Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos

Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos are a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for busy nights or casual gettogethers. Loaded with shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, black beans, and fresh pico de gallo, these burritos deliver a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Using the air fryer gives them a crispy exterior without the grease, making this a healthier way to enjoy a classic favorite.

I remember making these during a busy week and was amazed at how quickly they came together. Now they are a staple in my rotation and everyone in the family asks for them often.

Ingredients

• Shredded rotisserie chicken: To save time and add rich flavor choose fresh bright white meat if possible
• Cream cheese: At room temperature to create a creamy filling easily mixable
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a tangy sharpness opt for freshly shredded for best melt and taste
• Black beans: Drain and rinse them well to avoid excess starch and keep the filling light
• Sweet corn: Drained canned corn adds sweetness and texture choose quality canned or fresh if available
• Diced tomatoes: Drained to avoid soggy burritos quality canned tomatoes bring freshness
• Taco seasoning: Brings the Southwest flavor blend of chili powder cumin paprika and garlic choose a flavorful brand or homemade
• Fresh pico de gallo: Adds a fresh zing and bright acidity make sure it’s fresh and vibrant for best taste
• Flour tortillas: Burrito size for wrapping hold up well in the air fryer choose soft flexible tortillas with no cracks
• Cooking spray: Helps crisp the outside and prevents sticking use a high smoke point oil like avocado or canola

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing this upfront ensures even cooking and the perfect crispy texture on the outside of the burritos.

Prepare the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl combine shredded chicken cream cheese sharp cheddar cheese black beans sweet corn diced tomatoes taco seasoning and fresh pico de gallo. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients blend into a creamy flavorful mixture without clumps of cream cheese or uneven seasoning.

Assemble the Burritos:

Place one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Scoop approximately one cup of the filling into the center of the tortilla. Fold both short sides inward to contain the filling then roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom up to encase the filling securely. A tight wrap keeps everything together while cooking and avoids spills.

Spray and Cook:

Lightly spray the outside of each burrito with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Place the burritos in the air fryer basket without overcrowding to allow hot air circulation.

Air Frying Time:

Cook the burritos for 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip each one carefully using tongs spray the other side lightly again and cook for another 5 minutes. This double sided cooking ensures a golden crispy crust all around.

Serve Warm:

Remove the cooked burritos from the air fryer and serve immediately topped with extra fresh pico de gallo and a dollop of sour cream for contrast and extra flavor.

This dish always brings back memories of Sunday family dinners where everyone loved assembling their own burritos with various toppings.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container once cooled to room temperature. They stay fresh up to three days in the fridge. To keep the burritos crispy upon reheating warm them in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken with turkey or beef for a different protein taste. Use dairy free cream cheese to suit dietary needs or replace cheddar with pepper jack for a bit of a spicy kick. You can add bell peppers or zucchini to the filling for extra veggies and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Top with sour cream and fresh pico de gallo to brighten the dish. Serve alongside Mexican rice or a light black bean salad for a fuller meal. Guacamole is a fantastic creamy side. For a lower carb option try deconstructing the burrito into a bowl over lettuce and avocado.

These air fryer burritos are quick customizable and ideal for meal prep. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside they make a satisfying dinner or lunch.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I customize the filling?

Try adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or substitute proteins such as turkey or beef to suit your taste.

→ Can I make my own taco seasoning?

Yes, blend spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano for a homemade seasoning mix.

→ Is there a vegetarian version?

Omit the chicken and increase beans and vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a meat-free option.

→ What sides pair well with these burritos?

Try Mexican rice, guacamole, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables to complement the flavors.

→ Can these be prepared ahead of time?

Assemble in advance and refrigerate until ready to air fry for convenient meal prep.