If you’re craving a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s quick to make and packs a punch, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish balances creamy, cheesy goodness with fresh, zesty Southwest flavors—all wrapped up in a perfectly crisp tortilla. When I first tried making burritos in the air fryer, I was amazed by how crispy and delicious they turned out in just minutes. Stick around, because I’m going to share all my best tips to help you nail this at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: It comes together in just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with Southwest Flavors: The combination of taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and pico de gallo makes every bite exciting.
- Crispy Yet Creamy: The air fryer crisps up the tortillas beautifully while the filling stays rich and melty inside.
- Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for these burritos, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here come together to give that perfect Southwest vibe—a bit smoky, a bit cheesy, and bursting with fresh flavor. You’ll want to choose good-quality tortillas and fresh pico de gallo if you can—it makes all the difference.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves tons of time and adds great flavor.
- Cream cheese: Soften it to room temperature for easier mixing and extra creaminess.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a nice sharp contrast that melts beautifully.
- Black beans: Rinse and drain well to avoid extra moisture in the filling.
- Sweet corn: Drained canned corn works perfectly for that sweet crunch.
- Diced tomatoes: Be sure to drain to keep the burritos from getting soggy.
- Taco seasoning: I recommend your favorite store-bought or homemade blend for authentic flavor.
- Fresh pico de gallo: Adds a burst of freshness and slight heat that balances creamy fillings.
- Flour tortillas (burrito size): Look for sturdy tortillas that will hold the filling without tearing.
- Cooking spray: Helps crisp the outside tortilla perfectly in the air fryer.
- Sour cream (for garnish): Always a crowd-pleaser to cool down the spices.
Variations
I love that this Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos Recipe is super versatile—you can make it your own with different fillings and tweaks. I often swap out ingredients or add extras to keep things interesting.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little extra heat—I like this for a family movie night.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted sweet potatoes, and skip the cream cheese for a lighter option.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend if you want a different kind of melty goodness.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas, and you’ve got a burrito everyone can enjoy!
How to Make Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Southwest Goodness
Start by combining your shredded rotisserie chicken, softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, black beans, sweet corn, drained diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and fresh pico de gallo in a large bowl. I like to mix it well so every bite gets some of that creamy, flavorful goodness. You’ll find this filling packs a punch and stays nice and moist without being soggy.
Step 2: Wrap It Up Like a Pro
Scoop about a cup of the filling onto the center of each flour tortilla. Here’s my trick: fold in the sides first, then carefully roll from the bottom and tuck in the filling as you go to get a tight wrap. This helps keep everything inside and makes flipping easier later on.
Step 3: Crisp to Perfection in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the outside of each burrito with cooking spray—this is key for that golden, crispy texture. Place them in the air fryer basket without crowding (depending on your model, you might do 2-3 at a time). Cook for 5 minutes, then flip, spray the other side, and cook another 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be crunchy outside and melty inside.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Once your burritos are out of the air fryer, serve them warm with extra pico de gallo and a dollop of sour cream. I love how the fresh toppings cut through the richness and just elevate the whole meal.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Don’t Skip Draining: Make sure the beans, corn, and tomatoes are well drained to keep the burritos from getting soggy inside.
- Tortilla Choice Matters: I find burrito-sized flour tortillas work best for a sturdy wrap that crisps nicely without cracking.
- Use Cooking Spray Generously: A light spray on each side ensures a golden crust instead of a soft wrap—this is a game changer!
- Don’t Overfill: Keep about 1 cup filling per tortilla to prevent issues with closing and air frying evenly.
How to Serve Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it fresh with a spoonful of tangy salsa fresca (pico de gallo) and a dollop of cool sour cream right on top. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime for an extra burst of brightness—it really elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides for these burritos? A simple green salad or Mexican rice if you want something heartier. Sometimes we pair it with tortilla chips and guacamole for a fun, casual meal that feels like a fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to slice the burritos in half and arrange them standing up on a platter with bowls of various salsas, guacamole, and cheese for dipping. It turns dinner into a hands-on taco bar experience that everyone enjoys.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I wrap leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold up great for up to 3 days—that’s been a lifesaver for busy days when I want a quick meal.
Freezing
Yes! I freeze these burritos individually wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag. When you want one, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat—it freezes and reheats like a charm without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the burrito in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F to get that crispy outside back. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes if you prefer. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep it crispy!
FAQs
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Can I make these burritos without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake these burritos in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes on a lined baking sheet until they’re heated through and the tortillas are crispy. Just keep an eye on them as cooking times might vary depending on your oven.
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Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes! If you prefer, cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs. Just season and cook them thoroughly before shredding. Rotisserie chicken just speeds things up and adds extra flavor, but fresh chicken works great too.
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What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, although the filling might be a little less thick. Another option is to use a soft cheese like queso fresco or panela for a different texture.
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How do I prevent the burritos from unrolling during air frying?
Folding carefully and rolling snugly is key. I also find spraying the outside with cooking spray helps the tortillas crisp and stick together better. If your tortillas are thin, you might try warming them slightly before wrapping to make them more pliable.
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Can I add rice to the filling?
You sure can! Adding cooked rice adds heft and stretches the filling. Just be mindful of moisture levels to avoid sogginess—using day-old rice helps keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos Recipe has become one of my top go-to meals. It’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—plus, who can resist that crispy outside and warm, cheesy inside? Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving a tasty comfort meal, I hope you give this one a try. It’s like a little fiesta in your kitchen and your stomach will thank you!
Print
Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 burritos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Description
These Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos are a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that combines shredded rotisserie chicken with creamy cheese, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, all wrapped in burrito-sized flour tortillas and air fried to crispy perfection. Ready in just 20 minutes, they make a satisfying lunch or dinner served with fresh pico de gallo and sour cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup fresh pico de gallo
Assembly and Garnish
- 6 flour tortillas, burrito size
- Cooking spray
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Pico de gallo, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the burritos evenly and getting the tortillas crispy.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and fresh pico de gallo. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated forming a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Assemble Burritos: Place one burrito-sized flour tortilla on a flat surface. Scoop approximately 1 cup of the filling mixture into the center of the tortilla. Fold in the sides over the filling, then starting at the bottom, roll tightly up to enclose the filling completely, ensuring the burrito stays secure and doesn’t unravel during cooking.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray the outside of each burrito with cooking spray. This will help the tortilla crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- First Cook Cycle: Place the burritos in the preheated air fryer basket or tray without overcrowding them. Air fry for 5 minutes at 400°F. The exact number depends on the size of your air fryer, so cook in batches if necessary.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip each burrito over, spray the other side with cooking spray, and air fry for an additional 5 minutes until the tortillas are golden and crispy on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the burritos from the air fryer and serve immediately while warm. Garnish with additional fresh pico de gallo and a dollop of sour cream for a fresh, creamy finish.
Notes
- Oven Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Assemble and roll the burritos as directed. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and tortillas become slightly crispy. Keep an eye on the burritos to avoid overcooking.
- Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- Use gluten-free tortillas to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
