Mastering the Air Fryer: How to Cook Frozen Burritos to Crispy Perfection
Are you wondering if you can cook a frozen burrito in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes! Air frying is undoubtedly the best method for transforming a humble frozen burrito into a deliciously crispy, golden-brown meal. Forget soggy microwaves or uneven oven baking; your air fryer will deliver a perfectly cooked burrito with a warm, melty interior and an irresistibly crunchy exterior in just 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Whether you prefer popular brands like El Monterey, Amy’s, Red’s, Tina’s, or any other frozen burrito, this guide will provide all the details you need for ideal cooking times, temperatures, and essential tips. Get ready to experience a crispy burrito like never before!
“Thank you… I’ve never had such a crispy burrito in my life! It was perfect 🤩!!”
– Jessica S
Why Air Fry Your Frozen Burritos? The Ultimate Crispy Upgrade
Today, we’re diving deep into how to cook frozen burritos in an air fryer, a method that consistently outperforms traditional heating techniques. Air frying frozen burritos is incredibly simple and versatile, allowing you to prepare virtually any type of burrito with ease. From a hearty frozen breakfast burrito in the air fryer to a savory frozen bean burrito for a quick plant-based meal, the possibilities are endless.
The magic of the air fryer lies in its ability to circulate hot air rapidly around the food. This process ensures that frozen burritos develop a beautifully crisp and golden-brown outer shell, while the fillings inside are heated through to melty perfection. A microwave, on the other hand, often leaves burritos with a rubbery, soft tortilla and unevenly heated contents. Once you air fry frozen burritos, you’ll likely never go back to microwaving them.
Benefits of Air Frying Frozen Burritos:
- Superior Texture: Achieves a wonderfully crispy exterior that microwaves simply cannot replicate.
- Even Cooking: Hot air circulation ensures the burrito is cooked uniformly, preventing cold spots.
- Enhanced Flavor: The crisping process can deepen the flavors of the tortilla and filling.
- Quick & Convenient: Faster than a conventional oven and offers a more satisfying result than a microwave.
- Versatile: Works for all types and brands of frozen burritos, regardless of filling.
🌯 Step-by-Step Guide: How Long to Cook Frozen Burrito in Air Fryer
Achieving the perfect air fryer frozen burrito is straightforward with these easy steps. Follow these instructions for optimal results:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Proper preheating is crucial for an even cook and crispy texture.
Carefully place the frozen burrito on the hot air fryer tray or in the air fryer basket, ensuring the seam side is down. This helps prevent the filling from leaking. Air fry for 7 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If using an air fryer oven, use the top rack position.
After 7 minutes, flip the burrito over to ensure even crisping on all sides. Continue air frying for an additional 5-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
To guarantee food safety, check the internal temperature of the burrito with a meat thermometer. It should reach a minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t, add more cooking time in 1-2 minute intervals. If the tortilla is browning too quickly, you can loosely wrap the burrito in aluminum foil for the remaining cook time.
Once cooked, let the burrito rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the internal temperature to equalize and prevents burns from hot fillings. Serve with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, or guacamole.
This “recipe” is designed for typical small to regular-sized frozen burritos, generally weighing 5-5.5 ounces (142-156 grams). This method works wonderfully for a wide array of brands and types, including an Amy’s burrito air fryer recipe, Red’s burrito air fryer recipe, Jimmy Dean breakfast burrito air fryer recipe, Jose Ole burritos, and many more. Whether your preference is beef, chicken, bean, or veggie burritos, this air frying technique yields fantastic results. It’s also suitable for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan frozen burritos, and even air fryer frozen chimichangas!
Adjust cooking times if you’re working with smaller or significantly larger frozen burritos. While a microwave might heat a burrito faster, it often requires cooking in multiple batches and sacrifices that desirable crispy texture. The air fryer ensures each burrito comes out perfectly, making it an ideal choice for both single servings and preparing a few for the family.
Frozen Burrito in Air Fryer Time and Temp: Expert Tips
How long do you cook frozen burritos in an air fryer? What temperature should you use for frozen burritos in an air fryer? For optimal crispiness and thorough cooking, air fry frozen burritos in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C) for a total of 12-15 minutes. There’s no need for cooking spray; the natural fats in the burrito and the air circulation will create a perfect crunch!
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fried Burritos:
- Start Seam-Side Down: Always begin air frying with the burrito’s seam facing down. This clever trick helps to seal the tortilla as it heats, preventing fillings from escaping and making a mess in your air fryer. Flip it halfway through for even browning.
- Don’t Overcrowd: For truly crispy results, ensure your burritos are placed in a single layer without touching. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each burrito, promoting uniform cooking and crisping. Stacking them will lead to soggy spots.
- Air Fryer Models Vary: These instructions were tested using a Kalorik Air Fryer Oven, but the method is adaptable for popular models like Ninja Foodi, Philips, Cosori, Instant Vortex, Cuisinart, Pampered Chef, Actifry, Nuwave, or Power Air Fryer. Keep in mind that specific cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer’s wattage and model. Always monitor your burritos closely, especially the first time trying a new brand or air fryer.
How to Know When Your Burrito is Perfectly Done
The most reliable way to ensure your burrito is cooked through and safe to eat is by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Most frozen burritos should reach a minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always refer to your burrito’s packaging for specific temperature recommendations, especially for meat-filled varieties, to prevent foodborne illness.
When cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer for the first time, pay close attention. You might find yourself flipping a burrito a few times (e.g., at 7 minutes, then again at 10 minutes) if one side is browning too quickly. If the tortilla is crisping up on all sides but the inside still needs more heat, gently wrap the burrito in aluminum foil and continue cooking until it reaches the safe internal temperature.
➕️ Reheating Burritos in the Air Fryer for Optimal Freshness
The air fryer isn’t just for cooking frozen burritos; it’s also excellent for reheating leftovers! While cooked burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, they’re best enjoyed fresh. However, if you do have leftovers, the air fryer can significantly improve their texture compared to a microwave, bringing back some of that desired crispiness.
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the refrigerated, cooked burrito in the hot air fryer and reheat for 2-3 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed to your preference. If using an air fryer oven, continue to use the top rack for the best results. You can even mist the burrito lightly with cooking oil before reheating to help it achieve an extra crisp texture.
How long to heat up Taco Bell burrito in air fryer?
You can use the same reheating method for other pre-cooked, non-frozen burritos, such as leftover Taco Bell burritos. An air fryer Taco Bell burrito typically takes just 2-3 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C). For the best results, it’s advisable to remove any cold toppings like lettuce or sour cream before air frying, adding them back after reheating.
How long to reheat Chipotle burrito in air fryer?
Reheating a Chipotle burrito in the air fryer also takes approximately 2-3 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on it and add more time as needed until it’s heated through to your liking and the tortilla has crisped up. A light spray of oil can enhance its crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you air fry El Monterey frozen burritos?
Yes, absolutely! Air fryer El Monterey burritos cook perfectly in approximately 12-15 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C). Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure an even, deliciously crispy finish. Enjoy!
What are tips to prevent frozen burritos from drying out?
To prevent frozen burritos from drying out, particularly if you prefer a softer tortilla, you can wrap them tightly in aluminum foil before cooking. This method traps moisture, helping the burrito stay tender. However, keep in mind that this will prevent the tortilla from becoming as crispy as it would without foil.
Can I wrap a burrito in aluminum foil in an air fryer?
While generally not recommended for maximum crispiness due to interference with air circulation, you can wrap a burrito in aluminum foil in an air fryer if it’s browning too quickly on the outside but the inside isn’t fully cooked. This technique helps to slow down exterior browning while allowing the interior to catch up. For standard cooking, it’s best to place the burrito directly in the air fryer basket or on the tray.
How to cook thawed burrito in air fryer?
To cook a thawed (not frozen) burrito in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the thawed burrito directly in the basket or on the tray. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden and crispy, and the filling is heated through. Cooking time will be shorter than for frozen burritos.
Are frozen burritos precooked?
It’s generally safest to assume that frozen burritos are not fully precooked unless explicitly stated on the packaging. Many frozen convenience foods are only partially cooked before freezing, meaning they still require thorough cooking to a safe internal temperature to be consumed safely. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness, especially with meat-filled burritos.
How to fry a burrito?
If you prefer deep frying, most instructions recommend thawing burritos beforehand to ensure even cooking and prevent the exterior from burning while the interior remains cold. To deep fry, preheat oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the thawed burritos for 5-8 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Once fried, let them cool and drain on paper towels before serving to remove excess oil.
Can you cook frozen chimichangas in the air fryer?
Absolutely! A chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito, making it a perfect candidate for air frying. You can easily cook beef, bean, or any flavor of frozen chimichangas in the air fryer using the same directions as for frozen burritos. If you notice the tortilla browning too quickly, simply wrap the chimichangas loosely in foil for the remainder of the cooking time to ensure they cook through without scorching.
👩🏻🍳 More Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Explore
Now that you’ve mastered how to air fry a frozen burrito, why stop there? The air fryer is a versatile appliance perfect for a variety of quick and delicious meals. Here are some other fantastic “one-ingredient” air fryer recipes using frozen foods to expand your culinary repertoire:
- Frozen Taquitos in Air Fryer
- Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Totino’s Pizza Rolls
- Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots
- Microwave Meals in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Frozen Mini Egg Rolls
For even more inspiration, check out our guide on the Best Frozen Foods for Air Fryer, packed with ideas for easy appetizers and more!
Watch How to Make It!
Frozen Burrito in Air Fryer
By Summer Yule
Can you make a frozen burrito in air fryer? Absolutely! Cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer makes for a fast breakfast, lunch, or dinner with superior crispiness.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
12-15 mins
14-17 mins
1
280 kcal
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
American
Ingredients
- 1 frozen burrito (5-5½ ounces / 142-156 grams)
- Burrito toppings (optional; salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place the frozen burrito on the hot air fryer tray (or in the air fryer basket) with the seam side down. Air fry for 7 minutes at 400°F (200°C). (Use the top rack position if using an air fryer oven.)
- Flip the burrito and air fry for an additional 5-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Check the burrito with a meat thermometer to ensure it reached a minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Add cooking time if needed. (Wrap the burrito in foil and continue cooking if it’s browning too quickly.)
- Let the burrito rest for 2-3 minutes before eating. Add burrito toppings such as salsa, sour cream, cheese, or guacamole if desired.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Kitchen Thermometer
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). While many frozen burritos are considered ultra-processed food, some healthier options exist. Most contain white flour wrappers and can be high in added oil and sodium. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, consider making homemade burritos to control ingredients.
Most “regular size” (5-5.5 ounce/142-156 grams) frozen burritos range from 300-350 calories with 9-17 grams of protein. They may not constitute a complete meal on their own. Enhance your meal by adding non-starchy vegetables and an extra source of lean protein to help you feel fuller for longer.
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for some popular frozen burrito brands in the U.S. (information subject to change):
| Brand and Flavor | Calories | Net Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
| El Monterey Beef & Bean Burrito | 310 | 33 | 9 |
| El Monterey Bean & Cheese Burrito | 200 | 30 | 7 |
| El Monterey XX Large Bean & Cheese Burrito | 510 | 72 | 16 |
| Don Miguel Steak & Jalapeno Burrito | 400 | 58 | 17 |
| Don Miguel THE BOMB Chipotle Chicken Burrito | 820 | 114 | 36 |
| Evol Egg & Green Chile Burrito | 340 | 42 | 13 |
| Jose Ole Beef & Cheese Burrito | 350 | 39 | 12 |
| Las Campanas Red Hot Beef Burritos | 340 | 35 | 9 |
| Red’s Chicken & Cheddar Burrito | 320 | 34 | 16 |
| Sweet Earth Big Sur Breakfast Burrito | 330 | 50 | 17 |
| Tina’s Beef Taco Burrito | 330 | 37 | 9 |
| Tina’s Spicy Beef & Bean Burrito | 340 | 35 | 9 |
| Trader Joe’s Chicken Burrito (Hatch Chile Chicken Wrap) | 540 | 68 | 21 |
Note: The supersized Don Miguel THE BOMB burritos list nutrition for half a burrito; the info above is for the whole burrito for clarity. Nutrition information for one Amy’s Gluten Free Burrito with beans, rice, and cheddar cheese is used as a baseline. The actual nutrients in your meal will vary based on the specific brand, flavor, and any added side dishes.
Nutrition Info Disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information provided is an estimate as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food.
Nutrition (Estimated per serving)
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Potassium: 300 mg
Fiber: 5 g
Calcium: 10 % DV
Iron: 10 % DV
Keywords
air fried frozen burritos, air fry frozen burritos, air fryer frozen burrito, air fryer frozen burrito recipe, air fryer frozen burritos, frozen burrito air fryer, frozen burrito in air fryer, frozen burritos air fryer, frozen burritos in air fryer, make frozen burritos air fryer, make frozen burritos in air fryer
Shop our cookbook! Easy Air Fryer Recipes for One
Burning your air fryer recipes? Here’s how to fix it!
Join our community! Subscribe for all of the latest and greatest recipes, and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!