Description: Craving something spicy, cheesy, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than these Air Fryer Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese Wraps! This recipe takes the comforting flavors of a classic ham and cheese melt and kicks them up a notch with juicy, shredded chicken and a fiery hot sauce-ranch dressing. The air fryer works its magic to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a gooey, melted interior in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Perfect for a quick lunch, a fun snack, or a casual dinner, these wraps are customizable to your spice preference and dietary needs. Get ready for an explosion of flavor in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas (about 10-12 inches in diameter)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups)
- 4 slices halal turkey ham (or your preferred type of ham)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste; Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, or your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing
Preparation:
step 1: Prepare the Hot Sauce-Ranch Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce and ranch dressing. Whisk until thoroughly mixed. Taste and adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired level of spiciness. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount of hot sauce and add more as needed. For a creamier sauce, add a teaspoon of milk or cream.
Step 2: Assemble the Wraps: Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean, flat surface. Ensure the tortillas are pliable; if they seem stiff, lightly warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to prevent tearing. Divide the shredded or diced cooked chicken evenly among the tortillas, placing it in the center of each tortilla, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
Step 3: Add the Ham and Cheese: Top each portion of chicken with a slice of halal turkey ham. Make sure the ham is evenly distributed over the chicken. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese (or your chosen cheese blend) over the ham on each tortilla.
Step 4: Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle the hot sauce-ranch dressing mixture evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese fillings on each tortilla. Be careful not to over-saturate the tortillas, as this can make them soggy.
Step 5: Fold and Roll: Fold the sides of the tortillas inward, over the fillings, to prevent the ingredients from spilling out during cooking. Then, tightly roll up the tortillas from the bottom towards the top to form secure wraps. Ensure the wraps are snugly rolled to maintain their shape in the air fryer.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the wraps will cook evenly and become crispy. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating function, simply turn it on to the specified temperature and let it run for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent the wraps from sticking. This step is crucial for ensuring that the wraps release easily and maintain their shape. You can also use parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers for even easier cleanup.
- Air Fry the Wraps: Place the wraps seam side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wraps in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and less crispy wraps.
- Cook to Perfection: Cook in the preheated air fryer for 5-7 minutes, or until the wraps are golden brown and crispy on the outside and the cheese is melted and bubbly on the inside. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep a close eye on the wraps and adjust the time accordingly. Flip the wraps halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the wraps from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack for a minute or two before serving. This allows the cheese to set and prevents burning your mouth.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Air Fryer Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese Wraps hot, with additional hot sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired. You can also serve them with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First, it’s incredibly quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Second, it offers a fantastic combination of flavors and textures – the spiciness of the hot sauce, the creamy ranch dressing, the savory chicken and ham, and the gooey cheese all come together in perfect harmony. Third, it’s customizable; you can adjust the level of spiciness, swap out ingredients, and add your own personal touch. Finally, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried wraps, thanks to the air fryer, which uses little to no oil. These wraps are sure to become a new favorite in your household!
COOKING Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as extra hot sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or BBQ sauce.
- Cut the wraps into smaller pieces and serve as appetizers for parties or game nights.
- Pair with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or onion rings.
- Add a side salad for a lighter, healthier option.
- Enjoy with a cold beverage, such as iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite soda.
Tips:
- For extra crispy wraps, lightly brush the outside of the tortillas with melted butter or olive oil before air frying.
- To prevent the cheese from melting out, make sure the wraps are tightly rolled and the ends are securely folded.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the wraps in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or provolone.
- Add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños, for added flavor and texture.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker and easier meal.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken and ham with black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 15-17 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per wrap
- Protein: Approximately 30g per wrap
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg per wrap
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Hot Chicken Ham and Cheese Wraps are a delicious and convenient way to satisfy your cravings for something spicy, cheesy, and satisfying. With minimal prep time and a quick cooking process, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or any time you need a quick and easy meal. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the customization options allow you to tailor the recipe to your own preferences. So go ahead and give these wraps a try – you won’t be disappointed!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the wraps ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the tortillas may become slightly soggy over time. To prevent this, wrap each wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil. When ready to cook, simply air fry them as directed in the recipe.
Q2: What if I don’t have ranch dressing? Can I use something else?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can substitute it with other creamy dressings, such as blue cheese dressing, thousand island dressing, or even a simple mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also use plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. Just remember to adjust the flavor accordingly to achieve your desired taste.
Q3: Can I use different types of tortillas?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat tortillas, spinach tortillas, or even gluten-free tortillas, depending on your dietary needs and preferences. Keep in mind that different types of tortillas may have different textures and may require slightly different cooking times.
Q4: How can I make these wraps less spicy?
A: If you’re sensitive to spice, you can easily adjust the level of heat in these wraps by using a milder hot sauce or reducing the amount of hot sauce in the hot sauce-ranch dressing mixture. You can also add a touch of sweetness to the sauce by mixing in a small amount of honey or maple syrup. Alternatively, you can omit the hot sauce altogether and use a different sauce, such as BBQ sauce or honey mustard.
Q5: Can I add other ingredients to these wraps?
A: Of course! One of the best things about these wraps is that they’re easily customizable. You can add other ingredients to your liking, such as diced bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, lettuce, or even crumbled bacon. Just make sure not to overfill the wraps, as this can make them difficult to roll and cook evenly.
