Air Fryer Frozen Burrito: Perfect Timing For A Quick Bite

Frozen burritos are a convenient meal option, but cooking them can be a challenge. Traditional cooking methods like microwaving, pan-frying, or baking can lead to unevenly cooked, soggy, or burnt burritos. However, an air fryer offers a simple solution to achieve the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, evenly cooked interior. So, how long do you cook a frozen burrito in an air fryer?

Air fryer temperature and time

The air fryer temperature and time for cooking frozen burritos vary depending on the model of the air fryer, the number of burritos being cooked, and their size. The cooking time ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, and the temperature ranges from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

For example, one source recommends cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you prefer a crispier tortilla, you can cook it for an additional 5 minutes. Another source suggests cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

If you are using a digital air fryer, you can preheat it until the desired temperature is reached. If you have a manual air fryer, preheat it for a few minutes (around 3-4 minutes).

It is important to note that different air fryer brands may require slight adjustments in cooking time and temperature. Additionally, when cooking multiple burritos, ensure that they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.

Compared to other cooking methods like microwaving or pan-frying, the air fryer provides a more even cook, resulting in a crispy exterior and a perfectly warmed interior. It is a convenient and quick way to prepare frozen burritos, making it an ideal option for busy days and simple meals.

Microwave vs air fryer

Microwaves and air fryers are both useful kitchen appliances that can help make mealtimes faster and more efficient. However, they have distinct features, benefits, and use cases.

How They Work

Microwaves heat food by emitting electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules to vibrate, resulting in rapid, uniform heating. This makes microwaves ideal for reheating, defrosting, and cooking foods with high water content, such as steaming vegetables. Newer microwaves may also offer additional functions like air frying, broiling, and combi-cooking.

On the other hand, air fryers circulate hot air around food, producing a crispy, fried-like texture with little to no added oil. This makes them excellent for crisping up vegetables, fries, and frozen foods. While air fryers may take longer to preheat than microwaves, they can deliver a crunchy texture that microwaves struggle to achieve.

Cost Considerations

When it comes to cost, microwaves generally win out as the cheaper option to run. However, air fryers are growing in popularity, and there are various models available to suit different budgets and household sizes.

Space Constraints

Both appliances are compact and efficient alternatives to a regular oven, but it's worth considering your available kitchen space. If space is limited, a convection microwave could be a versatile option, offering the quick heating of a microwave with the ability to crisp and brown food like an air fryer.

Food Options

The type of food you typically cook will also influence your choice between a microwave and an air fryer. If you're mainly reheating leftovers or defrosting, a microwave might be the better option. If you're looking for that crispy, fried texture without the need for deep frying, an air fryer could be your go-to appliance.

Frozen Burritos

Now, let's apply this knowledge to cooking frozen burritos. If you're short on time and want to quickly heat up your frozen burrito, the microwave might be your go-to choice. However, if you have a few extra minutes and crave that crispy, golden-brown texture for your burrito, the air fryer is the way to go.

Here's a quick guide on how to cook a frozen burrito in an air fryer:

• Remove the burrito from its packaging.
• Place the burrito(s) in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're not overcrowded.
• (Optional) Spray the burrito with olive oil or brush the basket with oil for a crispier texture.
• Cook at 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a crispier shell, add 5 more minutes to the cooking time.
• Let the burrito rest for a few minutes before serving.

So, while both appliances have their merits, the decision between a microwave and an air fryer ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the types of food you typically cook.

How to get crispy burritos

Cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, evenly cooked meal. It is a lot better than using a microwave, which can leave your burrito unevenly cooked, with some parts scorching hot and others lukewarm or cold.

First, remove the burritos from their packaging and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking multiple burritos, make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as the air needs to be able to circulate fully.

To get crispy burritos, spray the outside of the burritos with olive oil or cooking spray. You can also brush the burritos with oil if you don't have a spray. For soft burritos, omit the olive oil.

Now, you are ready to air fry your burritos. There are a few different methods you can use, depending on how much time you have and how crispy you want your burritos to be:

• Cooking unwrapped burritos at 380°F for 15 minutes: This method takes 15 minutes in total. Cook the burritos at 380°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Then, cook for an additional 5 minutes to get a crispy shell.
• Cooking wrapped burritos at 380°F for 35 minutes: This method takes 40 minutes in total. Wrap the burritos in foil and cook at 380°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let the burritos set for 5 minutes before serving. This method yields a soft, chewy tortilla.
• Cooking unwrapped burritos at 350°F for 12-15 minutes: This method takes 12-15 minutes in total. Cook the burritos at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

It is important to note that cook times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, as well as the size and number of burritos you are cooking. Be sure to keep a close eye on your burritos to avoid burning them.

How to get soft burritos

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook frozen burritos, an air fryer is a great option. It's a convenient cooking method that will give you a soft and slightly crispy burrito that's evenly cooked and ready to eat in less than 15 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get soft burritos using an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Burritos

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, remove the frozen burritos from their packaging. It's important to note that you should not stack the burritos in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer with space between them so they cook evenly. If you're cooking multiple burritos, make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as the hot air needs room to circulate.

Step 2: Cook the Burritos

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the frozen burritos inside with the sealed side facing up. For soft burritos, it is recommended to omit any olive oil or cooking spray, as this will create a crispier texture. Set the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the burritos every 5 minutes.

Step 3: Serve

After cooking, carefully remove the burritos from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Now you can enjoy your soft and delicious burritos!

Tips for Customization:

• If you prefer a crispier shell, you can brush the air fryer basket with oil or spray the burritos with olive oil or cooking spray before cooking.
• Depending on the size of your burritos, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Larger burritos may need a few extra minutes, while smaller burritos may be done sooner.
• You can also wrap the burritos in foil before placing them in the air fryer, which some people find yields better results in terms of texture.
• Don't forget to add your favorite toppings and sides! Sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, black beans, and refried beans all go great with burritos.

Final Thoughts:

Cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy this dish. It's quick, easy, and results in a soft and slightly crispy burrito that's evenly cooked. So, the next time you're craving burritos, give this method a try!

Air fryer basket tips

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen burritos, giving them a crispy texture and ensuring they are evenly cooked throughout. Here are some tips to get the most out of your air fryer basket:

Firstly, decide on the type of basket you want. There are a few different styles of air fryer baskets available. The original air fryer design is a basket style with a drawer that pulls out. Within this category, there are mesh baskets, which allow for more air circulation and better crisping, and perforated baskets, which have holes punched through the base and provide more support for the food. Mesh baskets can be harder to clean and may not be suitable for certain foods that need more support, like pizzas. Perforated baskets may not crisp food as well due to less air circulation, but they are a good option if you want to cook a wider variety of foods.

If you are cooking multiple burritos, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The air needs to be able to circulate fully to cook the food properly. Larger burritos may need a longer cooking time, while smaller burritos may need less time. Check the burritos frequently to ensure they are not burning.

When removing the cooked burritos, do not simply dump the contents of the basket into a bowl. Use tongs or a spoon to avoid burning yourself or making a mess. Excess oil collects under the removable grate in your basket, so if you tip it, the oil will spill out.

Finally, do not rely solely on the timer. Some air fryer models can be inaccurate, so it is a good idea to also set a timer on your phone or another device. That way, you can ensure your food is cooked to your liking.

Frequently asked questions