Crunchy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps
These Crunchy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps are a delicious mix of golden, crispy chicken and gooey melted mozzarella cheese, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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These Crunchy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps are a delicious mix of golden, crispy chicken and gooey melted mozzarella cheese, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The air fryer gives the chicken the perfect crunch without needing a lot of oil, making these wraps both tasty and a bit lighter than traditional fried versions. Every bite offers a great combination of textures—that crispy outside and melty cheesy inside that you just can’t resist.
I love making these wraps when I want something quick but satisfying. They come together fast, and using the air fryer means I don’t have to stand over a pan or deal with frying splatters. I like to add a little bit of marinara or some fresh basil inside before wrapping it up – it makes the flavors pop and feels a little extra special. And honestly, the cheese pull when you bite into these wraps is totally worth the effort.
These wraps are perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or even a snack when you’re craving something crunchy and cheesy. I often serve them with a simple side salad or some fresh cut veggies for a balanced meal that really hits the spot. If you try making these wraps, I bet they’ll become one of your go-tos, especially on busy days when you still want your food to feel a little bit indulgent but without all the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, lean meat. You can swap for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives an extra crunchy texture, but regular breadcrumbs work well too. For gluten-free options, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Spices: Paprika adds a smoky touch. Feel free to adjust chili powder for spice level or use smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully to create gooey bites. If you want a sharper taste, try provolone or a mild cheddar.
Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are best for wrapping. You can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if needed.
How Can You Get Crispy Chicken Without Deep Frying?
The secret is the air fryer and the breadcrumb coating. Here’s how to nail it:
- Coat the chicken well with egg and breadcrumbs so each piece is evenly covered.
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer to avoid steaming and to get crispiness all around.
- Lightly spray or brush with oil to help the crust brown without needing lots of fat.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to crisp all sides evenly.
Following these steps gives you juicy chicken with a crunchy crust, just like frying but healthier and less messy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – perfect for making the chicken crispy without deep frying or extra oil.
- Shallow bowls – handy for the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture for easy coating.
- Tongs – help you flip chicken pieces safely and neatly in the air fryer.
- Non-stick skillet or grill pan – great for warming tortillas and melting the cheese inside the wrap.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas to make a vegetarian version with great texture.
- Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese for a spicier or sharper flavor twist.
- Add sliced bell peppers or sautéed onions inside the wrap for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Mix in Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the breadcrumb mix for an herb-forward profile.
Crunchy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken & Mozzarella Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
For The Wraps:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: fresh lettuce or spinach leaves
- Optional: marinara or ranch sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prepping the chicken and assembling, plus 10-12 minutes cooking time in the air fryer. Warming tortillas and melting cheese adds another 5 minutes. Overall, you can enjoy these wraps in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips or cubes. This size helps them cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
2. Make the Breading Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Beat the egg in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs on lightly so they stick.
4. Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil to help crisp. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so all sides get crispy and golden.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken cooks, warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until it’s soft and slightly toasted.
6. Assemble the Wraps:
Place a warm tortilla flat on a plate. Add a handful of crispy chicken pieces in the center, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
7. Melt the Cheese and Finish:
Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Place the wrap seam-side down in a hot dry skillet or back in the air fryer basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tortilla gets a golden color and the cheese melts inside.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the wraps from heat, slice if you like, and serve hot. Add fresh lettuce or spinach inside or on the side for some crunch. Marinara or ranch sauce makes a great dipping companion for extra flavor.
Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy air fryer chicken and mozzarella wraps!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the fridge overnight before cutting and breading. Pat them dry to avoid extra moisture that can affect crispiness.
Can I Make These Wraps Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the breaded chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before air frying. Once cooked, assemble the wraps fresh and melt the cheese just before serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked chicken and wraps separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer to keep it crispy and warm the wraps in a skillet or microwave.
What Can I Use Instead of Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can substitute provolone, Monterey Jack, or even cheddar for a different flavor. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep that gooey texture inside the wraps.