Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can please the whole family. Made with tender chicken strips, gooey mozzarella cheese, and fresh spinach wrapped in whole wheat tortillas, this recipe is a fast and healthy meal option. Cooking with an air fryer not only makes these wraps crispy but also cuts down the amount of oil needed. This means you can enjoy a delicious meal without feeling guilty. Whether you need a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a party snack, these wraps check all the boxes.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps. First, they are highly versatile. You can customize the fillings to suit your personal tastes or dietary requirements. If you’re looking to eat healthier, using whole wheat tortillas and fresh spinach adds fiber and essential nutrients. Additionally, air frying is a fantastic way to keep your chicken juicy while achieving that desired crispiness.
This recipe is also quick and simple. With only a few ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can prepare it in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for those times when you want something delicious but don’t have much time to cook. Plus, the clean-up is easy, since you are using an air fryer, which typically requires fewer pots and pans than traditional cooking methods.
Moreover, these wraps make for a great meal prep option. You can prepare the chicken and wraps ahead of time and reheat them when you need a quick bite. The combination of flavors – smoky paprika, savory garlic, and melty mozzarella – will keep everyone coming back for more.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps
Making these wraps is straightforward and fun. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create these tasty treats.
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (Approximately 1 pound total)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 whole wheat tortillas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (Optional, for serving)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into thin strips. Cutting them thin will allow the chicken to cook faster and become crispy. Thin strips will also fit easily inside the wraps, providing a great bite each time.
2. Season the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once the spices are mixed well, add the chicken strips to the bowl. Toss them until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning. This step adds delicious flavor to the chicken.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Give it about 3 to 5 minutes to warm up. Preheating is crucial as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly all the way through, avoiding any raw spots.
4. Cook the Chicken
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Then, place the seasoned chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The goal is for the chicken to be a nice golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Assemble the Wraps
After the chicken has finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer. Take each tortilla and lay a layer of fresh spinach leaves on top. This not only adds color but also a fresh crunch to your wraps. Next, sprinkle on a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and then add the cooked chicken strips.
6. Roll the Tortillas
Carefully roll each tortilla tightly to enclose the filling. Make sure to tuck in the sides as you roll, so the yummy ingredients do not fall out.
7. Crisp the Wraps
To make the wraps crispy, spray the outside of each wrap lightly with olive oil spray. Place the rolled wraps seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and golden.
8. Serve
Once the wraps are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Slice each wrap in half for easy eating. Serve them with ranch dressing on the side, if desired. The dressing adds a creamy touch that pairs wonderfully with the crispy wraps.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps
These wraps are perfect for any meal of the day. For lunch, you can serve them alongside a fresh salad or some veggie sticks. A light dipping sauce, like ranch or a yogurt dressing, adds great flavor. For dinner, pair them with rice or quinoa, along with steamed vegetables. These wraps also make for a fabulous snack at parties or gatherings. Just cut them into smaller pieces and serve them on a platter for guests to enjoy.
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best to use the air fryer again. Just pop the wraps back in at a low temperature until warmed through, usually about 5 minutes. This will help keep them crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it may turn the wraps soggy.
Tips to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps
Marinade for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking. Use ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar blended with spices to enhance the flavor.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to your wraps. Bell peppers, onions, or avocado can add delicious flavors and textures.
Use Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, you can substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique taste.
Adjust Spices: Modify the amount of garlic powder or paprika according to your preference. If you like more heat, consider adding chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Variation
You can easily switch up the recipe to suit different tastes. Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a seafood or plant-based version. You can also make a breakfast wrap by adding scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage or bacon. The possibilities are endless, and you can play around with different ingredients to find what you love most.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it is best to thaw it first. Thawed chicken will cook more evenly and be easier to slice into strips.
2. Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and assemble the wraps ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and air fry them when you’re ready to eat.
3. Are these wraps gluten-free?
If you want gluten-free wraps, be sure to choose gluten-free tortillas. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adjust for a gluten-free diet.
In conclusion, Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps are not only easy to make but also delicious and versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to match your taste, making this recipe a family favorite. Enjoy this tasty dish at any time of the day!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer and cook for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer.
- On each tortilla, lay a layer of fresh spinach leaves, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and cooked chicken strips.
- Roll each tortilla tightly to enclose the filling, tucking in the sides as you roll.
- Spray the outside of each wrap lightly with olive oil spray. Place the wraps seam-side down in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and golden.
- Remove the wraps from the air fryer, let cool slightly, and slice each wrap in half.
- Serve the wraps with ranch dressing on the side, if desired.