Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves bold flavors and crispy textures. The combination of seasoned shredded chicken, spicy hot sauce, and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy tortilla will leave you craving more. The ranch dressing adds the perfect creamy balance to the heat, and the air fryer ensures that each bite is perfectly crisp without the extra mess of frying. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor—a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or your favorite dipping sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- Cooking spray
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
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Assemble the Wraps: Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Spread a small amount of ranch dressing on each tortilla. Evenly distribute the spicy chicken mixture on each tortilla and top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
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Roll and Seal: Fold in the sides of the tortillas and roll them up tightly, similar to making a burrito. Brush the outside of each wrap with melted butter to help achieve that crispy texture.
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Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the wraps seam-side down in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
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Serve: Remove the wraps from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before slicing them in half. Serve with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 wraps
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or a mixture of beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Different Sauces: If you prefer a different dipping sauce, try blue cheese, sriracha mayo, or buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
- Cheese Swap: While cheddar works perfectly in this recipe, feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for variation.
- Tortilla Type: For a gluten-free version, substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free ones.
Storage/Reheating
- Storing: These wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the wraps in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy again. You can also heat them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping to ensure they reheat evenly and stay crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use pre-cooked chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves you time in the kitchen.
2. Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken filling and assemble the wraps ahead of time. Store the unbaked wraps in the fridge for up to a day before air frying.
3. What type of tortillas should I use?
Flour tortillas are the best choice for this recipe as they crisp up well in the air fryer. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if desired.
4. Can I freeze these wraps?
Yes, you can freeze the wraps before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to a month. To cook, air fry straight from frozen for about 12-15 minutes.
5. How can I adjust the spice level?
You can adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce to the chicken filling. If you prefer a milder version, use a milder hot sauce or substitute with BBQ sauce for a less spicy flavor.
6. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to swap it for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of extra spice.
7. How do I keep the wraps from getting soggy?
Ensure that the wraps are tightly rolled and brush the outside with enough butter to help them crisp up. The air fryer also helps to maintain the crispiness.
8. Can I make this recipe without ranch dressing?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use any dipping sauce you like, such as sour cream, guacamole, or even a spicy mayo.
9. How can I make these wraps more filling?
Add additional fillings like sautéed vegetables, black beans, or even cooked bacon to make the wraps heartier and more satisfying.
10. Can I cook these wraps in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these wraps in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Be sure to flip them halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Hot Chicken and Cheese Wraps are the perfect combination of heat, crunch, and cheesy goodness. Whether you're making them for a quick dinner or serving them at your next gathering, they are sure to be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy a crispy, flavorful wrap in no time.
Air Fryer Hot Chicken and Cheese Wraps
These Air Fryer Hot Chicken and Cheese Wraps are crispy, cheesy, and packed with spicy goodness! Perfectly golden and crunchy, these wraps combine seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of ranch dressing for a balanced flavor. Made in the air fryer for a healthier twist, they’re an easy and delicious meal or snack in just 20 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps
- Category: Dinner, Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or preferred dipping sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Assemble the Wraps
Lay out tortillas and spread a thin layer of ranch dressing on each. Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken mixture and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Roll and Seal
Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll tightly like a burrito. Brush the outside with melted butter.
4. Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place wraps seam-side down, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve
Let the wraps cool slightly before slicing. Serve with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
