Air-Fryer Bean Burritos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Bean burritos are a tasty, quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They can be made from scratch or heated up from frozen, and can be adapted to include your favourite fillings. The air fryer is a great way to make a burrito with a crispy texture, without the sogginess that can come from microwaving. You can also make a batch and freeze them for a quick meal later on.

How to make bean burritos in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Burrito-size tortillas (flour or corn)
• Rice
• Black beans (canned or cooked)
• Salsa
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: lime juice, corn, avocado, cilantro, green onions, hummus, garlic, cherry tomatoes, parsley, mayonnaise, taco sauce, and/or hot sauce

Method

• Prepare the burrito filling by combining rice, beans, salsa, and any desired seasonings or additional ingredients in a bowl.
• If desired, briefly cook the filling in a pan over medium heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Place a tortilla on a flat surface and add a scoop of filling to the center.
• Fold the sides of the tortilla inwards, then roll the tortilla to secure the filling inside.
• Optional: wrap the burrito in foil to prevent it from getting too crispy.
• Place one or two burritos in the air fryer basket, seam-side down, leaving a little space between them.
• Cook at 340-375°F/171-190°C for 5-8 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted.
• Serve with your choice of toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or cheese dip.

Tips:

• Avoid overfilling the burritos, as this can make them difficult to wrap and may cause the filling to escape during cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook two burritos at a time to ensure even cooking.
• For a softer tortilla, wrap the burrito in foil before cooking.
• For a crispier burrito, spray the outside with olive oil before air frying.
• You can freeze assembled burritos and cook them straight from frozen by increasing the cooking time.

How long to cook bean burritos in an air fryer

Yes, you can make bean burritos in an air fryer!

If you're making them from scratch, you'll need to prep your ingredients, assemble the burritos, and then cook them in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your burritos, but it should take around 5-10 minutes for the filling to warm through and the cheese to melt.

If you're cooking frozen burritos, you'll need to cook them for a little longer. First, unwrap the burritos and place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7 minutes, then use tongs to flip them over. Continue cooking at 400 degrees for another 6-8 minutes, or until the interior is hot and has reached a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

For homemade burritos, you can also wrap them in foil before placing them in the air fryer, which will help to secure them if they're not perfectly wrapped and prevent the tortilla from getting too crispy.

What ingredients are needed for bean burritos in an air fryer

Bean burritos are a great, simple meal to make in your air fryer. The ingredients you'll need are:

• Rice – preferably cooked and seasoned with salt, pepper, and parsley. You can use leftover rice if you have some.
• Tortillas – flour or corn, in a burrito size (10-inch) or fajita size for smaller burritos.
• Beans – black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. Drain and rinse the beans before using.
• Cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, or a Mexican blend.
• Salsa – a smooth, jarred salsa is best, but you can use your favourite brand.
• Spices – cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Onions – red, brown, or white onions, finely minced.
• Lime juice – for added flavour.
• Corn – drained.
• Tomatoes – fresh diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.
• Green onions/scallions – for a lighter flavour.
• Cilantro/coriander – fresh, if available.
• Avocado – if you like cooked avocado.
• Jalapenos or chillies – for a spicy kick.

You can also add meat to your burritos, such as shredded chicken or ground beef.

What to serve with bean burritos

Bean burritos are a tasty, filling meal, but there are plenty of side dishes that can enhance your meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with bean burritos:

Chips and Salsa

A classic combination, tortilla chips and salsa are a must-have for any burrito meal. Offer a few different types of salsa with varying heat levels to cater to different tastes. Some popular options include classic tomato salsa, sweet and spicy mango habanero salsa, smoky chipotle salsa, and zesty avocado lime salsa.

Beans

Beans are a perfect side dish for burritos as they can be prepared in a variety of ways. Go for classic black beans or refried beans, or get creative with a creamy bean dip or a colourful corn and black bean salad. Frijoles charros, a Mexican dish made with pinto beans, veggies, and spices, is another tasty option.

Mexican Corn (Esquites)

This authentic Mexican street food makes a delicious side dish. Grill, boil, or roast corn on the cob, then spread it with a mixture of Mexican crema and mayonnaise. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and add chilli powder, cilantro, or other seasonings to taste. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavour.

Rice

Rice dishes like lime and coriander rice or Mexican rice with chipotle can add a signature Mexican flavour to your meal. For a heartier option, try making black beans and rice, combining beans, rice, and smoky chipotle fajita and taco mix.

Guacamole and Chips

No Mexican meal is complete without some freshly made guacamole and tortilla chips. If you want to switch it up, try elote, or Mexican street corn, which can be served on the cob or removed from the cob and served in a cup (elote en vaso).

Salads

A fresh, crunchy salad can be the perfect accompaniment to your bean burritos. Try a Mexican bean salad with chicken burritos or a Mexican coleslaw with jackfruit burritos.

Can you freeze bean burritos

Yes, you can freeze bean burritos! They make a quick, easy, and frugal meal that can be stashed in the freezer for days when you don't feel like cooking. They can be frozen for up to three months and are a great option for those who want to meal prep.

To freeze bean burritos, it is important to first let the ingredients cool down completely. Then, wrap the burritos tightly in two layers—first in cling film, followed by a layer of foil—to ensure they are well protected and airtight. Place the wrapped burritos in a freezer-safe box and write the date and use-by date on the box.

When you are ready to eat them, remove the burritos from the freezer and let them defrost in the fridge overnight. You can then reheat them in the oven or in a pan, which will help them become crispy again.

It is important to note that burritos with soft ingredients, high moisture content, and most dairy products (other than hard cheese) do not freeze well and can make the burritos soggy. Therefore, it is best to add ingredients like sour cream, avocado, and soft cheese after the burrito has been defrosted and reheated.

Additionally, it is recommended to slightly underfill the burritos to allow for expansion during the freezing process and to make them easier to wrap.

Overall, freezing bean burritos is a great way to have a tasty, homemade meal ready to go in your freezer!

Frequently asked questions