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

Burritos are a popular Mexican dish, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare this meal. Air-fried burritos are versatile, allowing for a range of fillings, and can be made with fresh or frozen ingredients. The air fryer is a convenient way to achieve a crispy, golden shell with a soft, warm filling, without the sogginess that can come from microwave cooking.

Air fryer vs microwave

Burritos are a popular Mexican dish, and cooking them at home is a great way to enjoy a quick, tasty, and easy meal. Two of the most common ways to cook burritos are in an air fryer or a microwave. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Air fryers circulate hot air around the burrito, cooking it evenly and giving it a crispy texture. This method is ideal for those who want a tasty, evenly cooked burrito with a crunchy shell. Cooking burritos in an air fryer is also a quick and convenient option, taking only slightly longer than using a microwave. It is a good way to use up leftovers, and you can experiment with different fillings to find your favourite combination. You can also choose from a variety of burrito types, including beef and bean, cheese, rice, chicken, veggie, and breakfast burritos.

To cook a burrito in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Then, place your burrito in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes. If you want a crispy shell, you can cook it for an additional 5 minutes. For a softer tortilla, wrap your burrito in foil before placing it in the air fryer, and cook for 30 minutes, flipping it halfway through.

On the other hand, microwaving a burrito is the faster option, perfect for those in a hurry. However, this method can sometimes lead to uneven cooking, with some parts of the burrito being scorching hot while other parts are lukewarm or even cold. Microwaved burritos can also become mushy, and the texture may not be as appealing as that of an air-fried burrito.

Ultimately, the decision between using an air fryer or a microwave to cook your burrito depends on your personal preferences. If you are short on time and want a quick snack, the microwave might be the best option. However, if you are looking for a tasty, evenly cooked burrito with a crispy shell and a soft, chewy tortilla, the air fryer is the way to go. It is also a great option for those who want to experiment with different fillings and get creative in the kitchen without making a mess.

Filling and folding

Next, add your filling of choice. You can use any filling you like, but a classic combination is rice, beans, corn, salsa, lime juice, and salt. You can also add meat, such as shredded chicken or beef, or keep it vegetarian with pre-cooked rice, corn, jalapenos, and hot cheese. Make sure to leave enough room around the edges to fold and seal the burrito.

Once you've added your filling, it's time to start folding. First, fold the sides of the tortilla towards the center. 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 remaining burritos.

If you want your burritos to be lightly crispy and golden, you can add a coat of olive oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. You can also wrap them in foil if you prefer a softer exterior.

Cooking time and temperature

When cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer, preheating the appliance is generally recommended. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or 400°F for about 5 minutes. Placing the burritos in the air fryer basket while they are still frozen helps achieve a soft and gooey texture inside, with a crispy exterior.

For unwrapped burritos, a temperature setting of 380°F is commonly suggested. At this temperature, the burritos will take around 10 minutes to cook. It is advisable to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If a crispier shell is desired, an additional 5 minutes at the same temperature will do the trick.

If you prefer a softer tortilla, wrapping the burrito in foil before placing it in the air fryer is a good option. The recommended cooking time for foil-wrapped burritos is 30 minutes at 380°F, flipping them halfway through. This method allows the tortilla to warm up and maintain a soft, chewy texture.

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model and brand of your air fryer. Therefore, keeping an eye on your burritos during the cooking process and making adjustments as needed is always a good idea.

Customisation

Burritos are a versatile dish, and cooking them in an air fryer is a great way to ensure they are cooked evenly and have a nice, crispy texture. The customisation options are endless, and you can get creative with your fillings, wraps, and toppings.

Firstly, you can choose from a range of fillings to customise your burrito. The classic burrito is made with meat, but you can easily make a vegetarian or vegan option. Common fillings include rice, beans, corn, salsa, lime juice, and salt. You can also add in vegetables, such as green onions and fresh diced tomatoes, or spices like cilantro. If you want to add a protein boost, try including black beans or meat such as chicken or beef.

Secondly, you can customise the wrap itself. The traditional option is a flour tortilla, but you can also use a corn tortilla for a gluten-free alternative. If you want a crispy texture, brush the air fryer basket with oil and place the unwrapped burritos directly in the basket. For a softer texture, wrap the burritos in foil before placing them in the air fryer.

Lastly, toppings and sides can be customised to your preference. You can top your burrito with cheese, sauces, or garnishes such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. For a complete meal, serve your burrito with sides like coleslaw, sweet potatoes, or a simple salad.

Remember, when customising your burrito, it is important to ensure that your filling fits snugly in the centre of the tortilla. Avoid overfilling, as this can make it difficult to wrap the burrito and may cause the fillings to fall out during cooking.

With so many customisation options, you can make your air-fried burrito exactly how you like it!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve an air-fried burrito. You can serve it with a side of your choice, such as coleslaw, potato wedges, or sweet potatoes cooked in the air fryer. Guacamole is also a great option to serve with your burrito, and you can even make it yourself!

If you're serving a beef burrito, you could accompany it with sour cream, homemade salsa, pico de gallo, black beans, or refried beans. You can also add rice to make it a more complete meal. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice, or even leftover rice. Season the rice as you like, and remember to let it cool before inserting it into the tortilla.

You can also experiment with different fillings to customize your burrito. Try adding corn, jalapenos, or hot cheese for a vegetarian option. If you're cooking with meat, you could make a chili con carne with ground beef and red beans, slow-cooked with tomato, onion, garlic, bell pepper, chili, and cumin.

Finally, you can cut your burrito in half to admire the delicious layers of filling inside. Don't forget to take a picture before you dig in!

Frequently asked questions