Real enchiladas start with dried chiles you toast and blend into sauce yourself, plus corn tortillas sturdy enough to roll without tearing. The step people skip is flash-frying each tortilla in a little oil before saucing it. That quick fry keeps it pliable so it holds its roll instead of dissolving into mush in the pan.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep25 min
Cook20 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineMexican
Cost$$
Gluten-free
Contains dairy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Corn tortillas
Fresh nixtamal tortillas roll without cracking once they've been softened in oil.
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
Make the chile sauceStem and seed the chiles, toast them in a dry pan for 30 seconds until fragrant, then soak in hot water 15 minutes. Blend with garlic, onion, and a cup of the soaking liquid until smooth, then strain.
Cook down the sauceFry the strained sauce in a spoon of oil over medium heat for 8 minutes until it darkens and thickens enough to coat a spoon. Season with salt.
Soften the tortillasDip each tortilla in hot oil for 5 seconds, then in the warm sauce, so it stays flexible for rolling.
Fill, roll, bakeRoll each around a spoon of meat and cheese, line them in a dish seam-down, pour over remaining sauce and cheese, and bake at 375F for 15 minutes until bubbling.
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Enchiladas? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Enchiladas ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Enchiladas gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Enchiladas vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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