Air Fryer Frozen Burritos: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare this popular dish. The air fryer's high volume of hot air ensures the burrito is cooked evenly, with a crispy outside and a soft, gooey inside. This method works for all kinds of frozen burritos, whether you prefer chicken, beef, or even a breakfast burrito.

Cooking Frozen Burritos in an Air Fryer

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for frozen burritos in an air fryer vary depending on the desired texture, the size of the burrito, and the air fryer model.

For a crispy burrito, some sources recommend cooking at 380° F for 10 minutes, then an additional 5 minutes for a crispier shell. Another source recommends cooking at 350° F for 12–15 minutes. If you want a soft tortilla, you can omit the additional cooking time.

To ensure even cooking, it is important to flip the burritos halfway through the cooking process. For thicker and larger burritos, increase the cooking time accordingly.

If you prefer a pillowy-soft tortilla, wrap the burrito in foil before placing it in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time to around 30 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly heated.

For those who enjoy their burritos with a crispy texture, spraying the burrito with olive oil or avocado oil before air-frying is recommended.

It is worth noting that different air fryer models may require slight adjustments to the cooking time and temperature. Therefore, it is advisable to keep a close eye on the burritos during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

How to prep the burritos

Cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, flaky, evenly cooked meal. There is absolutely zero prep required for cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer. You don't even need to defrost the burritos. However, if you want to wrap your burritos in foil before air-frying, you might need to increase the cooking time to around 30 minutes to make sure it's heated thoroughly.

To get started, preheat your air fryer to 350–400 °Fahrenheit. Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the basket and lightly spray it with cooking oil. Place the frozen burritos in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Make sure the sealed side is facing up. If you want a crispier texture, you can spray the outside of the burritos with olive oil.

If you're cooking multiple burritos, you might need to work in batches so the hot air has enough room to circulate.

How to prep the air fryer

To prep your air fryer for cooking frozen burritos, you should first preheat it to 350-400° Fahrenheit. Different air fryer models may require slightly different temperatures, so you may need to adjust the temperature depending on the model you are using. Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the basket and lightly spray it with cooking oil. You can also brush the basket with oil or spray the burritos with olive oil for a crispier texture.

If you are cooking multiple burritos, make sure to leave space between each one. The hot air needs room to circulate, so you may need to work in batches. Place the frozen burritos in the basket with the sealed or seam side facing up. If you prefer a softer tortilla, wrap the burrito in foil first and increase the cooking time.

How to serve

The best way to serve frozen burritos cooked in an air fryer is to ensure they are hot and crispy on the outside, and soft and tender on the inside. You can achieve this by preheating your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cooking your burritos for around 10-15 minutes. You should flip your burritos halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

If you prefer a softer tortilla, you can wrap your burrito in foil before placing it in the air fryer, and increase the cooking time to around 30 minutes. You can also spritz or spray the burrito with oil before cooking to achieve a crispier texture.

Once cooked, you can serve your air-fried burritos with a variety of toppings and dips. Popular options include sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, black beans, and refried beans. You can also serve them with a side of vegetables or a side salad.

If you are reheating leftover burritos in the air fryer, you only need to cook them for 2-5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until they are warmed through.

How to store leftovers

Leftover burritos can be stored in the fridge or freezer. If you're planning to eat your burritos within a few days, the fridge is a good option. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. They should last for about a week in the fridge.

If you want to keep your burritos for longer, freezing is a great option. To prevent them from sticking together, wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a larger freezer bag. Alternatively, you can wrap them in paper towels and then seal them in plastic wrap. This will help keep the moisture in and prevent the shell from drying out. Properly stored frozen burritos can last for several months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover burritos, simply unwrap and reheat them. You can use a microwave, air fryer, or oven, depending on your preference. If you're using a microwave, consider placing a damp paper towel over the burrito to retain moisture and promote even heating. Reheat until the burrito is heated through and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions