Introduction
Are you ready to elevate your wrap game? Hearty Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wraps with a Crispy Bite are here to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds! This dish combines tender, juicy pieces of BBQ chicken with fresh veggies and crispy textures, all enveloped in a warm tortilla for the perfect handheld meal.
The air fryer makes it possible to achieve that delightful crunch without the excess oil, allowing for a healthier spin on traditional fried wraps. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option, a delightful lunch meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing snack for game day, these wraps are versatile and easy to customize. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for those busy weeknights.
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that embodies the essence of comfort food with a crispy twist!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup of your preferred BBQ sauce
- 4 large tortillas
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until the chicken is fully covered with the sauce.
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- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
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- Place the tortillas on a clean surface. Add a generous portion of the BBQ chicken blend to the center of each tortilla.
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- Layer the chicken with grated cheddar cheese, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Optionally, drizzle ranch dressing over the top.
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- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and then roll it up tightly from the bottom to form a wrap.
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- Lightly brush the exterior of each wrap with olive oil and season with salt and pepper as per your preference.
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- Arrange the wraps in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space between them for better cooking. You may have to cook them in batches based on your air fryer’s capacity.
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- Air fry the wraps at 380°F (190°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown and crispy texture, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
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- After cooking, carefully take the wraps out of the air fryer and let them cool a bit before slicing them in half. Serve while warm and relish your delicious BBQ chicken wraps!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 1 lb, boneless and skinless, cut into strips
- BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup (your favorite sweet or smoky variety)
- Whole Wheat Tortillas: 4 large or medium-sized
- Shredded Cheese: 1 cup (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Fresh Spinach or Lettuce: 1 cup, washed and dried
- Red Onion: 1/2, thinly sliced
- Bell Peppers: 1 cup, sliced (any color)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Optional Toppings: Sliced jalapeños, avocado, or ranch dressing for drizzling
These ingredients come together to create a deliciously satisfying wrap that’s not just easy to make but also bursting with flavor and texture!
Baking Process
- Preparation of Chicken Filling:
- Start by marinating your chicken pieces in your favorite BBQ sauce. Allow the chicken to soak in the flavors for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, refrigerate it for a few hours.
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Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and achieves that desired crispy texture.
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Cooking the Chicken:
- Place the marinated chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure it gets evenly cooked and crispy on all sides. Check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
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Preparing the Wraps:
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the wraps. Lay out large tortilla wraps on a clean surface.
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Spread a layer of cream cheese or ranch dressing evenly across each tortilla to add creaminess and to help the fillings stay intact.
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Assembling the Wraps:
- Layer the chopped BBQ chicken over the cream cheese on each tortilla, followed by your choice of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, and melty cheddar cheese.
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Fold in the sides of the tortilla first, then roll the wrap tightly from the bottom up to keep all the fillings secure.
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Crisping the Wraps:
- Lightly brush or spray the outside of the wrapped tortillas with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. This will help achieve a nice crispy finish.
- Place the wraps seam-side down into the preheated air fryer in a single batch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.
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Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning.
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Serving:
- Remove the crispy BBQ chicken wraps from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before slicing them in half.
- Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your Hearty Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wraps with a Crispy Bite!
Serving Suggestions
These Hearty Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wraps with a Crispy Bite are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and accompaniments can elevate your meal even further. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Side Salads:
- Coleslaw: A classic pairing with BBQ flavors. A tangy coleslaw adds a crunch and freshness that complements the rich and smoky taste of the wraps.
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Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together some fresh mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing counterbalance.
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Dipping Sauces:
- Extra BBQ Sauce: Serve some additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping for those who love an extra kick.
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Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch pairs well with the smokiness of the chicken and provides a cooling contrast.
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Vegetable Sides:
- Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries: These not only add a delightful crunch but also a touch of sweetness that complements the barbecue sauce.
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Charred Corn on the Cob: Grilled or air-fried corn drizzled with lime and sprinkled with chili powder is a perfect and tasty side.
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Beverages:
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing iced tea or a zesty lemonade can balance the savory flavors of the wraps beautifully.
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Craft Beer: Pair your meal with a light lager or pale ale to enhance the BBQ experience.
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Garnishes:
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over the wraps for a burst of color and freshness.
- Sliced Avocado or Guacamole: Adding creamy avocado or guacamole enhances the texture and adds a delicious creamy element.
Serve these hearty wraps with any of these suggestions, and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner!
Conclusion
These Hearty Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wraps with a Crispy Bite are the perfect solution for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in BBQ sauce, crisp vegetables, and the delightful crunch from the air fryer creates a wrap that is both nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or a fun game-day snack, these wraps can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer means less oil and a quicker cooking time, making this a healthier option without sacrificing that golden-brown crunch we all love.
So gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare. Your taste buds will thank you, and your family will be asking for seconds! Happy cooking!
