Air Fryer Burritos: Can You Cook Them?

Air fryers are a convenient way to prepare a variety of foods, and they can be used to cook or reheat burritos. Cooking a burrito in an air fryer can result in a crispy exterior, and the cooking time is relatively short, making it a quick and easy option for a meal or snack. It is possible to cook frozen burritos in an air fryer, and they can also be reheated to avoid sogginess, which is a common issue when using a microwave. Air fryers offer an alternative to deep frying, allowing for a similar crispy texture without the need for oil.

How to make a burrito in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Burrito-sized tortillas
• Cooked protein of your choice (e.g. chicken, beef, or beans)
• Finely chopped vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes)
• Grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. chilli powder, cumin, or garlic powder)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, or salsa

Method

Step 1: Assemble the Burritos

Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon your chosen filling onto the tortilla, leaving enough room around the edges to fold and seal the burrito. Sprinkle with chopped vegetables and grated cheese, and add your chosen seasonings. Be careful not to overfill the burrito, as it will be difficult to roll and cook evenly.

Step 2: Roll the Burritos

To roll the burrito, start by folding the sides of the tortilla towards the centre. Then, take the bottom edge and gently fold it over the filling, ensuring it is tightly packed. Continue to roll the burrito until you reach the top edge of the tortilla. Repeat this process for any additional burritos.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, lightly coat the burritos with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of oil to promote browning and achieve a crispier texture.

Step 4: Cook the Burritos

Place the burritos in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burritos in batches. Cook the burritos for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Step 5: Serve

Once the burritos are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving with your chosen toppings.

Tips

• Experiment with different fillings to suit your taste.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the burritos, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• If you prefer a softer tortilla, omit the olive oil or cooking spray, or lightly dampen the tortillas with water before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the air fryer for a quick and tasty meal the next day.

Reheating a burrito in an air fryer

If you have leftover burritos, you can reheat them in an air fryer to make them hot and crispy again. It's a quick and convenient way to enjoy your favorite Mexican dish without having to fire up the oven or settle for a soggy microwave burrito. Here's a step-by-step guide to reheating burritos in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a suitable temperature for reheating most types of burritos. However, if you're reheating a frozen burrito, you might want to increase the temperature to 400 degrees F.

Step 2: Prepare the Burrito

Place your burrito in the air fryer basket. If your burrito looks a little dry, you can lightly mist it with oil using an oil spray or brush. This step is optional but will help ensure a crispy texture.

Step 3: Reheat the Burrito

Reheat the burrito for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees F. For thicker burritos, you may need to add an extra minute or two to ensure they are thoroughly reheated. If you are reheating a frozen burrito, the cooking time will be longer, around 15 minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the reheating cycle is complete, carefully remove the burrito from the air fryer and serve it on a plate. You can enjoy it as is or add some garnishes like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole to enhance the flavor.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese lovers can add their favorite shredded cheese on top of the burrito before reheating. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey topping.
• Sauce lovers can slather on their favorite salsa, hot sauce, or a creamy burrito sauce made with sour cream and chiles after reheating.
• Spice enthusiasts can open up the burrito and add extra seasonings to the filling before placing it in the air fryer. This way, you can customize the heat level to your liking.
• Foil is optional when reheating burritos in an air fryer. You can use it to wrap the burrito if you prefer, but it's not necessary, and you can simply place the burrito directly in the air fryer basket.

Air fryer burrito recipe and ingredients

Air fryer burritos are a quick and easy meal that can be made from scratch or using frozen burritos. They are a great way to use up leftovers and can be customised to your taste.

Ingredients:

• Tortillas (10-inch burrito size)
• Rice (ready rice or cook your own)
• Black beans (canned)
• Corn (canned)
• Salsa
• Taco sauce
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Salt

Optional:

• Garlic
• Cherry tomatoes
• Mozzarella
• Spices (e.g. parsley, black pepper)
• Mayonnaise
• Hummus
• Guacamole

Method:

• Cook the rice: Wash the rice, then put it in a pot with twice as much water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook until the rice has absorbed all the water.
• Sauté the beans: Fry garlic in olive oil, then add beans and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Prepare the other ingredients: Cut the mozzarella into small slices, and season the mayonnaise with garlic, lemon, parsley, and black pepper.
• Assemble the burritos: Place the salsa, rice, beans, and cheese in the centre of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll up the tortilla from the bottom, keeping the closure down.
• Cook in the air fryer: Brush a little oil on top of the burritos, then cook at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Tips:

• Don't overfill the burritos, as it will be harder to close them.
• For a softer burrito, roll it in foil before placing in the air fryer.
• Don't overlap the burritos in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• To cook frozen burritos, unwrap and place seam-side down in the air fryer. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Enjoy your air fryer burritos!

Air fryer vs microwave for cooking burritos

Cooking Burritos from Scratch

Microwaving is a quick and convenient way to cook burritos, but using an air fryer can deliver better results. Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food, which helps achieve a crispy texture. In contrast, microwaves often leave food soggy and unevenly cooked.

To cook burritos from scratch in an air fryer, you can fill your tortillas with your desired ingredients, such as rice, beans, cheese, salsa, and vegetables. Roll up the tortillas and place them in the air fryer basket, seam-side down. Drizzle taco sauce and sprinkle cheese on top for a tasty finish. Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes for a delicious, crispy burrito.

Reheating Burritos

If you have leftover burritos, the air fryer is the best option for reheating. Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F and place your burrito in the basket. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, and your burrito will be warm and crispy again.

On the other hand, reheating burritos in the microwave can result in a soggy mess. While it is a quicker option, taking about 2 minutes, the texture of the burrito is compromised.

Cooking Frozen Burritos

Both air fryers and microwaves can be used to cook frozen burritos. In the air fryer, place the frozen burritos in a single layer in the basket, and air fry at 400°F for about 7 minutes. Then, flip them over and continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until hot and crispy.

In the microwave, cooking times will vary depending on the number of burritos and their size, but the results may not be as crispy as desired.

Customization

The beauty of making burritos at home is the ability to customize them to your taste. You can add various fillings, such as different types of beans, rice, vegetables, and proteins. Additionally, you can control the level of crispiness in an air fryer by brushing the burritos with olive oil or cooking spray.

While the microwave offers convenience and speed, the air fryer wins when it comes to achieving the perfect texture and taste for burritos. Air fryers provide a crispy exterior and evenly cooked filling, making them ideal for cooking and reheating burritos. So, if you're looking for that restaurant-quality burrito at home, the air fryer is the way to go!

Freezing air fryer burritos

Preparing the Burritos for Freezing:

Before assembling your burritos, it is recommended to warm your tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable and easier to roll. This will help prevent cracking or tearing during the filling and rolling process.

For the filling, you can get creative and choose your favorite ingredients. Some popular options include rice, beans, corn, salsa, taco sauce, cheese, and meat such as chicken or ground beef. It is important to avoid ingredients like avocado, sour cream, and other watery ingredients as they don't freeze well and can make your burritos soggy.

Once your filling is ready, place a scoop of it onto your warmed tortilla, leaving some space around the edges. Add any additional mix-ins you desire. Now, it's time to roll! Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside.

Freezing the Burritos:

To freeze your burritos, it is best to wrap them individually in plastic wrap, wax paper, or foil. This makes it easier to grab and reheat individual burritos as needed. Place the wrapped burritos on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a larger ziplock bag or airtight container for longer-term storage of up to 3 months.

Reheating Frozen Burritos in the Air Fryer:

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen burritos, simply preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the frozen burritos into the air fryer basket, seam-side up, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them every 5 minutes to ensure even heating. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of burritos you are reheating, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions:

Air fryer burritos are best served hot with your favorite toppings and sides. You can add some crunch with tortilla chips or fresh veggies like lettuce and diced tomatoes. For a creamy touch, include some sour cream, guacamole, or sliced avocado. Don't forget the salsa and hot sauce for an extra kick!

Now you know everything about freezing air fryer burritos, from preparation to reheating and serving. Enjoy your delicious and convenient frozen burritos!

Frequently asked questions