Air-Fryer Burritos: How Long To Cook Them For?

Cooking burritos in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this Mexican dish. Air-fried burritos are a quick and easy meal to make, and can be ready in as little as 10 minutes. They are also a great way to use up leftovers, and can be customised with your favourite fillings. The air fryer is a healthier alternative to frying, and produces a crispy tortilla without drying out the filling.

Cooking Burritos in an Air Fryer

Cooking from frozen

Cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer is a great way to get crispy, flaky, evenly cooked burritos. It is a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook frozen burritos. The air fryer cooks with a high volume of hot air circulating around the burrito, which helps to cook it evenly. This method works for any brand, flavor, number, and size of frozen burritos.

To cook frozen burritos in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer for a few minutes. If you have a digital air fryer, you can preheat it until it reaches 350°F. For a manual air fryer, preheat for around 3-4 minutes. Next, remove the frozen burritos from their packages and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't touch, but they can be placed close together. If you are cooking multiple burritos, ensure that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded, as the air needs to circulate fully to cook the food properly.

For a softer burrito, you can omit the olive oil spray. However, if you want a crispier texture, spray the outside of the burritos with olive oil or cooking oil after placing them in the air fryer basket. You can also brush the air fryer basket with oil and place the unwrapped burritos directly in the basket.

The cooking time for frozen burritos in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and number of burritos, as well as the age and model of the air fryer. For larger burritos, you may need a longer cooking time, while smaller burritos may require less time. It is recommended to check the burritos frequently, especially after the first 10 minutes of cooking, to prevent them from burning. The cooking time can range from 10 to 30 minutes, with 12 to 15 minutes being a common duration. Cook the burritos until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and flaky on the inside.

Customising fillings

Air fryer burritos are completely customisable, so you can fill them with whatever you like. Here are some ideas for different fillings you can use:

Meat

Shredded chicken or ground beef are popular additions to a burrito, making it protein-packed and filling. Chicken burritos are a favourite for kids.

Rice

Adding rice to your burrito makes it more of a complete meal. You can use leftover rice or cook it from scratch. Season the rice as you like.

Beans

Black beans, pinto beans and refried beans are all great options to bulk up your burrito. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans before using.

Vegetables

The sky's the limit when it comes to vegetables. Try diced onion or green onion, cucumber, cilantro, sauteed onions and peppers, mushrooms, or pico de gallo. You can also add leftover vegetables to your burrito.

Cheese

Shredded cheese is a must for many burrito lovers. Cheddar or pepper jack are good options, or you could go for hot cheese or cheese dip.

Sauce

You can add taco sauce, enchilada sauce, or hot sauce to your burrito. You can also add a layer of sauce on top of your burrito before air-frying to keep it tender.

Garnish

Top your burrito with your choice of garnish, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh lime juice.

Reheating

To reheat burritos in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can brush the basket with oil or line it with foil, although this is not necessary. Then, place your burrito in the basket and reheat for 2-3 minutes. For thicker burritos, you may need to add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. If your burrito looks dry, you can spritz it with a little oil.

The beauty of reheating burritos in an air fryer is that it takes just a few minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for busy days. Plus, you can reheat frozen burritos directly in the air fryer without needing to thaw them first, saving you even more time.

When reheating burritos in an air fryer, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the brand of burritos you're using. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your burritos while they're in the air fryer to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy, and evenly heated burritos in a matter of minutes, making the air fryer a true game-changer for your leftover burrito needs!

Avoiding sogginess

Cooking burritos in an air fryer is a great way to get a crispy exterior and soft interior. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid sogginess. Firstly, avoid using a microwave as this can lead to uneven cooking and a mushy texture. The high volume of hot air circulating in the air fryer cooks the burrito more evenly.

To avoid sogginess, it is recommended to use room-temperature ingredients when preparing burritos. This will prevent the burritos from becoming soggy and will also allow them to freeze faster, preventing freezer burn. It is also important to roll the burritos tightly to ensure all ingredients are contained, making them easier to heat and store. Additionally, wrapping the burritos well is crucial. A poorly wrapped burrito will not only be difficult to keep fresh but also challenging to reheat evenly. It is suggested to wrap them individually in tin foil and then cover them in plastic wrap for an extra seal before placing them in a freezer bag.

When cooking frozen burritos in the air fryer, keep them wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent sogginess. If cooking multiple burritos, ensure they are spaced apart to allow hot air to circulate. Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes, and then cook the burritos for about 10-15 minutes at 375°F to 400°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer, so adjust slightly as needed. For a crispier shell, brush the basket with oil and cook the unwrapped burritos for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can cook for an additional 5 minutes if you desire an even crispier texture.

Lastly, avoid using cooking sprays like Pam as the chemical propellants can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time. Instead, use olive oil or another cooking oil and apply it with a kitchen brush. By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, crispy air-fried burritos without the sogginess!

Different air fryer models

For example, if you're using a 5.8 qt 1700-watt basket-style Cosori air fryer, it's recommended to cook burritos at 350°F for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. On the other hand, some sources suggest cooking burritos at 380°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and adding an extra 5 minutes for a crispier tortilla.

If you have a different air fryer model, such as the Instant Vortex, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly. Additionally, the size of your burrito will also impact the cooking time. Larger burritos may require a little extra cooking time, while smaller burritos might need less time in the air fryer.

It's worth noting that some people recommend wrapping burritos in foil before placing them in the air fryer to achieve a softer tortilla. This method can take around 30 minutes at 380°F, flipping the burrito halfway through.

Overall, while the exact cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model and preferences, cooking burritos in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy this Mexican dish.

Frequently asked questions