Air Fryer Cherry Cheesecake Chimichangas

Cherry cheesecake chimichangas bring a sweet twist to the traditional chimichanga, transforming it into a delectable dessert that’s hard to resist! I recently shared blueberry cheesecake tacos and the internet went crazy, so I figured why not take a similar approach with a dessert version of another one of my favorite Mexican foods! The combination of soft flour tortillas filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture and sweet cherry pie filling, all crisped up in an air fryer, offers a delightful contrast in textures. These chimichangas are not only mouthwatering but also come together in less time than many traditional desserts, making them perfect for a quick treat or a special occasion. If you want to make your own cherry pie filling from scratch, here is my Homemade Cherry Pie Filling Recipe! And why not try some new recipes for using cherry pie filling in an easy dessert, like my Classic Homemade Cherry Pie, Easy Homemade Cherry Crisp, Delicious Cherry Pie Bars, Aunt Becky’s Black Forest Cherry Cake, and Cherry Pineapple Jello Salad!

Why We Love This Recipe

Whether you prefer cherry, strawberry, or even blueberry fillings, the base recipe adapts beautifully to different ingredients, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Making these together with your kids can become a new family favorite activity, introducing children to cooking in an enjoyable and tasty way. They’re perfect for serving at gatherings as they can easily be made in large quantities ahead of time, chilled, and then air-fried just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Cream Cheese – The base of the cheesecake filling, providing a rich and creamy texture. It should be softened to ensure smooth mixing. For a lighter version, you can use Neufchatel cheese, which has a similar texture but less fat. Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the cheesecake filling, balancing the tartness of the cherry pie filling. Large Egg – Acts as a binder for the cheesecake mixture, helping it hold together when cooked. Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling, giving it a warm, aromatic depth. Medium-Sized Soft Flour Tortillas – The outer shell of the chimichangas, chosen for their flexibility and ability to crisp up beautifully. Cherry Pie Filling – Provides the sweet, fruity component that complements the creamy cheesecake. If you want to make your own from scratch, check out my Homemade Cherry Pie Filling Recipe! Feel free to substitute with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for a different taste profile. Vegetable Oil and Salted Butter – Used for brushing on the tortillas before air frying to achieve a golden, crispy texture. Butter is also used after baking for added richness. Powdered Sugar – Used for the glaze and extra sprinkling on top for a sweet, decorative finish. Heavy Cream – Combines with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze that drizzles perfectly over the chimichangas.

How to Make Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas With Cherries

Tips for Success

Softening the cream cheese is crucial for a smooth and creamy filling. Take it out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you start making the filling, or soften it quickly in the microwave if short on time. It can be tempting to overfill the chimichangas with delicious filling, but keeping the filling within the recommended amount (2-3 tablespoons) ensures that they can be rolled tightly and won’t burst open or leak when cooked. When folding your chimichangas, make sure to tuck in the edges tightly and seal them well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. You can use a little water or egg wash along the edge to help seal the tortilla if needed. Cooking the chimichangas at the right temperature in your air fryer or oven is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior without burning. Make sure to preheat your appliance as directed and adjust cooking times based on your specific model. Allowing the chimichangas to cool for a few minutes after cooking helps the filling set slightly, which makes them easier to cut into and eat. However, they’re best served warm to appreciate their gooey, melty interior.

Substitutions and Variations

For a lighter version, consider using a low-fat or non-dairy cream cheese alternative. Greek yogurt could also be used for a tangier filling. Almond extract can be used in place of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile that complements cherry and cream cheese well. Gluten-free tortillas can be used for those with dietary restrictions without compromising the texture and flavor of the chimichangas. Swap out the cherry pie filling for any other fruit pie filling, such as my Homemade Blueberry Pie Filling, apple, or peach for a different taste. Fresh fruit can also be used, though you may want to cook it down with a little sugar to create a more pie-like consistency. Strawberry cheesecake chimichangas work really well for a summer dessert, especially with fresh strawberries in the strawberry cheesecake filling! Sprinkle the chimichangas with a cinnamon sugar mixture. As well as giving them an extra sweet twist, the cinnamon-sugar mixture adds a depth of warm spice, effortlessly taking this delicious dessert to a whole new level! Drizzle sauces like caramel, chocolate, or fruit syrup over the chimichangas to add another layer of flavor. Each sauce can create a different dessert experience, appealing to a variety of taste preferences!

More Delicious Cherry Dessert Recipes

Fresh Cherry Brownies Old Fashioned Cherry Winks Cookies Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake Mini Cherry Cheesecake Tarts Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Cherry Pistachio Ice Cream Coca-Cola Jello Salad

Aside from the cherry pie filling, fresh fruits can add a refreshing touch and a bit of tartness to balance the sweetness of the chimichangas. Fresh berries, sliced peaches, or even mango can serve as a colorful and tasty side. A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of or alongside your chimichanga adds a light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense, creamy filling.