Name: Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt; 3/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 lime, juiced; Rice, for serving (about 3 cups cooked); Black beans, for serving (about 1 1/2 cups cooked or canned, drained); Shredded lettuce, for serving (1 cup); Avocado, sliced, for serving (1 medium avocado); Salsa, for serving (1/2 cup)

If you’re craving that smoky, spicy flavor of chipotle chicken but want a quick, healthy twist, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. It’s packed with bold seasonings and the convenience of the air fryer makes it a total game-changer for weeknight dinners.

A white scalloped bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a colorful layered dish. At the center are six slices of grilled, seasoned chicken with a golden-brown crust and white inside, arranged slightly overlapping. Surrounding the chicken at the front and right is white rice mixed with bright red diced tomatoes, green cilantro leaves, and purple onion pieces, creating a fresh salsa appearance. To the right of the chicken are black beans topped with a dollop of white sour cream. Behind the chicken, there is a small pile of pale yellow shredded cheese and lime wedges peeking from the back edge of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made tons of burrito bowls, but cooking the chicken in the air fryer gives it such a juicy, tender texture with a slightly crispy edge that you just can’t beat. Plus, the chipotle marinade is smoky with a little kick — perfect for anyone who loves bold flavor without hours of prep.

Simple & Fast: Ready in just 26 minutes total, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time.
Healthy Twist: Air frying uses less oil but still crisps the chicken beautifully, making this a lighter option you can feel good about.
Flavor-Packed: Smoky chipotle, cumin, and oregano give the chicken a fantastic depth of flavor that shines in every bite.
Customizable Bowls: Load yours up with rice, beans, avocado, and salsa for a meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, make sure to grab fresh boneless skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce bring a smoky heat that’s key to the marinade — adjust to your personal spice level. Having cooked rice and beans on hand can seriously speed up assembly.

Flat lay of raw boneless skinless chicken thighs, three whole garlic cloves with clean skins, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of deep red chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, a small white bowl of reddish ancho chile powder, a small white bowl of warm brown ground cumin, a small white bowl of dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, one whole lime with bright green skin, a neat mound of fluffy white cooked rice on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of glossy black beans, a small pile of shredded fresh green lettuce leaves, thin slices of ripe avocado fanned out on a white plate, a small white bowl of chunky red salsa placed in perfect symmetry, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical in composition -- placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They stay tender and juicy when air fried and soak up the marinade beautifully.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a punchy aromatic base to the marinade.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: The star smoky and spicy ingredient that gives this bowl its signature taste.
Ancho chile powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and earthiness to balance the heat.
Ground cumin: Adds that warm, nutty Mexican flair everyone loves.
Dried oregano: Provides a herbaceous note that rounds out the spices perfectly.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and keeps it moist during cooking.
Lime, juiced: A fresh squeeze adds brightness and tang after cooking.
Rice: The perfect base to soak up all those delicious juices.
Black beans: Adds protein and a creamy texture to the bowl.
Shredded lettuce: For freshness and a crisp contrast.
Avocado, sliced: Brings creaminess and balances the spices.
Salsa: Adds vibrant flavor and moisture to finish the bowl.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The magic of this Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your taste buds and pantry staples. Whether you want it spicier, lighter, or packed with extra veggies, there’s always a way to make it your own delicious creation.

Spice Level: I love dialing up the heat by adding an extra tablespoon of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce when I’m craving that smoky kick. For milder palates, just stick to the ½ tablespoon or swap for a smoky paprika instead.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or roasted cauliflower tossed in the same chipotle marinade. It’s just as satisfying and perfect for Meatless Monday!
Extra Veggies: Toss in some grilled corn, diced bell peppers, or chopped tomatoes to the bowl for added color and crunch. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime zest brighten everything up.
Make it Low-Carb: Instead of rice, use cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens to keep things light without compromising flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds a layered dish with sliced grilled chicken pieces arranged in a row on one side, showing a brown crispy texture on the outside and white inside. Next to the chicken is a pile of shredded pale yellow cheese. Below the cheese is a dollop of white sour cream on top of black beans and sliced green jalapeno peppers. Beside the chicken, there is a small portion of chopped green lettuce. On the opposite side of the bowl, white rice fills about one-third of the space, topped partly with colorful pico de gallo made of diced red tomatoes, green peppers, and purple onion bits. A bright green lime wedge sits at the center edge near the chicken and cheese. A gold fork rests on the bowl's right edge, leaning inward. Some green cilantro leaves and a lime half appear in the top left corner outside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by gathering your chicken thighs and tossing them in a bowl with kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and olive oil. This marinade infuses the chicken with a smoky, slightly spicy punch that’s just irresistible. Make sure every piece is evenly coated. If you have time, let it marinate for 15-30 minutes to deepen the flavors, but if you’re short on time, even a quick 5 minutes works wonders.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer to 385°F

Place the crisper plate inside your COSORI air fryer basket, then select the preheat function and set the temperature to 385 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures your chicken starts cooking immediately with that perfect sear, locking in juices and flavor. This usually takes just a few minutes—press start and get ready for the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Tender Perfection

Lay the marinated chicken thighs evenly on the preheated crisper plate without overlapping. Set your air fryer to cook for 16 minutes. At the halfway mark, around 8 minutes in, flip each piece to ensure even browning and cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when done—juicy, smoky, and tender.

Step 4: Let the Chicken Rest and Slice

After cooking, remove the chicken from the air fryer and immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. This brightens the smoky flavors wonderfully. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes—this step is key to keeping it juicy. Once rested, slice the chicken into strips perfect for loading into your burrito bowl.

Step 5: Build Your Burrito Bowl

In serving bowls, start with a base of fluffy cooked rice and black beans. Layer on the sliced chipotle chicken, then top with shredded lettuce, creamy avocado slices, and a hearty scoop of your favorite salsa. Serve immediately to enjoy the bowl warm, fresh, and full of flavor.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tender chicken in your Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is easy — but a few insider tips can take it from good to unforgettable.

Marinate Thoroughly: I always let the chicken soak in that chipotle marinade at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, to deepen the flavors and keep the meat juicy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Spacing the thighs properly on the crisper plate makes a world of difference for even cooking and crisp edges.
Flip Halfway: Turning the chicken at 8 minutes helps achieve a beautifully caramelized exterior without drying it out.
Rest the Chicken: Squeezing fresh lime juice and letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes locks in moisture and helps the flavors mellow perfectly.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing two pieces of raw pale pink chicken layered at the bottom. On top of the chicken, there are several piles of spices with different colors and textures: a dark brown powder on the left, a dark green coarse powder next to it, a mound of bright green herbs near the center, a medium brown powder to the right, and a cluster of deep red dried chili slices with seeds in the middle. The ingredients create a colorful and textured mix over the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh, vibrant garnishes really brings the bowl to life. Try topping your burrito bowl with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, some crumbled cotija cheese, or a few pickled jalapeño slices. Don’t forget a wedge of lime on the side for an extra pop of brightness. For texture, a handful of crunchy tortilla strips or toasted pepitas can add a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken and creamy avocado.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside Mexican street corn (elote), a fresh corn and tomato salad, or even crispy air-fried plantains. A light, tangy cabbage slaw also pairs beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast to the smoky chipotle flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your burrito bowl is assembled or if you have leftover chicken, store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, and the rice and beans can also be refrigerated safely for the same time frame. This way, each component maintains its texture and flavor without getting soggy or mushy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the chipotle chicken itself, slice it first and place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will stay good for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the rice and beans together in the bowl as they can become mushy when thawed, but they freeze separately just fine.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, I recommend using your air fryer again or a hot skillet on medium heat—this helps retain some crispness on the edges without drying out the meat. Reheat at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch but be mindful not to overcook it. Warm the rice and beans separately before assembling your bowl for the best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but since they’re leaner, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying them out. You might want to reduce the air frying time slightly or marinate a bit longer to keep them juicy.

How spicy is this Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe?

The heat mainly comes from the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and ancho chile powder. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the chipotle amount or remove the seeds. Adjust according to your tolerance—you can always add more salsa for extra kick at serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe itself uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, but just double-check that your canned black beans and salsa don’t have any hidden gluten additives to keep it safe for a gluten-free diet.

Can I prepare the marinade and chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! Marinating the chicken a few hours or overnight in the fridge not only saves time on cooking day but also intensifies the smoky chipotle flavor. Just be sure to keep the chicken refrigerated while marinating.

Final Thoughts

Making this Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want a flavorful, satisfying meal without hours of prep or cleanup. The smoky chipotle, tender chicken, and fresh toppings all come together beautifully, and the air fryer keeps things light but still full of texture. I hope you enjoy crafting and sharing this delicious bowl of comfort as much as I do!