Air-Fried Burritos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient way to make burritos, yielding a crispy exterior while sealing in flavours. The cooking method is quick and efficient, ensuring consistent results. It also requires less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option. Here is a simple guide on how to make a burrito in an air fryer.

Choosing your ingredients

Tortillas

You can use either flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. Look for burrito-sized tortillas, about 10 inches in diameter.

Protein

Choose a cooked protein of your choice, such as chicken, beef, or beans. If you're using beans, be sure to drain and rinse them first.

Vegetables

Finely chop your favourite vegetables. Some options include bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and green onions. You can also add corn and jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Cheese

Grate some cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. You can also use shredded cheese or mozzarella, which melts nicely.

Seasonings

Add your favourite seasonings to enhance the flavour of your burrito. Some options include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley.

Sauce

You can use salsa, taco sauce, or make your own sauce by mixing mayonnaise with garlic, parsley, lemon, and pepper. Hummus is also a great option for adding creaminess to your burrito.

Rice

The addition of rice makes the burrito a more filling meal. Use leftover rice or cook your own. Season the rice with salt, pepper, and parsley, or your favourite spices.

Remember to prepare your ingredients wisely. If you're worried about the tortillas becoming too crispy, you can lightly dampen them with water or wrap them in foil before placing them in the air fryer. Also, be mindful not to overstuff your burrito, as it may become difficult to roll and cook evenly. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and customising your ultimate air-fried burrito!

Assembling the burritos

Now that you have all your ingredients, it's time to assemble the burritos. First, lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface. Then, spoon a generous amount of your chosen filling onto the tortilla, leaving enough room around the edges to fold and seal the burrito.

Next, sprinkle a handful of finely chopped vegetables and grated cheese onto the tortilla. You can get creative with the ingredients and adjust the quantities to your liking. Add your favourite seasonings to enhance the flavour profile of the burrito. Be mindful not to overstuff the burrito, as it might become difficult to roll and cook evenly.

To roll the burrito, start by folding the sides of the tortilla towards the centre. Then, take the bottom edge and gently fold it over the filling, ensuring it is tightly packed. Continue to roll the burrito until you reach the top edge of the tortilla. Repeat this process for any remaining burritos.

Some recipes suggest that you should avoid overfilling the burrito, as it will be more difficult to close. You should also avoid crowding the air fryer basket, cooking one or two burritos at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Rolling the burritos

Rolling a burrito is an art, and a very important step in the process of making a delicious air-fried burrito. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to roll the perfect burrito:

Firstly, lay your tortilla flat on a clean surface. It is important to choose a tortilla that is burrito-sized, as this will ensure you have enough room for your fillings and make the rolling process easier. You can choose between a flour or corn tortilla, depending on your preference.

Once you have your tortilla ready, it's time to start assembling the fillings. Spoon your desired amount of cooked protein (such as chicken, beef, or beans) onto the tortilla, making sure to leave enough room around the edges for folding and sealing.

Next, add your choice of finely chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, etc.) and grated cheese. Get creative with your ingredients and adjust the quantities to suit your taste. Just remember not to overstuff the burrito, as this will make it difficult to roll and cook evenly.

Now, it's time to start rolling! Fold the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then gently fold the bottom edge of the tortilla over the filling. Ensure that it is tightly packed and continue to roll until you reach the top edge of the tortilla.

Repeat this process for any remaining burritos. It is important to note that you should not overfill the basket of your air fryer. Depending on the size of your burritos and your air fryer, you may only be able to cook two or three at a time.

Once you have rolled your burritos, it is time to cook them to golden perfection in your air fryer! But before you do, lightly coat the burritos with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of oil to promote browning and a crispy texture.

Place the burritos in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other, and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them and flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Finally, once your burritos are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoying the delicious, crispy, and flavourful treat you have created!

Cooking the burritos in the air fryer

Now that you've assembled your burritos, it's time to cook them in your air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) to 400°F (200°C). The ideal temperature may depend on your air fryer model and the desired crispiness of your burrito. Preheat for a few minutes to ensure consistent cooking.
• Prepare the burritos for cooking: While the air fryer is preheating, lightly coat the burritos with cooking spray or brush them with a thin layer of oil. This step helps promote browning and a crispy texture.
• Place the burritos in the air fryer basket: Ensure that the burritos are placed in a single layer and do not overlap or touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the burritos: Air fry the burritos for approximately 8 to 15 minutes. For smaller air fryers or softer burritos, aim for the lower end of the range. For larger air fryers or crispier burritos, cook for a longer duration. If cooking in batches, maintain consistency by aiming for a similar total cook time.
• Flip the burritos halfway through: For even cooking and browning, use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the burritos over halfway through the cooking process.
• Check for doneness: Keep a close eye on the burritos to ensure they don't burn. The burritos are ready when they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Remove and serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the burritos from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Your air-fried burritos are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with your favourite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or cheese. You can also cut them in half to admire the delicious layers of filling inside.

Serving and enjoying the burritos

Now for the best part: serving and enjoying your air-fried burritos! You've put in the effort, so make sure you get to enjoy the rewards.

First, let's talk about serving. You've already cooked the perfect burrito, so don't drop the ball now by serving it on its own. There are several side dishes and toppings that can elevate your burrito and make it a truly memorable meal.

Guacamole, sour cream, and salsa are all excellent choices for toppings. If you want to get a little more creative, you could try serving your burritos with a side of guacamole and sweet potato cooked in the air fryer, or even some coleslaw. If you're serving your burritos with rice, consider making it aromatic with some cumin seeds or cloves.

As for enjoying your burritos, the key is to savour every bite! Take your time and appreciate the different flavours and textures that you've created. If you're eating with others, why not turn it into a fun event by laying out all the toppings and sides and letting everyone build their own burritos? That way, everyone gets to enjoy their perfect burrito.

And don't forget, if you have any leftovers, you can always wrap them up and save them for later. Properly stored in an airtight container, your burritos will keep in the fridge for up to two days or in the freezer for up to three months. So you can enjoy your delicious creation all over again!

Frequently asked questions