Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Burrito, Quick Fix

Cooking a frozen burrito in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare this popular dish. Frozen burritos are a convenient meal, and air fryers are a convenient cooking method, so combining the two is a great way to get a crispy, flaky, evenly cooked burrito. This method works for all kinds of frozen burritos, whether you’re planning to make a chicken, steak, beef and bean, cheese, rice, veggie, or breakfast burrito.

Cooking a frozen burrito in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Depending on the make and model of your air fryer, you should preheat it to between 350 and 400°F.

For example, if you are cooking a beef and bean burrito, you should preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This temperature will ensure that the outside of your burrito reaches a nice golden brown while the inside remains tender and melty. If you prefer your burrito with a pillowy-soft tortilla, you can preheat your air fryer to 380°F and wrap the burrito in foil before placing it in the air fryer. This will allow the tortilla to warm up while maintaining a soft and chewy texture.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. Additionally, larger burritos may require a longer cooking time, while smaller burritos may need less time to cook. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your burrito while it is cooking to ensure that it does not burn.

By preheating your air fryer to the appropriate temperature, you can ensure that your frozen burrito will cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious and crispy treat!

Place the frozen burrito in the air fryer basket

Placing the frozen burrito in the air fryer basket is a crucial step in the cooking process. It is recommended to place the burritos in a single layer, with a little space between each one, to ensure even cooking. This allows the hot air in the air fryer to circulate around the burritos effectively. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of burritos, you may need to cook in batches.

When placing the frozen burritos in the air fryer basket, it is important to ensure they are seam-side down. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the filling from leaking out. If you prefer a softer tortilla, you can wrap the burrito in foil before placing it in the air fryer basket. This helps to retain moisture and prevents the tortilla from becoming too crispy.

For a crispier texture, you can spray the outside of the burrito with olive oil or cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer basket. Alternatively, you can lightly spray the basket with oil, ensuring that the top of the burrito also gets coated. This will give your burrito a golden, crispy exterior.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the size and number of burritos you are cooking. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your burritos during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

Spray with oil for a crispier texture

If you want your burrito to have a crispy texture, spraying it with oil is a great option. You can spray a little oil on the basket and the top of the burrito before cooking it. This will give it a nice, crispy texture. Olive oil spray is a good option for this, but any cooking oil will do.

When cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, remove the basket and lightly spray it with oil. Then, place the frozen burrito in the basket, return it to the air fryer, and cook for 5 minutes. After this initial cooking time, remove the basket and carefully flip the burrito over. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes. Finally, remove the basket and check the burrito for doneness. If it is not yet hot and crispy, return it to the air fryer and continue cooking, checking every 2 minutes, until it is done to your liking.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of burritos you are cooking, as well as the age and model of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to keep a close eye on the burritos during the cooking process to ensure they do not burn.

Spraying the burrito with oil before cooking in an air fryer is a simple way to ensure a crispy texture. This method is quick and easy, and customizable, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or easy lunch.

Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through

Air frying your burrito for 10-15 minutes, flipping it halfway through, is a crucial step in achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavours. This step ensures even cooking, preventing the common issue of microwaved burritos, which often results in unevenly cooked bites that are either scorching hot or lukewarm. By flipping your burrito halfway through the cooking process, you avoid uneven heating and ensure that your burrito is cooked consistently throughout.

During this time, the air fryer's high volume of hot air circulates around the burrito, crisping up the exterior while maintaining a soft and chewy texture inside. This technique is especially effective for those who prefer their burrito with a pillowy-soft tortilla; the air fryer's ability to maintain a consistent temperature ensures that the tortilla remains soft and warm without becoming tough or crispy.

The flipping step is also essential for achieving the desired level of doneness. By flipping the burrito, you can ensure that both sides of the burrito receive direct exposure to the hot air, allowing you to better control the cooking process and prevent overcooking or burning. This is a significant advantage over traditional oven cooking, where it can be challenging to achieve the perfect balance of a hot and crispy exterior with a soft and warm interior.

Additionally, the air fryer's ability to circulate hot air efficiently means that your burrito will be cooked evenly, eliminating the problem of cold spots that are often present when using a microwave. This efficient cooking method ensures that your burrito is not only cooked to perfection but also retains its moisture, resulting in a juicy and flavourful bite.

Finally, flipping your burrito halfway through the cooking process allows you to keep an eye on its progress and make any necessary adjustments. This proactive approach ensures that you can prevent overcooking or burning, resulting in a perfectly cooked burrito that is hot, crispy, and ready to be enjoyed.

Serve with toppings and sides

Once your burritos are cooked, you can serve them with toppings and sides of your choice. For beef burritos, you can serve them with sour cream, homemade salsa, pico de gallo, black beans, or refried beans. You can also serve them with a side salad or veggies.

If you are reheating leftover burritos, you can air fry them for 2 to 5 minutes at 350° Fahrenheit. You can spray a little oil on the basket and the top of the burrito to make them crispier.

You can also serve your burritos with dips like salsa, guacamole, or queso. You can also add toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos.

Frequently asked questions