Air Fryer Frozen Burritos: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, crispy, evenly cooked meal. It's a great alternative to microwaving, which can leave burritos soggy and unevenly heated. With an air fryer, you can have a hot, melty burrito in just 10-15 minutes.

There are a few different ways to cook frozen burritos in an air fryer. Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit, while others recommend 380°F or 350°F. You can brush the air fryer basket with oil or wrap the burritos in foil to prevent sticking, but this isn't essential. Place the burritos in the basket, leaving space between them, and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you want a crispier burrito, you can cook them for a few minutes longer.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook frozen burritos, an air fryer is definitely worth considering!

Cooking times and temperatures

For a soft tortilla, wrap the burrito in foil and cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you're short on time, you can cook an unwrapped burrito at the same temperature for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a similar result.

For a crispy tortilla, cook an unwrapped burrito at 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10–15 minutes, flipping several times to ensure even cooking. You can also spritz the burrito with oil before cooking to enhance the crispiness. If you're cooking multiple burritos, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

It's important to keep a close eye on your burritos while they're in the air fryer, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your burritos. Larger burritos may need a few extra minutes, while smaller burritos may be done a few minutes early.

Pros and cons of using an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen burritos in an air fryer. Here are some pros and cons of using an air fryer:

Pros:

• Convenience: Air fryers allow you to cook frozen food without defrosting, saving time and effort.
• Even cooking: The hot air circulation ensures even cooking, resulting in juicy and tender food.
• Healthier alternative: Air fryers require little to no oil, reducing the consumption of unhealthy fats.
• Quick cooking: Air fryers significantly reduce cooking time compared to traditional methods such as oven baking.

Cons:

• Texture issues: Some users report that food cooked in an air fryer can be chewier than when cooked using other methods.
• Limited capacity: Air fryers have smaller cooking baskets, making them less ideal for cooking for large groups.
• Less control over temperature: Air fryers have preset temperature settings, which may be a drawback for those who prefer precise control.
• Possible overcooking: Due to the quick cooking process, there is a risk of overcooking the food if not timed accurately.

Comparison to other cooking methods

The air fryer is a great alternative to other cooking methods for frozen burritos. Cooking burritos in a microwave often leads to uneven cooking, with some bites being hot and others lukewarm or cold. The air fryer, on the other hand, cooks with a high volume of hot air circulating around the burrito, resulting in more even cooking.

Additionally, cooking frozen burritos in the oven is time-consuming and energy-inefficient, especially if you're only making one burrito. The air fryer is a faster and more convenient option in this case.

Some people also prefer the texture of air-fried burritos, as they come out crispy and golden, while microwaved burritos can become mushy. Air frying also allows you to control the crispiness of the tortilla by adjusting the cooking time. If you prefer a softer tortilla, you can wrap the burrito in foil before air frying, or simply omit the olive oil spray.

Overall, the air fryer is a convenient, efficient, and tasty way to cook frozen burritos, offering several advantages over traditional cooking methods like microwaving or oven baking.

How to get the best texture

The best way to get the ideal texture for your frozen burritos in an air fryer is to preheat the air fryer and then cook the burritos for 10-15 minutes, depending on their size.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.

Cook the Burritos

Place the frozen burritos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Brush the basket with oil or spray with vegetable oil or cooking oil first to prevent sticking. You can also spray the burritos with olive oil or another cooking oil for a crispier texture.

Cook the burritos for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Smaller burritos (5 oz) will take around 10 minutes, while larger burritos (6 oz or more) will take 12-15 minutes. You can also cook them for five additional minutes if you want a crispier tortilla.

Check for Doneness

Check the internal temperature of the burritos with an instant-read thermometer. For beef and bean burritos, the ideal temperature is 165°F. The outside of the burritos should be golden brown, and you should hear a sizzle.

Serve

Let the burritos cool slightly before serving with your favorite toppings and sides, such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or cilantro.

Tips for the Best Texture

• Always check the temperature before removing your burritos from the air fryer to ensure they are cooked through.
• Turn the burritos a few times during cooking to ensure even heating and crisping.
• Thicker and larger burritos will take longer to cook, so adjust the time accordingly.
• If cooking multiple burritos, work in batches to ensure proper air circulation.
• For crispier burritos, spray the tops of the burritos with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you prefer a softer tortilla, wrap the burritos in foil before air frying. This will result in a warm and chewy texture.
• If you want to thaw your burritos before cooking, you can use the microwave to soften them, then crisp them in the air fryer.

Reheating frozen burritos

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 350-400° Fahrenheit. However, some suggest cooking at a lower temperature of 300°F if you're worried about the outside burning before the inside is cooked.
• Prepare the burritos: Remove the burritos from their packaging. If you want a crispy texture, spray the outside of the burritos with olive oil or cooking spray. For a softer burrito, wrap it in foil before placing it in the air fryer.
• Cooking time: Place the burritos in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your burritos and your air fryer model. For smaller burritos, cook for around 10-12 minutes. For larger burritos, you may need to add a few extra minutes. Flip the burritos several times during cooking for even results.
• Checking doneness: It's important to keep an eye on your burritos to avoid overcooking. Some sources recommend checking every 2 minutes after the first 10 minutes of cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they're heated thoroughly. For beef and bean burritos, the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• Serving: Carefully remove the burritos from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can pair them with your favorite toppings and sides, such as sour cream, salsa, black beans, or refried beans.

Tips for Best Results:

• Avoid overcrowding: When cooking multiple burritos, make sure they're not stacked or touching. The hot air needs to circulate fully for even cooking. You may need to work in batches.
• Adjust timing based on burrito size: Smaller burritos may need 10 minutes or less, while larger burritos can take up to 15 minutes or slightly more.
• Thawing: If you're concerned about the burritos cooking evenly, you can thaw them slightly before air frying. Some people microwave the burritos for a minute or so to soften them before crisping them up in the air fryer.

By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy hot and crispy frozen burritos without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.

Frequently asked questions