Ingredients:

• 1 – 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
• 2-3 tablespoons cumin
• 1-2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2  – 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper
• hot sauce, to taste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (if desired – I generally don’t add this but some people switching from packages of taco seasoning to homemade like the sweetness added)
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups cheese, shredded (can use Mexican cheese blend, sharp cheddar cheese or your favorite)
• 1/2 cup water
• 10-12 medium sized tortillas
• Additions and toppings as desired: roasted corn, black beans, red pepper, red onion, sour cream, salsa, taco sauce, olives, tomatoes….

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef in skillet over medium heat, break the meat into small pieces with the side of the spoon as it cooks. Drain off any grease once meat is fully cooked.
2. Add spices – cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper, salt, pepper, hot sauce and brown sugar (if desired) and water to meat. Start with lesser amounts of spices and build up to what you and your family like. My family prefers tons of spice and flavor so we use more. Stir well. Taste and adjust spices as needed.
3. Return pan to heat and allow water to evaporate from meat stirring occasionally. If you wish to mix in corn, black beans, etc… now is the time to put them in. Make sure they are drained and or rinsed before adding them to the dish.
4. Once the water has mostly evaporated warm tortillas in microwave wrapped in damp paper towels so they are soft and pliable.  Place a hearty dose of cheese in the center of the tortilla and top with meat mixture.  Tuck two opposite sides over the tortilla and then roll to the other sides to completely close. Use a toothpick to keep closed if needed but make sure they are not overstuffed or all your fillings will fall out while cooking.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 360 and preheat for 3 minutes. (I use a Ninja XL air fryer for this). Place 2-3 chimichangas in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Cook 6-10 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove and serve with sour cream and salsa as desired.