Air Frying Chipotle Bowls: Safe?

Chipotle bowls are a convenient and tasty meal option, but can you put them in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, you can. In fact, using an air fryer is one of the best ways to reheat your Chipotle leftovers. Air fryers can give you irresistibly crispy chicken and perfectly heated rice, beans, salsa, and guacamole. There are a few things to keep in mind, though. First, make sure to separate the ingredients and remove any cold toppings or ingredients that are not suitable for microwaving, such as fresh tomato salsa or guacamole. Second, use short cooking intervals and check the temperature frequently to avoid overcooking. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked Chipotle bowl from your air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature for reheating a Chipotle bowl in an air fryer is between 350°F and 380°F. The higher temperature of 380°F may cause some foods, like rice, to quickly overcook, so it is important to keep an eye on the food and stir occasionally. The total cooking time will be around 8 to 10 minutes, but it is recommended that you check the food every 3 minutes.

The air fryer is a great option for reheating leftover Chipotle bowls as it can be ready in half the time of an oven. However, it is important to note that the process can get frustrating and messy if you have too much food in the air fryer. It is best to use the air fryer when you only have a portion of your bowl left, enough that can fit on the aluminum foil lid.

• Place your to-go container on the countertop and remove the lid. Flip the lid over and place it next to the bowl.
• Push the cold toppings, such as guacamole, lettuce, sour cream, and fresh salsa, to the other side of the bowl. Then, scoop the remaining ingredients onto the aluminum lid, being careful not to overflow.
• Place the full lid into the air fryer basket and start cooking. Check the food after every 3 minutes to prevent burning.
• Once it's done, carefully remove the lid from the air fryer basket. You can rebuild your bowl by dumping the hot ingredients back into the original container, adding the cold ingredients, or starting fresh with a new plate.

By following these steps and paying attention to the temperature and time, you can enjoy your leftover Chipotle bowl with all the flavors and textures intact.

Chicken preparation

Step 1: Brining (Optional)

Brining is the process of salting the meat before cooking. It improves the texture and flavour of the chicken by making it juicier, plumper, and more seasoned throughout. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling with salt). For a dry brine, simply sprinkle kosher salt all over the chicken and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If you choose to brine, remember to omit salt from your seasoning blend later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare your seasoning blend. A simple and versatile blend includes ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. You can also add herbs like paprika, or for a spicier blend, add ground cayenne pepper. If you prefer a marinade, you can let the chicken sit in this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Step 3: Pound the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm, lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness. This helps ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Coat with Oil and Seasoning

Drizzle or coat the chicken with olive oil. The oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or according to your model's instructions). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 6 minutes. Then, use tongs to carefully flip the chicken over and continue cooking for another 2 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For the best results, remove the chicken when it reaches 155°F to 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing or serving. This helps retain the juices and ensures a juicy, tender bite. Enjoy your air-fried chicken as-is or add it to salads, wraps, sandwiches, pasta, or stir-fries.

Ingredients and toppings

The ingredients and toppings you use for your Chipotle bowl will depend on your dietary preferences and restrictions, as well as your personal taste. Here are some suggestions for ingredients and toppings that you can mix and match to create your own custom Chipotle bowl:

Protein

• Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are juicy and tender, and they pair well with the other ingredients in a burrito bowl.
• Beef: Barbacoa is a common option at Chipotle.
• Steak
• Carnitas
• Sofritas

Vegetables

• Lettuce: Chopped romaine lettuce adds a crunchy texture to your bowl.
• Garlic: Minced garlic cloves add a punch of flavor.
• Bell peppers: Diced bell peppers provide extra nutrients and color.
• Onions: Grilled or diced onions can enhance the flavor of your bowl.
• Corn: Grilled corn adds a touch of sweetness.
• Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be used in salsa or as a separate topping.
• Avocado: Avocado slices add creaminess and healthy fats.

Carbohydrates

• Rice: White or brown rice is the base of a traditional burrito bowl. It soaks up the flavors of the other ingredients and keeps you full.
• Beans: Black beans or refried beans provide protein and a creamy texture.
• Tortilla: You can add a tortilla to your bowl for some extra carbs.

Dairy

• Cheese: Shredded Monterrey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese adds a creamy and salty element to your bowl.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream can be used as a topping or mixed into a sauce.
• Greek yogurt: This can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream.

Sauces and Seasonings

• Chipotle Adobo sauce: This is the secret ingredient that gives your bowl that signature Chipotle flavor.
• Salsa: Choose from a variety of salsa options, such as tomatillo-green chili, tomatillo-red chili, or roasted chili-corn.
• Guacamole: This can be ordered on the side and added as a topping.
• Lime juice: A squeeze of lime juice adds a burst of freshness and citrusy flavor.
• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings aroma and additional freshness.
• Hot sauce: Drizzle some hot sauce on top for an extra kick.
• Cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor.
• Oregano: Dried oregano brings an herbaceous note to the dish.
• Salt and pepper: A pinch of kosher salt and a subtle kick of black pepper enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

Reheating methods

Air Fryer:

If you're looking to reheat your Chipotle bowl, an air fryer is a great option. Set your air fryer to 350°F. Separate the ingredients of your Chipotle bowl, placing them on an air fryer tray or basket lined with parchment paper. This will ensure even heating and prevent overcooking. Gently stir the contents halfway through the reheating process, and check on the food periodically to avoid overheating. Depending on your air fryer model, the food should be warmed through in under 8 minutes.

Microwave:

The Chipotle bowls are made from compostable materials and are generally microwave-safe. However, it's important to note that the aluminium lids are not microwave-safe. When microwaving, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Reheat in 30-second to 1-minute intervals, stirring or rotating the dish between each interval. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the food.

Conventional Oven:

Preheat your oven to a low temperature of around 300°F. Place the individual components of the Chipotle bowl in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the dish with aluminium foil to prevent drying out, and heat in the oven until warmed through, usually taking about 10-15 minutes.

Stovetop:

Place a non-stick skillet or pan with a lid on the stovetop over low heat. You can add a small amount of oil or cooking spray if desired. Add the rice and beans, stirring occasionally. Cover the lid and let the mixture steam, adding a splash of water if needed. Then, add the remaining ingredients, such as meat, corn salsa, and fajita mixture, cooking until heated through. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking or burning the ingredients.

Storing leftovers

• Separate the Components: It is best to separate the components of your Chipotle bowl before storing them in the refrigerator. Place the rice, beans, vegetables, and meats in separate airtight containers. This will prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy and will keep them fresh for longer.
• Store Fresh Ingredients Separately: If your Chipotle bowl contains fresh ingredients like lettuce, salsa, or guacamole, store them separately from the other components. These ingredients should be refrigerated in airtight containers to maintain their texture and flavor.
• Use Airtight Containers: Always use airtight containers or sealed bags to store your leftovers. This will help prevent moisture loss and keep your food fresh for a longer period.
• Label and Date Your Leftovers: It is a good practice to label and date your stored leftovers. This way, you can keep track of how long they have been stored and ensure that you consume them within a safe timeframe.

Reheating Leftovers:

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: When you are ready to enjoy your leftover Chipotle bowl, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This ensures that your ingredients will be heated evenly and efficiently.
• Arrange the Ingredients: Place the ingredients in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Start with the grains (rice and beans), followed by vegetables, and then meats.
• Reheat in Intervals: Reheat the grains for 4-5 minutes, then add the vegetables and heat for an additional 3-4 minutes. Finally, add the meats and heat for 2-3 minutes. This gradual process ensures that each component is warmed through without overcooking.
• Stir Occasionally: During the reheating process, stir the ingredients occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent hotspots.
• Avoid Reheating Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients like lettuce, salsa, and guacamole should not be reheated in the air fryer. Add them to your Chipotle bowl after reheating the other components to maintain their freshness and texture.

Frequently asked questions