AIR FRYER Cheesy Rotel Soup

Preparation Time: 10 minutesCooking Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Tortilla strips or chips (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

1. Saute Aromatics:
   • In the air fryer basket, heat olive oil. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Saute until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add Rotel and Broth:
   • Pour in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained) and chicken broth. Stir well.
3. Season:
   • Add ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cook in Air Fryer:
   • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the soup is heated through and the flavors meld.
5. Prepare Cheese Mixture:
   • In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, milk, and all-purpose flour. Mix until smooth.
6. Add Cheese Mixture:
   • Stir the cheese mixture into the air-fried soup until well combined.
7. Continue Cooking:
   • Continue to air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the soup is hot and the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
8. Check Consistency:
   • If the soup is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more milk.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the Air Fryer Cheesy Rotel Soup hot. Optionally, serve with tortilla strips or chips on the side.
10. Enjoy!
    • Enjoy this cheesy and flavorful soup as a delicious appetizer or comforting meal.

Note:

Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or using a spicier variety of Rotel tomatoes. Add cooked and shredded chicken for a heartier version if desired.