Nothing says Christmas comfort like a steaming bowl of smoky, hearty soup—especially when it comes together with minimal effort thanks to your air fryer! I discovered this recipe one snowy December when my family begged for something warm and satisfying, but I just couldn’t bear to babysit the stovetop. The air fryer worked its magic on the chicken while I crisped up the bacon, and before I knew it, we were slurping up the most delicious smoky chicken, bacon, and black bean soup. That rich aroma of paprika and cumin? Pure holiday nostalgia. Now it’s our go-to for cozy gatherings, because who wants to miss out on the fun while stuck in the kitchen?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Christmas Easy Smoky Chicken, Bacon, and Black Bean Soup

Trust me, this soup is about to become your holiday MVP. Here’s why:

Air fryer magic: That chicken gets perfectly juicy and smoky in minutes while you focus on sipping cocoa (or wine—no judgment).
Deep, cozy flavor: Smoked paprika and crispy bacon create layers of richness that taste like you simmered it all day.
Holiday crowd-pleaser: Hearty black beans and tender chicken mean even your hungriest uncle will leave satisfied.
One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup = more time for ugly sweaters and cheesy movies.

Bonus? Leftovers taste even better the next day—if you’re lucky enough to have any.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Christmas Easy Smoky Chicken, Bacon, and Black Bean Soup

Gather these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry already! I always lay everything out first because there’s nothing worse than halfway through cooking and realizing you’re missing something.

Proteins: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 4 slices bacon (chopped), 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
Aromatics: 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Spices: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
Liquids: 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 cup diced tomatoes

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Here’s where you can make it your own (except one non-negotiable – I’ll get to that!):

Bacon lovers: Use thick-cut for extra crunch or swap in turkey bacon if you prefer.
Chicken thighs work beautifully too – just add 2-3 extra minutes in the air fryer.
For crazy good smokiness, try fire-roasted tomatoes – they’re my secret weapon!
But please (I’m begging you!), don’t skip the smoked paprika. Regular paprika just won’t give you that deep, cozy Christmas flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Easy Smoky Chicken, Bacon, and Black Bean Soup

Okay, let’s get cooking! This soup comes together faster than you can wrap presents – here’s how:

Air fry that chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken dry (trust me, this helps the seasoning stick!), then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Air fry for 12-15 minutes until it hits 165°F internally. Shred with two forks while it’s still warm – it’ll melt in your mouth!
Bacon time: While the chicken cooks, crisp up chopped bacon in your soup pot over medium heat. Scoop out the bacon bits but leave that glorious grease – we’re using it next!
Sauté magic: Toss diced onion and minced garlic into the bacon fat. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like Christmas morning!
Bring it all together: Add shredded chicken, crispy bacon, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Simmer for 15 minutes – just enough time to set the table!
Taste and serve: Give it a stir, adjust salt if needed, and ladle into bowls. Watch everyone’s faces light up!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Christmas Soup

Three game-changing tricks I’ve learned:

Patting the chicken dry helps the spices cling better – no bland bites!
That bacon grease is liquid gold – sautéing onions in it adds insane flavor depth.
Add broth gradually while stirring to control thickness – I like mine hearty but not stew-like.

Now go enjoy your masterpiece – you’ve earned it!

Serving Your Air Fryer Christmas Easy Smoky Soup

Now for the fun part – loading up those bowls! My family goes wild for these toppings:

A dollop of cool sour cream to balance the smokiness
Shredded cheddar that melts into the hot soup (kids love this!)
Fresh cilantro for a bright pop of color and flavor

Don’t forget the sides – crusty bread for dipping or a simple winter salad makes it a complete meal. Pro tip: set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their bowl – it’s half the fun!

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Christmas Soup

This soup just gets better as the flavors mingle! Store any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have them) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I always add a splash of fresh chicken broth – it brings back that perfect soup consistency. A word to the wise: I don’t recommend freezing this one. Those creamy black beans tend to get mealy after thawing. Instead, share with neighbors or enjoy it for lunch the next few days – it makes the perfect quick meal when you’re busy wrapping presents!

Air Fryer Christmas Easy Smoky Soup Nutritional Info

Just so you know what you’re diving into (not that you’ll care once you taste it!): Each hearty bowl clocks in around 320 calories with a whopping 28g protein and 8g fiber to keep you full. Of course, exact numbers depend on your specific ingredients – that extra handful of cheese or dollop of sour cream will change things. But hey, it’s Christmas – enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQs About Air Fryer Christmas Easy Smoky Chicken, Bacon, and Black Bean Soup

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I get asked most:

Can I use dried beans? Absolutely! Just soak 1/2 cup dried black beans overnight (or do a quick soak), then simmer until tender before adding. They’ll give you extra creamy texture!
How can I kick up the heat? Toss in a minced chipotle pepper with the spices – that smoky heat is *chef’s kiss* perfect for Christmas.
No bacon on hand? No problem! Use smoked salt instead – about 1/2 tsp should do it. You’ll still get that amazing depth.

Still stumped? Shoot me a message – I love helping troubleshoot recipes!

Ready to Try This Air Fryer Christmas Soup?

Go make some smoky magic! Tag me @YourHandleHere so I can see your cozy Christmas creations – nothing makes me happier than seeing families enjoy this soup!

Air Fryer Christmas Soup: 5-Star Smoky Chicken & Bacon Bliss

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Author: flavorcheap_firstpin
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

A hearty and smoky soup with chicken, bacon, and black beans, perfect for a cozy Christmas meal. Easy to make in an air fryer for added convenience.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Toss chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Air fry for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Shred the chicken.
In a pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add shredded chicken, bacon, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Notes

For extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke.
Top with shredded cheese or sour cream if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Soup
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American