Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos

This hearty Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burrito recipe has become my go-to when I need a quick but satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table. The crispy exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy filling packed with flavors that transport you straight to the Southwest.

I first created these burritos when my teenagers had friends over unexpectedly. The speed of the air fryer combined with the crowd-pleasing flavors made this an instant hit. Now it's requested at least weekly in our house, especially on busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Shredded rotisserie chicken: provides a convenient protein base that's already seasoned and tender
• Room temperature cream cheese: creates a creamy binding texture that melts beautifully
• Sharp cheddar cheese: adds that classic Southwest flavor profile and necessary gooey stretch
• Black beans: offer hearty texture and plant-based protein for balance
• Sweet corn kernels: bring pops of sweetness that complement the savory elements
• Diced tomatoes: add juicy acidity that cuts through the richness
• Taco seasoning: creates that authentic Southwest flavor profile throughout
• Fresh pico de gallo: introduces brightness and freshness to the filling
• Burrito size flour tortillas: work best as they have the perfect strength-to-flexibility ratio
• Cooking spray: ensures an evenly crispy exterior without excess oil

How To Make Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos

Prepare the filling:

Combine shredded chicken with cream cheese, ensuring the cream cheese is truly room temperature for easy mixing. Add cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and fresh pico de gallo to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step is crucial for ensuring consistent flavor in each bite of your finished burrito.

Fill and fold the burritos:

Scoop approximately one cup of filling onto the center of each tortilla. Keep the filling slightly below the center line for easier rolling. Fold the sides inward first, then bring the bottom edge up and over the filling. Continue rolling tightly away from you, tucking in the sides as you go. A tight roll prevents filling from escaping during cooking and ensures even heating.

Air fry to perfection:

Spray each assembled burrito with cooking spray for that golden crispiness. Place in preheated air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes. The hot circulating air immediately begins to crisp the exterior. Flip carefully using tongs, spray the opposite side, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This two-sided cooking method ensures uniform crispiness all around.

Serve and garnish:

Remove burritos carefully as they will be very hot. Let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving with additional pico de gallo and sour cream for dipping. The brief rest allows the filling to set slightly while still maintaining that desirable molten core.

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My absolute favorite ingredient in this recipe is the rotisserie chicken. I discovered years ago that keeping a rotisserie chicken in my weekly grocery haul saves countless dinnertime emergencies. The depth of flavor it adds to these burritos far exceeds what plain cooked chicken breast would contribute, and the time savings is immeasurable on busy weeknights.

Make-Ahead Options

These burritos excel as a meal prep option. You can assemble several at once, wrap individually in foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before air frying. For longer storage, freeze the assembled but uncooked burritos in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They'll keep for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, add approximately 2-3 minutes to the cooking time per side, checking frequently to prevent burning.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of these burritos lies in their adaptability. Consider swapping the chicken for browned ground beef or turkey for a different protein option. Vegetarians can double the beans and add sautéed bell peppers for a meatless version with equally satisfying results. Spice lovers might add a diced jalapeño to the filling or incorporate a few dashes of hot sauce. For a breakfast variation, add scrambled eggs to the filling mixture and serve with avocado slices.

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Serving Suggestions

While these burritos are substantial enough to stand alone as a complete meal, they pair beautifully with complementary sides. A simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich filling. For a more substantial spread, consider serving alongside Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice. A bowl of tortilla soup makes for a festive Southwest-themed dinner when paired with these crispy burritos. For casual entertaining, set up a toppings bar with guacamole, various salsas, sliced jalapeños, and extra cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or any cheese that melts well and suits your taste.

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely. Just cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs before adding them to the filling mixture.

→ What other vegetables can I add to the filling?

You can add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even spinach to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

→ How can I prevent the burritos from unrolling during cooking?

Ensure you tightly roll the burritos and place them seam-side down in the air fryer or on the baking sheet.

→ Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead and store them in the fridge. Cook them in the air fryer or oven when ready to serve.

→ How do I reheat the burritos?

Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F, or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

→ Are there gluten-free options for this dish?

You can substitute standard flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas to make the dish gluten-free.