Air Fryer Burritos: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook and reheat food. They can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including burritos. Air-fried burritos are a quick and easy meal option that can be prepared in less than 15 minutes. You can cook frozen burritos or make them from scratch. The air fryer ensures that the burrito is crispy on the outside and evenly cooked on the inside, without the sogginess that can sometimes occur when burritos are microwaved.

Reheating burritos in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat burritos, keeping them from becoming soggy while adding a crispy layer to the exterior. They are also time-saving, taking only a few minutes to reheat.

Steps to Reheat Burritos in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. You can go up to 375°F for thicker burritos, but it is best to use a lower temperature for a longer time so the burrito does not dry out.
• Remove any "wet" ingredients, such as lettuce, and condiments like crema or sour cream, as these can make the burrito soggy. You can add fresh toppings after reheating.
• Rewrap the burritos.
• Lightly mist the burritos on both sides with cooking spray or olive oil for a crispier finish. This step is optional but will add extra crunch.
• Place the burritos in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have space for air to circulate.
• Heat the burritos for 2-5 minutes, depending on their size. For frozen burritos, this may take up to 15 minutes.
• Check the burritos frequently to ensure they do not burn.
• Remove the burritos from the air fryer when they are crispy and heated through.
• Top with garnishes like lettuce, cheese, or crema, and serve hot.

Tips:

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Flip the burrito halfway through the cooking time for even heating.
• Add a layer of cheese to the top of the burrito for added flavor and to help keep the burrito moist.
• Use sharper cheeses to balance out the flavors of the meat and add character.
• You can add more filling, such as meat, cheese, or spices, as long as the meat is cooked.
• Use crema, lime juice, and cilantro for a richer, more authentic Mexican flavor.

Air fryer settings and timings for cooking burritos

Air-frying is a great way to cook or reheat burritos, giving them a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the filling hot and evenly cooked.

Settings

Air fryers typically need to be preheated to around 350-400°F before cooking burritos. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model, the size of the burrito, and whether the burrito is frozen or not.

Timings

Cooking times will vary depending on the number of burritos, their size, and the power of your air fryer. As a general rule, allow 10-15 minutes for frozen burritos and 8-10 minutes for fresh burritos.

For frozen burritos, it is recommended to cook them for 5 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes. Check the burritos and continue to cook in 2-minute intervals until they are crispy but not burnt.

For fresh burritos, place them in the air fryer basket, seam-side down, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.

Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space for hot air to circulate around the burritos.
• For a crispier texture, spray the burritos with olive oil, canola oil, or cooking spray before cooking.
• For soft burritos, omit the oil or spray.
• Always keep a close eye on your burritos to prevent burning.
• If you are cooking multiple burritos, you may need to work in batches.
• Use an internal food thermometer to check that thicker, larger burritos are hot all the way through.
• To reheat burritos in the air fryer, preheat to 350°F and cook for 2-3 minutes, adding an extra minute or two for thicker burritos.

How to make a frozen burrito in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen burritos (any brand, any flavor)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional)
• Guacamole (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Salsa (optional)
• Cilantro (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or line with foil or parchment paper.
• Place the frozen burrito(s) in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. For larger burritos, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry the burrito(s) for 5 minutes, then remove the basket and carefully flip the burrito(s) over.
• Air fry for an additional 5 minutes, then check for doneness. The burrito(s) should be crispy but not burnt.
• If the burrito(s) are not yet crispy, return to the air fryer and check every 2 minutes to avoid burning.
• Once cooked, remove the burrito(s) from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• For crispier burritos, spray the tops of the burritos with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the burrito(s) and the model of your air fryer. Larger burritos may need longer, while smaller burritos may need less time.
• To ensure the burrito(s) are fully cooked, you can use an internal food thermometer to check that the center is hot.
• If desired, serve with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and evenly cooked frozen burrito!

How to make a homemade burrito in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Tortillas (flour or corn)
• Rice
• Beans (black or otherwise)
• Corn
• Salsa
• Taco sauce
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or a Mexican blend)
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Spices (e.g. black pepper, parsley)
• Optional: garlic, cherry tomatoes, mayonnaise, hummus, avocado, sour cream, guacamole, etc.

Method

• Cook the rice: wash the rice, then put it in a pot with twice as much water. Bring to the boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and cook with the lid on, leaving a small gap. When the rice is cooked, season with salt, pepper and/or parsley.
• (Optional) If using garlic, fry a sliced clove in a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil. When browned, add beans and/or cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for a few minutes.
• Prepare your other ingredients: cut the cheese into small slices, and season the mayonnaise with garlic, lemon, parsley and/or pepper (if using).
• Assemble the burritos: place a tortilla on a flat surface, then add your filling ingredients. Start with the salsa, mayonnaise or hummus, then add rice, cheese and beans. Leave the edges of the tortilla free to prevent spillage.
• Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom over the filling and roll the tortilla from the bottom up, keeping the closure down.
• Spread a little oil on top of the burritos, then place them in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overlap them.
• Air fry the burritos at 350-400°F for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Serve with garnishes of your choice, such as guacamole, avocado, sour cream, or a side of sweet potato or coleslaw.

Tips

• Don't overfill the burritos, as this will make them harder to close.
• Roll the burritos in foil if you prefer them soft, or omit the foil for a crispier texture.
• Don't overfill the basket of the air fryer – cook two or three burritos at most, depending on their size.
• Different air fryer models and temperatures may affect cooking times, so keep an eye on your burritos to prevent burning.

What to serve with air-fried burritos

Air-fried burritos are a quick, easy, and tasty meal. They can be served with a variety of side dishes and condiments to enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried burritos:

Traditional Sides and Condiments

Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro are all excellent choices to accompany your air-fried burritos. These classic toppings add flavour, creaminess, and a fresh touch to your meal. You can also offer a variety of sauces, such as taco sauce or hot sauce, to cater to different taste preferences.

Beans and Rice

Complement your burritos with a side of rice, such as cilantro lime rice, and beans. Black beans or refried beans go well with the Mexican flavour profile of burritos. You can also include rice and beans inside your burritos for a heartier meal.

Salads and Veggies

A refreshing salad or some vegetables can balance out the heartiness of the burritos. Try a Mexican Street Corn Salad or a simple side of corn. You can also serve air-fried vegetables, such as potato wedges or roasted pumpkin seeds, for a crispy and healthy option.

Dips and Sides

If you want to make your meal more interactive and fun, provide some dips on the side. You can offer salsa, pico de gallo, or even a cheese dip. Additionally, consider serving tortilla chips or nachos on the side for dipping into those tasty dips!

Drinks

Don't forget to offer some refreshing drinks to go with your meal! Some options include margaritas, Mexican beer, or even a non-alcoholic beverage like horchata.

Frequently asked questions