Air-Fried Burritos: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They can cook a variety of foods with minimal mess and fuss, and are especially handy for those who enjoy a crispy texture to their food. So, it's no surprise that people are turning to air fryers to cook their burritos. But can it be done?

The short answer is yes. Air fryer burritos are a convenient and delicious alternative to traditional cooking methods. They are quick and easy to make, and the air fryer gives the burritos a satisfying crispiness while sealing in the flavours.

Air fryer burrito recipe

Ingredients

You can customise your burrito with your favourite ingredients, but here are some suggestions:

• Tortillas (flour or corn)
• Rice
• Beans (black, pinto, or kidney)
• Corn
• Salsa
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend)
• Lime juice
• Spices (cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Cherry tomatoes
• Mayonnaise
• Hummus
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Avocado
• Meat (chicken, beef, or pulled pork)
• Vegetables (e.g. jalapenos, chilli, or frozen corn)

Method

• Cook the rice: Wash the rice, then put it in a pot with twice as much water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook with the lid on until the rice has absorbed all the water. Take it off the heat, put the lid back on, and let it sit for another 5 minutes. Then, season the rice with salt, pepper, and/or parsley.
• Prepare the filling: If you're using garlic, sauté it in a pan with olive oil. Add the beans, corn, salsa, lime juice, and spices, and cook for a few minutes. You can also add meat to your filling, such as chicken or beef.
• Assemble the burritos: Spread salsa, mayonnaise, or hummus in the centre of each tortilla. Then, add the rice, bean filling, and cheese. Leave about 2 cm of space around the edges of the tortilla to prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Roll up the burritos: First, fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom over the filling, and finally, roll the tortilla from the bottom up, keeping the closure down.
• Cook the burritos in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (180-190°C). Brush the burritos with oil and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Serve: Enjoy your air fryer burritos with your choice of sides and toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or avocado.

Tips:

• Don't overfill your burritos, as it will be harder to roll them up and the filling may spill out.
• If you prefer a softer burrito, wrap it in foil before placing it in the air fryer. For a crispier burrito, omit the foil and brush the burrito with oil before cooking.
• Don't overfill the air fryer basket—cook 2-3 burritos at a time, depending on their size.
• You can also cook frozen burritos in the air fryer. Simply unwrap them and place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for about 7 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until they're heated through.

Air fryer frozen burritos

Air-fried burritos are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love. They are simple to make and can be customised to your taste. You can use your favourite frozen burritos, such as El Monterey, and cook them straight from frozen. The air fryer will give you a crispy, golden brown burrito that is perfectly cooked on the inside.

Ingredients and Tools

• Frozen burritos (beef and bean, bean and cheese, chicken, veggie, or breakfast burritos)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional, for a crispier texture)
• Air fryer
• Tongs
• Digital meat thermometer (optional, to check for doneness)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 170-200 degrees Celsius).
• Remove the frozen burritos from their packaging and place them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. For larger burritos, you may need to cook them one at a time.
• If you want a crispier texture, spray the outside of the burritos with olive oil or cooking spray. Omit this step if you prefer softer burritos.
• Air fry the burritos for 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 7-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them over once or several times during the cooking process. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of burritos and the model of your air fryer.
• Carefully remove the burritos from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

• You can customise your burritos by adding your favourite toppings and sides, such as sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, black beans, or refried beans.
• For an extra crispy finish, spritz the burritos with olive oil or cooking spray before air frying.
• If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the burritos in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• To check if the burritos are cooked, use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• You can wrap the burritos in foil or line the air fryer basket with foil to prevent any filling from escaping.
• For a simple homemade burrito filling, mix rice, black beans, corn, salsa, lime juice, and salt in a large bowl. Add shredded cheese and fill each tortilla with about one cup of the mixture. Roll up the tortillas and seal the filling inside.
• You can also make breakfast burritos in your air fryer by filling them with eggs, bacon, or your favourite breakfast ingredients.

Air-fried frozen burritos are a convenient and tasty meal that can be prepared in just a few minutes. With minimal prep and no thawing required, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick snack. Enjoy your crispy, golden burritos with your choice of toppings and sides!

Customising your burrito

Air-fried burritos are completely customisable, so you can fill them with whatever ingredients you like. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Rice, Corn, Beans, and Cheese

This simple combination is a great base for your burrito. You can use Uncle Ben's Ready Rice to save time, or make your own rice if you prefer. For the beans, use canned black beans, making sure to drain and rinse them first. Add some corn, but don't forget to drain this as well. Finally, top with shredded cheese—cheddar or a Mexican blend will work well.

Salsa and Taco Sauce

Add some salsa to your burrito for extra flavour. You can use any brand of salsa you like. Taco Bell Mild taco sauce is also a great option to add some extra spice.

Meat

If you want to add some extra protein to your burrito, try including some ground beef taco meat or shredded rotisserie chicken. You could also add chicken nuggets or chicken breast.

Vegetables

Fresh diced tomatoes will add a tangy flavour and a bright colour to your burrito. Green onions are also a good option, as they are lighter in flavour than regular onions. If you're a fan of cilantro, add as much as you like. You could also include some diced red onion, or green chile chicken.

Extras

Lime juice will add a nice kick of citrus to your burrito. You can also include some sour cream, homemade salsa, pico de gallo, black beans, or refried beans to complete your meal.

Cooking Tips

When preparing your burrito, make sure not to overfill it. This will make it difficult to wrap and could result in the fillings falling out during air frying. Place your burritos seam-side down in the air fryer basket, and cook them for around 8-15 minutes at 340-400°F. If you want a crispy texture, spray the outside of the burrito with olive oil before cooking.

Cooking and preparation tips

Air-frying is a convenient and tasty way to cook burritos. The air fryer seals in flavour and adds a crispy texture to the tortilla, all while requiring less oil than traditional frying methods. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect air-fried burrito:

• Customise your fillings: The beauty of burritos is that you can get creative with your fillings. While traditional burritos include a protein like chicken, beef, or beans, along with vegetables, cheese, and seasonings, you can also experiment with additions like rice, corn, or jalapenos.
• Prepare your ingredients: Before assembling your burritos, gather all your ingredients and prepare them as needed. Cook your protein and rice, chop your vegetables, and grate your cheese.
• Assemble with care: When assembling your burritos, lay the tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of your chosen fillings onto it, leaving enough space around the edges to fold and seal the burrito. Don't overstuff your burrito, as it will be difficult to roll and cook evenly.
• Roll them tightly: To roll your burrito, start by folding the sides of the tortilla towards the centre. Then, gently fold the bottom edge over the filling and continue rolling until you reach the top. Ensure the burrito is tightly packed.
• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350-400°F (171-200°C) for a few minutes to preheat. This is the ideal temperature range to achieve a crispy exterior.
• Use cooking spray or oil: To promote browning and a crispy texture, lightly coat your burritos with cooking spray or brush them with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional but will enhance the texture.
• Cook in batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burritos in batches to avoid overcrowding. Place the burritos in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other.
• Flip halfway through: For even cooking, flip your burritos halfway through the cooking process. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Adjust cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your burritos. Stay vigilant and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Prevent soggy burritos: To keep your burritos from getting soggy, ensure that your rice and fillings are cold before adding them to the tortilla. Additionally, avoid overfilling your burrito, as this can cause the fillings to spill out during cooking.
• Serve and enjoy: Once your burritos are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favourite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Storing and reheating burritos

When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is one of the best options, as it keeps the tortilla wrap crispy and prevents sogginess. To reheat a burrito in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F. If your burrito has cold fillings like avocado or lettuce, remove them and set them aside before placing the burrito in the air fryer basket. You can reheat multiple burritos at once, but make sure they are spaced apart and not touching. Spray or brush the burritos with oil to achieve a crispy exterior; if you prefer a softer tortilla, skip the oil and wrap the burritos in foil before placing them in the air fryer.

Air fry the burritos for 7-10 minutes, flipping them every 2-5 minutes to ensure even heating. Thicker burritos may need a few extra minutes. Remove the burritos from the air fryer when they are heated through and serve with your favourite toppings.

You can also reheat burritos in the oven, on the stovetop, in a toaster oven, in the microwave, or in a skillet. However, these methods may not produce the same crispy texture as the air fryer, and there is a higher risk of sogginess.

Frequently asked questions