like in these fillo apple pie rolls
- Cherry, lemon, blueberry, or peach cheesecake
- Bavarian cream
- The pumpkin cheesecake filling is perfect for fall and Thanksgiving
How To Serve It
Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate syrup or honey, and garnished with strawberries or chocolate shavings.
❓FAQs
Fresh strawberries are the best option. If you must use frozen fruit, you should thaw before using them. Also, if using canned fruit, drain it first.
Yes, you can bake cheesecake chimichangas in the oven. Put them seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Brush with oil, sprinkle with sugar, and bake at 450 F for 5-10 or at 350 F for 15-20 minutes (flipping over once) or until golden brown.
These fried cheesecakes come together fast, so I haven't made them ahead of time. My concern is that tortillas might get a bit soggy.
If I would have to, I'd keep them refrigerated and then take them out a few hours before cooking. Also, they are best when served warm.
Once fried, tortillas will soften and become a bit chewy when stored in the fridge for several days, but that doesn't mean they aren't still delicious cold!
I personally never tried freezing chimichangas, but if you must, you could freeze them after they've cooled down and without coating them into cinnamon sugar.
Then maybe warm them up in the oven straight from the freezer, spray with oil, and cover with sugar. However, the cheese filling won't have the same texture, and strawberries might leak extra moisture into the filling, so perhaps dried strawberries would work better.
Other Amazing Recipes to Try
- Homemade Chipotle Burrito Bowl
- Mexican Chicken Soup
- No-Churn Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
- Strawberry Oatmeal Cake
- Mexican Guava Charlotte
Liked this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section. Your feedback is always appreciated! Stay in touch through Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for my email list below too!
Air Fryer Mexican Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Toothpicks
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 ½ cup chopped strawberries plus more for garnish
- 6 8-inch soft flour tortillas
- Cooking spray avocado or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, 2 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the tortillas, spreading portions in the lower third of each tortilla.
- Next, fold the two sides of each tortilla toward the center and then roll the tortilla up like a burrito. Secure it with a toothpick. Repeat the rolling process with the remaining tortillas.
- Spray the air fryer basket with some cooking spray. Set your air fryer to 400 Fahrenheit degrees. Place chimichangas seam side down in the air fryer basket. Set the timer to 6 minutes.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to work in batches. Cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them once mid-way through.
- Combine the remaining sugar with the cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Transfer the chimichangas to a plate and remove the toothpicks. Lightly spray them with cooking oil and roll them into a cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm.
- Repeat the frying and coating process with the remaining chimichangas. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Tortillas come in a thick and thin texture. Thin work better for this recipe.
- Use gluten-free tortillas if you or someone in your family has celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
- Keep tortillas at room temperature or warm them up so they don't crack when rolling.
- If your cinnamon sugar isn't sticking to the tortillas, spray with oil or lightly brush with melted butter or coconut oil while still warm.
- You could also divide the cheesecake filling among 8 tortillas.
- Strawberry chimichangas are best when served warm.
- For variations and FAQs, please read the post.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This recipe was originally published in May 2017 and updated in March of 2021 with new photos and recipe tips.
Oh my goodness, these look amazing! I can't believe they are so simple to make. My whole family would love these. I'll be trying these very soon. Thanks so much for sharing at Sweet Inspiration!
Thank you, Amy! They are simple and more delicious than I expected. I'm sure you'll love them! 🙂
Oh my goodness, these look so good I can't wait to make these. Thanks for joining us at bloggers pit stop. Hope to see you next week
Thank you, Connie! I'm thrilled you like them. 🙂
Thanks for linking up to Friday Frenzy! This looked so yummy, I had to make it one of our featured posts this week! Pinned! XOXO
Thank you so much, Kelly! Made my day 😀
This recipe is Featured at the Merry Monday party this week. Pinned and sharing on my FB page. We look forward to seeing you at the new party going on now.
Yay! Thank you, Shirley! What a nice surprise to start off my week. 😀
Omgosh, I need to make these. I have 8lbs. of strawberries sitting in the fridge and this sounds perfect. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday. Pinned and will be featuring this.
Hi, Erlene! Happy you want to give this one a try. It's yummy and easy to make. Where do you get so many strawberries this time of the year? It's still winter-ish here 🙂
Thanks for sharing this sweet strawberry recipe on Friday Frenzy! I have a feeling this is a recipe that would be great for kids!!!
Thanks, Colleen! You're right - kids love this dessert. 🙂 Have a great week!
These look delicious! Going to make them for a Cinco de Mayo party next weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Sheri! They're perfect for parties, especially Cinco de Mayo party! 😀
These look fabulous! My daughter would love these--she loves Mexican food. I will definitely keep these in mind for spring! Thank you for sharing at Fiesta Friday!
Thanks, Jenny! Hope your daughter likes them, I know we do 🙂
I can't wait to try your amazing Mexican Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday for the party this week. Hope you have a great week and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
I hope you do, they're quite a treat 🙂
Thanks for sharing Jas they look so yummy. Now I know how to fold one of those! Sharing on social media.
Thank you for sharing, Linda! Happy Friday 🙂
These look delicious! We will be trying them soon!
Thanks, Cherryl! X
Fantastic recipe! So original!
Thank you so much!
Amazing! You hit it out of the park today!
Wow, thanks so much, Susanne!
These chimichangas look amazing! =) Yummy!!!
Glad you like them 😀
Oh my goodness, these Mexican Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas look fabulous. Your pictures are wonderful. You nailed in on the head when you talked about how as we get older everything changes, but I love your point that we need to go with moderation in all things. We need to have something to look forward to and I am definitely looking forward to making these chimichangas. Thank you for sharing at Inspire Me Monday link party.
Amy, I'm thrilled that you like it and agree with my theory! As the youngsters would say: YOLO, and although we want to be healthy and prolong it, we also need to enjoy it while it lasts. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping in! x
As a Mexican, I must say this is an interesting idea. I've had tortillas with a sweet filling crepe-style, so I would definitely give this a try. Pinning and tweeting this! Greetings from the Inspire Me Monday linky 🙂
Thank you, Fabiola! I must say, I was surprised by how good this was. I love anything cheesecake but doubted that strawberries and cinnamon would taste good together. Well, they do! 😀
Ooooohhhhh my goodness! This recipe combines a bunch of my favorite things. I can't wait to try this! Not to mention that I appreciate the frying instructions being in minutes, not just until it reaches a certain temperature or what-have-you.
I recently started a new link up on my EyeLoveKnots blog, and would love if you came to link up! Here is the current one: http://eyeloveknots.blogspot.com/2018/04/super-crafty-sunday-link-up-4-cotton.html
I'm super happy that you like it, Alexandra! As far as cooking instructions, it can be tricky as not all the stoves are made the same. So, it's more like a guide than the rule. But I totally get it. I don't insert a thermometer in everything I cook. I think I used it once and it didn't work out that great, lol.
OMG, these look fantastic, Jas! I am still in the "golden age" where I can eat two meals...I eat more than my husband! Not looking forward to that changing 🙁 Anyway, these look gorgeous and great for Cinco de Mayo coming up!
Lucky you! I miss that age. 🙁
These look delicious, and just in time for strawberry season. They even look easy enough for me to make. Thanks for sharing on Sunday's Best. I always look forward to your posts.
They really are easy, Rhonda! Thank you
These look scrumptious! Love the pics!
Thank you, Rachel! 😀
Wow, Jas, these look delicious! I agree that moderation is good for us, but I don't think I'd stop at just one of these. We'll be featuring your Mexican Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas at tomorrow's Snickerdoodle Party. See you there!
Aw, Beverly, you're spoiling me 😀 Thank you so much and I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!
Looks so yummy Jas! Pinned & sharing Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party. Hey, we are having a great giveaway going on. Feel free to pop by to enter. See you again soon!
Thank you, Theresa! Will check it out 🙂
Looks fantastic!! Thanks for sharing on the What's for Dinner link up!
Thanks, Helen!
Jas - these do look super duper easy - so much so I could probably make them and not ruin them LOL I love cheesecake and strawberries and yes - everything is ok in moderation! Thanks for linking up with #TuneInThursday last week. Hope to see you tomorrow too.
These can't be ruined even if you try, ha!
Those simply look divine!
Thank you much, Danielle!
Thanks for linking up and sharing this tempting dessert recipe with us at #overthemoon link party. Have a great week, I've pinned and shared. 🙂
Much appreciated, Sue!
What a very special treat that I can't wait to enjoy! Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen
I am, thank you Miz Helen!
These look awesome!! I want some right now! 😀
Thank you! They're really easy to make 😀
OMG! These look amazing! Some of my favorite things...chimichangas, cheesecake, and strawberries. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Cassie! They're pretty good, if I may say so myself 😀
Oh, that looks yummy! Love anything involving cheesecake 🙂
Thank you! I'm addicted to cheesecakes and am slowly building my own collection. They even have their own page on my blog 😀
Wow! I'm not sure that I've ever seen a recipe for these...they look amazing! I especially like the option of adding Nutella (one of my many guilty pleasures).
Yes, I LOVE Nutella! 😀 Thanks for visiting, Stephanie! Hope your weekend is going great!
Dessert chimichangas! How much fun! I love the extra touch with the cinnamon sugar finish too!
Thank you, Alison! Honestly, I thought the cinnamon would be too much but it's a perfect balance 🙂
Oh wow, these look like heaven on a plate. Can I eat my screen now please Jas?
Lol, Michelle, sure! Eat away 😛
Me again. This is becoming a habit. The second recipe of yours I’ve tried and it’s now become my go to pudding. I have never been able to make a cheesecake of any kind but this one is just so incredibly easy and beyond yummy. You’re a star Jas
YAY! I can't believe you came so close to the kitchen, LOL. It makes me tremendously happy that you're trying my recipes, Michelle! Words can't describe it 🙂 So glad you like it and thank you so so much! Now you need to teach me to craft like you 😉 Mwah!
I think I have all of these ingredients - can't wait to make these!
You will love them, Roseann! Thanks for visiting!
I used to always get the chimi cheesecake at ruby tuesdays when I was younger. This brings back memories and I can't wait to try making my own at home! Beautiful Pictures!
Ha, I love that name - chimi cheesecake! 😀 Thank you, Patrick, and thanks for stopping in!
I've never heard of these but they look delicious! Thank you for sharing with us at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I've pinned and shared.
Thank you, Sue! They are supper yummy!
Oh my goodness, Jas, these look fabulous!! Thanks for sharing them with me at the party! Pinned and shared!
Happy May!
Theresa @ Shoestring Elegance
Thank you, Theresa! Wishing you a lovely weekend 🙂
Oh wow!! These look about like the best things ever!! Pinned and printed so I can make tomorrow!
Jen, they pretty much are! LOL
Oh my Jas, this looks soooo good! Another one of yours I have to print off and make!
Thanks, Carol! You won't be disappointed 🙂
Despite the fact that my metabolism has slowed to a crawl I need one of these in my life. They look delicious and you sure know how to tempt us with these amazing pictures. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, and I hope your week is going great.
Thank you, Sandra! I think once we get to be a certain age, our metabolism almost comes to a stop 🙁
Thank you very much!
Those look amazing. Wish I had cream cheese so I could try them right now.
Hi, Lindsay! Maybe put it on your shopping list? 😉 Thanks for visiting and have a great rest of the week!
Absolutely mouth-watering.
Wish I had one right now!
Thank you, Dona! They are addictive.
These look so good! Thank you for sharing at BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I've shared on social media.
Appreciate it, Lori!
I can't wait to surprise my family with these! This will be so fun, I'm thinking Mothers Day!
Oh, yes! They'll love it, I'm sure 😀
These look delish. Thank you for sharing with #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I’ve shared your post on social media.
Thank you so much Clearissa!
Looks quite tasty!
Thanks for joining us this week at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/05/down-to-jordan-river.html
It is dangerously so 😀
Where have these been all my life? I neeeeeeeeed them!
Ha
Thank you Jas for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Thank you, Dee!
Okay, you had me at 'cheesecake'....
But you knew that, didn't you?
Thanks for something simple enough to whip up last minute. Mr Shoes will thank you (for the recipe & for the extra curves these are sure to give me).
You crack me up, Mrs Shoes. And thank you!
I think I love you right now. Best Mexican dessert ever. 🙂
Lol, Liz! I'll take that any day 😀 Thank you!!! :*
Whooahhh! I'm sold. Your picture looks so good I could literally lick the cream off my screen. I'm definitely going to give this a go!
Darn! I didn't know about this Mexican challenge you have. How cool!
Haha, don't drool over your screen! This isn't a Mexican challenge. You can join our facebook group too (link on the bottom of the post). Then you can choose which holiday you want to participate in. We just have our own recipes that we post on a same given day and share. I think this is my second or third time. There is no obligation for participation 🙂 So, come join in!
Oh My Gosh! Your chimichangas look so good. I would be very happy to have one (or perhaps 2)
Thank you., Cynthia! Trust me, one would be plenty - they are rich! 🙂
Talk about saving the best for last!! This recipe, hands down, is my favorite shared today.
Aw, thank you, Wendy! You just made my day 😀