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Air Fryer Mexican Chicken Soup - Bright, Cozy, and Weeknight Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes (or 1 cup cherry tomatoes)
  • 1 small yellow onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 jalapeño, halved and seeded (leave some seeds for more heat)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thick strips
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but great for depth)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup canned diced green chiles (mild or medium)
  • Juice of 1–2 limes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: avocado slices, tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, radishes

Method
 

  1. Prep the produce: Halve the jalapeño and remove seeds for mild heat. Cut the onion into wedges. Slice the bell pepper. If using fresh corn, cut kernels off the cob. Keep tomatoes whole if Roma; halve if large.
  2. Season the veggies: In a bowl, toss tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, bell pepper, corn, and garlic with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Air fry the veggies: Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until lightly charred and fragrant. Set aside.
  4. Cook the chicken: Pat chicken dry, lightly oil, and season with salt and pepper. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then shred or chop.
  5. Build the broth: In a large pot over medium heat, add the roasted veggies, shredded chicken, chicken broth, black beans, and diced green chiles. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Adjust and brighten: Simmer 10–15 minutes to meld flavors. Stir in lime juice and taste. Add more salt, pepper, or lime as needed.
  7. Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls and finish with cilantro. Add avocado, tortilla strips, cheese, or sour cream if you like.