1. Homepage
  2. All Recipes
  3. Air Fryer Southwest Chicken

Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Discover a quick, flavorful way to enjoy southwest chicken wrapped in soft tortillas with melted cheeses, black beans, and fresh pico de gallo. Cooking with an air fryer delivers a satisfying crispy finish without extra oil. The filling combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, corn, and spices for a balanced, zestful taste. Ideal for busy nights or meal prepping, these burritos come with tips to ensure even cooking and easy assembly. Serve warm and garnish with sour cream and fresh toppings for a fulfilling meal.

Save Recipe Spread the Word Share Recipe Print It Now Skip to Recipe
A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:39:03 GMT
The image is: Air West Coast. Bookmark
The image is: Air West Coast. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos are a delightfully fast and flavorful meal perfect for busy nights or casual get togethers. Loaded with juicy shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, vibrant vegetables, and a robust blend of taco seasoning, these burritos come out crispy and satisfying thanks to the air fryer. They offer a tasty way to enjoy a classic southwestern flavor without the extra oil or fuss.

I remember the first time I made these during a hectic week and they completely saved dinner. Now they are a regular request on our menu when I want something quick but impressive.

Ingredients

  • Shredded rotisserie chicken: convenient and flavorful foundation for the filling
  • Cream cheese at room temperature: adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together
  • Sharp cheddar cheese shredded: for that melty, tangy bite essential to any burrito
  • Black beans drained and rinsed: great for protein, fiber, and a bit of texture
  • Sweet corn drained: adds sweetness and color
  • Diced tomatoes drained: brings juiciness and acidity to balance the richness
  • Taco seasoning: the spice blend that pumps up flavor aim for a quality mix or homemade
  • Fresh pico de gallo: fresh brightness and crunch that wake up the whole dish
  • Flour tortillas burrito size: flexible yet sturdy enough to hold all the filling without breaking
  • Cooking spray: helps to crisp the outside perfectly in the air fryer

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is crucial for even cooking and to achieve a crispy, golden outside on the burritos.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and fresh pico de gallo. Stir thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and creamy. Getting a good, even mix here ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos:
Lay one tortilla flat then scoop about one cup of the filling mixture into the center. Fold the sides of the tortilla in tightly to contain the filling. Starting from the bottom edge, roll the tortilla steadily upward into a snug burrito. A tight roll will keep the filling inside and prevent spills during cooking.
Step 4: Spray and Cook:
Lightly spray the outside of each filled burrito with cooking spray. This step is key to developing a crispy, slightly golden crust once air fried.
Step 5: Air Frying Time:
Place the burritos in the preheated air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for five minutes, then carefully flip each burrito. Spray the flipped side with cooking spray and continue cooking for another five minutes. This ensures both sides get equally crisp.
Step 6: Serve Warm:
Remove the cooked burritos from the air fryer and serve immediately. Top with extra pico de gallo and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and tang.
Two burritos filled with chicken and vegetables.
Two burritos filled with chicken and vegetables. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

My favorite part of this recipe has to be the fresh pico de gallo. It adds that refreshing brightness and crisp texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cheesy filling. I recall a family movie night when these burritos stole the show and became an instant favorite with everyone clamoring for seconds.

Storage Tips

Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let them cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or beef instead of shredded chicken for variety. Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter option or use pepper jack cheese to add a bit of spice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with guacamole and Mexican rice for a satisfying meal or deconstruct into a burrito bowl topped with lettuce and your favorite dressing for something lighter.

Two air fryer southwest chicken burritos.
Two air fryer southwest chicken burritos. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

These Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Burritos deliver that perfect balance of comfort and excitement, making them a go to recipe for any night of the week. They’re simple, quick, and packed with bold flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How can I customize the filling?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Substitute proteins like turkey or beef to vary flavors.

→ Is homemade taco seasoning suitable?

Yes, creating your own blend with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano works well for bold flavors.

→ How to make a vegetarian version?

Replace shredded chicken with extra beans and veggies such as mushrooms or zucchini for hearty, meat-free burritos.

→ What sides pair well with these burritos?

Consider Mexican rice, guacamole, fresh salads, or crispy tortilla chips to complement the flavors and textures.

→ Can preparation be done ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the burritos a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to air fry for convenience.

Air Fryer Southwest Chicken

Delicious southwest chicken burritos loaded with cheese and veggies, crisped perfectly in an air fryer.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: Southwestern American

Portion Size: 6 Serving Size (6 burritos)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Filling

01 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
02 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
03 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
05 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained
06 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
07 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
08 1 cup fresh pico de gallo

→ Assembly

09 6 flour tortillas, burrito size
10 Cooking spray

→ Garnish

11 Sour cream
12 Pico de gallo

Steps to Make This

Step 01

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F to ensure even cooking and a crispy finish.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and pico de gallo.

Step 03

Spoon approximately 1 cup of filling onto the center of each tortilla. Fold in both sides, then roll tightly from the bottom to secure the filling.

Step 04

Lightly spray the outside of each burrito with cooking spray to promote crisping during air frying.

Step 05

Place burritos in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes, flip carefully, spray the opposite side, and cook an additional 5 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 06

Remove from the air fryer and serve warm, garnished with sour cream and fresh pico de gallo as desired.

Additional Notes

  1. For the best texture, ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Avoid overfilling tortillas to prevent bursting during cooking.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Cooking spray

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains dairy and gluten.