How To Air Fry Frozen Burritos?
To air fry frozen burritos, preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C) and cook them for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method offers a wonderfully crispy exterior and a piping hot, melted interior, making it a fantastic alternative to microwave or oven cooking.
You can achieve perfectly cooked frozen burritos with a satisfying crunch by using your air fryer, making meal prep or a quick snack incredibly simple and mess-free.
- Get crispy, evenly cooked frozen burritos fast using your air fryer.
- Preheat to 350-375°F and cook for 12-18 minutes, flipping once.
- No thawing is required, saving you time.
- For best results, check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully heated.
- Prevent dryness by brushing with oil or wrapping in foil for a softer shell.
How To Air Fry Frozen Burritos?
Cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer is a simple process that delivers excellent results. You’ll get a crispy exterior and a thoroughly heated filling every time.
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Your Frozen Burritos?
Many people gravitate towards the air fryer for convenience and superior texture. It circulates hot air, giving your burrito a much better crunch than a microwave ever could.
We found that air frying also helps cook the burrito more evenly. No more cold centers or soggy exteriors, a common complaint with other methods.
Speed and Efficiency
Your air fryer cooks faster than a traditional oven. It doesn’t need as much preheating, cutting down your wait time significantly.
This means you can enjoy a delicious, hot burrito in just minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
Essential Gear You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather a few basic items. You’ll need your air fryer, obviously, and a pair of tongs for safe handling.
Sometimes, a little cooking oil spray helps, too. This can enhance the crispiness of your burrito wrapper.
Temperature Check Tool
A meat thermometer is a smart addition to your kitchen toolkit. It ensures your burrito’s internal temperature reaches a safe level.
Food safety experts often recommend ensuring internal temperatures reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption (USDA).
Prepping Your Burrito for the Air Fryer
You might think there isn’t much to prep for a frozen item, but a few steps can make a big difference. This sets you up for success.
Always remove your frozen burrito from any plastic packaging. Plastic isn’t safe for high heat cooking in an air fryer.
To Thaw or Not to Thaw?
You generally do not need to thaw frozen burritos before air frying. They go straight from the freezer to the air fryer basket.
However, if you want a slightly softer texture, you could let it sit out for 5-10 minutes. This is completely optional.
Setting the Right Temperature and Time
Getting the temperature and cooking time right is key to a perfect air-fried burrito. These settings can vary slightly based on your air fryer model.
Most experts suggest a temperature range for frozen foods. We found 350-375°F (175-190°C) works best for burritos.
General Timing Guidelines
For a standard-sized frozen burrito, plan on cooking for 12 to 18 minutes. Larger burritos may need a few extra minutes.
Always flip your burrito halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even crisping and thorough heating on all sides.
Step-by-Step Air Frying Guide
Let’s walk through the process together. It’s super straightforward and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the frozen burrito (or burritos, if they fit in a single layer) in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it.
- Cook for 6-9 minutes, then carefully flip the burrito with tongs.
- Continue cooking for another 6-9 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
- Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer; it should be 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the burrito and let it rest for 1-2 minutes before eating.
Making Your Burrito Extra Crispy
Who doesn’t love a super crispy burrito shell? There’s a simple trick to achieve that satisfying crunch.
Lightly brush or spray your frozen burrito with a tiny bit of oil before placing it in the air fryer. Olive oil or avocado oil works wonderfully.
Avoiding Dryness in Your Air-Fried Burrito
Sometimes, the air fryer can make the tortilla a bit dry. But you can easily prevent this with a small adjustment.
If you prefer a softer shell, wrap your burrito loosely in aluminum foil for the first half of the cooking time. Then, remove the foil to crisp it up for the last few minutes.
Dealing with Different Burrito Types
Not all frozen burritos are created equal. Some are small breakfast burritos, while others are large, packed dinner options.
Adjust your cooking time based on size and filling. A thinner, smaller burrito will cook faster than a thick, dense one.
| Burrito Size/Type | Suggested Temp | Initial Cook Time | Flipped Cook Time | Total Est. Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Breakfast Burrito | 350°F (175°C) | 5-7 minutes | 5-7 minutes | 10-14 minutes |
| Standard Frozen Burrito | 375°F (190°C) | 6-9 minutes | 6-9 minutes | 12-18 minutes |
| Large, Thick Burrito | 375°F (190°C) | 9-12 minutes | 9-12 minutes | 18-24 minutes |
Quick Readiness Checklist
How do you know when your air-fried burrito is truly ready to eat? Use this simple checklist:
- Is the exterior golden brown and crispy?
- Does it feel firm to the touch?
- Is it piping hot when you touch the center (carefully!)?
- Have you checked the internal temperature (165°F / 74°C)?
- Is the filling hot and bubbly inside?
Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Burrito
Once your burrito is cooked, the real fun begins! You can elevate its flavor with some simple additions.
Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of fresh salsa, or some creamy guacamole. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright touch, too.
Conclusion
Air frying frozen burritos is a game-changer for quick, delicious meals. You get that irresistible crispy shell and a perfectly heated filling without the wait or fuss of a traditional oven.
By following these easy steps and tips, you’re set to enjoy a fantastic, homemade-quality burrito whenever you crave one. It’s truly one of the simplest and most satisfying ways to cook them.
How do I prevent my air-fried burrito from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy burrito, ensure you preheat your air fryer properly and do not overcrowd the basket. Allowing space for air circulation is key for crispiness. Flipping it halfway through also helps.
Can I air fry multiple frozen burritos at once?
Yes, you can air fry multiple frozen burritos, but make sure they fit in a single layer without touching. Overcrowding reduces air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and less crispiness. You may need to cook them in batches.
Do I need to spray frozen burritos with oil before air frying?
While not strictly necessary, lightly spraying or brushing your frozen burrito with oil can significantly enhance its crispiness and help achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior. It also prevents the tortilla from becoming too dry.
What if my frozen burrito is still cold in the middle after air frying?
If your burrito is cold in the middle, it likely needs more cooking time. Return it to the air fryer for another 2-4 minutes at the same temperature, then recheck the internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use aluminum foil in the air fryer for frozen burritos?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in your air fryer. If you prefer a softer tortilla or want to prevent excess browning, you can loosely wrap the burrito in foil for the first half of the cooking time, then remove the foil to crisp it up for the remaining minutes.
