These Airfryer Chilaquiles are my take on a traditional Mexican breakfast with a few shortcuts to save time! It’s made up of crispy tortilla chips done in the airfryer, tossed in a salsa and topped with an airfryer fried egg, cotija cheese and avocado.
What are Chilaquiles?
Chilaquiles is a Mexican dish that I tried during my recent trip to Mexico. It’s kind of got a nachos for breakfast vibe without as many toppings. Traditionally, it’s made with fried tortilla chips, a salsa or tomato based red chile sauce, fried eggs, and other toppings and garnishes. But from my conversations with the chef on that trip, there’s no limit to the variations it can take on. There are many varieties of tortilla chips, sauces and cooking methods that can be used. This is just one of many ways of recreating this delicious dish that will leave your mouth bursting with flavor!
Chilaquiles Verdes vs. Rojos
Chilaquiles have a very saucy base which explains why the sauces are a defining point for the type of chilaquiles you are making. Chilaquiles Verdes (green) are created using a tomatillo salsa known as salsa verde. Salsa verde is made from tomatillos, garlic, cilantro, onion, and jalapenos. The tart tomatillo salsa is tangy and very delicious! Chilaquiles Rojos on the other hand use salsa Rosa. Salsa roja (red) is made of dried chilies that are soaked and turns into a tomato based sauce. This is a great option for those of you craving spice in your meal. If you prefer low spice, you can still make the red salsa using mild peppers. The same applies to salsa verde; you can use hotter peppers to bring up the spice level.
Making it Shortcut Style
While I was a huge fan of the chilaquiles I had in Mexico, I’m quick breakfast in the morning kinda gal. So, I’ve improvised with what I have on hadn’t to make a slightly healthier version of the dish with a few shortcuts to save time.
How to Make Airfryer Tortilla Chips
Slice the tortillas into 6-8 pieces or just as small or large as you prefer (I recommend using a pizza cutter if you have one). Lightly spray your tortillas with cooking spray – I use olive oil spray but if you have another kind that is perfectly fine as well. Then, sprinkle them with salt, preferably with coarse salt if you have it and give it a toss. Lay the slices tortillas into your airfryer basket without overlapping them and cook for about 3 minutes at 350 degrees. Flip them, spray again and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This is an estimated time and can vary from airfryer to airfryer so keep checking on them to make sure they don’t burn. Once the chips are crispy, let them cool so they can reach their prime crunch and then they’re ready to enjoy!
How to Make a Fried Egg in the AirFryer
For easy clean up and quickly-cooked eggs, you might want to opt to airfry them. All you need to do try this is eggs, cooking spray, and a small nonstick pie tin.
- Just spray a tin with your favorite cooking spray and crack an egg in it.
- Then, cook for 3-5 minutes at 375 degrees. Keep checking on your egg as cooking times will vary based on the airfryer used.
- Once the egg white is firm and solid, it should be ready with a runny yolk. If you prefer a firm yolk, cook for longer. Once cooked to your desired yolk, sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired and remove from pan with a spatula.
How Long Should I Cook the Chips?
This is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer slightly soft chips, you should simmer them in your sauce for some time. If you want a crispier texture, toss the chips and sauce together after removing the sauce from the heat. Both methods make delicious chiliquiles and the only difference is texture so it is completely up to what you prefer!
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Shortcut Airfryer Chilaquiles
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 Serving 1x
Description
Ingredients
- 3–4 Mini Taco Tortillas (flour or corn)
- Spray Oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup red chile enchilada sauce or salsa verde
Toppings:
- Fried Egg (instructions in airfryer below)
- Cotija Cheese
- Cut up Avocado, Radishes
- Chopped Cilantro
Instructions
Make the Chips
- Slice the tortillas into 6-8 triangles. Lightly spray your tortillas with cooking spray and sprinkle them with salt – give it a toss. Lay the slices tortillas into your airfryer basket without overlapping them and cook for about 3 minutes at 350 degrees. Flip them, spray again and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This is an estimated time and can vary from airfryer to airfryer so keep checking on them to make sure they don’t burn. Once the chips are crispy, let them cool so they can reach their prime crunch and then they’re ready to enjoy!
Making the Fried Egg
- Just spray a tin with your favorite cooking spray and crack an egg in it.
- Then, cook for 3-5 minutes at 375 degrees. Keep checking on your egg as cooking times will vary based on the airfryer used.
- Once the egg white is firm and solid, it should be ready with a runny yolk. If you prefer a firm yolk, cook for longer. Once cooked to your desired yolk, sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired and remove from pan with a spatula.
Making the Chilaquiles
- Add a spray of oil onto a pan and sauté your onion until soft. Then, add in the enchilada sauce or salsa verde. Simmer until it thickens up and feel free to season as you would like.
- Add in the chips and give a toss. If you want them softer, simmer for a few minutes. Otherwise, toss and serve right away.
- Top with cotija cheese, avocado, radishes, cilantro and the fried egg!
Notes
Macros calculated with 1.5 tsp oil, 1 tbsp cotija cheese and 1/3 avocado.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Airfryer
- Cuisine: Mexican