Breakfast Burritos in the Air Fryer
Breakfast burritos are one of the best make-ahead breakfasts, but a microwave leaves them soft and soggy. Air fryer breakfast burritos get a lightly crisp tortilla and a hot center in about 10 minutes. This recipe makes six burritos with egg, sausage, potatoes and cheese that you can eat fresh or freeze for busy mornings.
- Temperature
- 370°F190 °C
- Total time
- 45min
- Prep time
- 25min
- Servings
- 6
- Internal temp
- 165°F74 °C
- Per serving
- 540kcal
Why the air fryer works for breakfast burritos
A burrito is a rolled package with a soft center and a flour tortilla outside, and heat has to cross the tortilla to reach the egg and sausage. The microwave heats the filling from the inside and traps steam, so the tortilla goes limp. An air fryer heats from outside with dry air: the surface dries and blisters into a lightly crisp shell while the filling warms through. The seam, tucked underneath, stays closed as it cooks.
This is what makes the air fryer the right tool for meal prep. You can roll a dozen burritos on Sunday, freeze them, and cook them from the freezer on a weekday morning in about 15 minutes. The key is to cook the filling lightly in the skillet first and keep it fairly dry, so the burrito does not steam itself soft. A thin brush of oil helps the tortilla color evenly.
How to make breakfast burritos in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cook the sausage and potatoes Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until no pink remains and it reaches 160 °F, about . Add the hash browns and cook until they thaw and start to crisp. Spoon everything into a bowl.
- Scramble the eggs Whisk the eggs with the milk, salt and pepper. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat, add the eggs and stir gently until they are just set but still soft, about . They finish cooking in the air fryer, so do not overcook them now.
- Fill the tortillas Warm the tortillas for 15 seconds each in the microwave so they fold without cracking. Divide the eggs, sausage mixture, cheese and salsa among them, keeping the filling in a line across the center.
- Roll tightly Fold in both sides, then roll up from the bottom, tucking the filling in as you go. Brush the outside lightly with the oil. Let the burritos cool for if you plan to freeze them.
- Air fry Preheat the air fryer to 370 °F for . Place 3 burritos in the basket, seam side down, and cook for 8 to , turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Repeat with the others.
- Check and serve The burritos should be hot throughout, at 165 °F in the center, which is the safe temperature for reheated egg and meat dishes. Rest , then serve with salsa.
Times and temperatures
| Breakfast Burritos | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh, just assembledTurn halfway | 370 °F (190 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Refrigerated, reheated | 350 °F (180 °C) | 6–8 min |
| Frozen homemadeDo not thaw | 350 °F (180 °C) | 14–16 min |
| Frozen store-boughtCheck for 165 °F | 350 °F (180 °C) | 12–16 min |
| Mini burritos, 6-inch tortillas | 370 °F (190 °C) | 6–7 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 165 °F (74 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Cool before freezing. Let the burritos cool completely, then wrap each one individually in parchment or plastic wrap. A hot burrito makes ice crystals and turns mushy.
- Use cheese as glue. A line of shredded cheese along the center melts and holds the filling together as the burrito heats.
- Cook in batches. Burritos need air around them to crisp. Three fit most 5-qt baskets.
What to serve with breakfast burritos
Serve breakfast burritos with salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime. For a heartier brunch, put a plate of fruit or a side of crispy potato slices next to them. They also travel well for lunch, and you can find other quick mornings in the breakfast category. For comparison with another egg dish, see scrambled eggs in the air fryer.
Storing and reheating
Keep cooked burritos in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, wrapped or in a sealed container. For the freezer, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F: 6 to 8 minutes from the refrigerator, 14 to 16 minutes from frozen. Leftover burritos should reach 165 °F in the center before you eat them. Let them rest for 2 minutes, since the cheese stays very hot.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace the sausage with 1 cup of black beans, drained, and ½ cup sautéed bell pepper.
- Bacon and potato: Use 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon instead of the sausage.
- Green chile: Add 2 tbsp canned diced green chiles and use pepper jack cheese for a spicier burrito.
If it does not turn out right
- The tortilla cracked while rolling
- The tortilla was cold or too small. Warm it briefly and use large 10-inch tortillas so the sides can fold in without tearing.
- The burrito is soggy inside
- The eggs or potatoes were wet. Drain the sausage, cook the hash browns until the water is gone and let the filling cool slightly before you roll.
- The center is cold after air frying
- The burritos were stuffed too full or came straight from the freezer. Keep to about ¾ cup filling per burrito and add 4 to 6 minutes for frozen ones, then check for 165 °F.
Questions and answers
How long do breakfast burritos take in the air fryer?
Fresh homemade burritos need 8 to 10 minutes at 370 °F. Refrigerated ones take 6 to 8 minutes at 350 °F, and frozen ones take 14 to 16 minutes.
How do you cook frozen breakfast burritos in the air fryer?
Do not thaw them. Unwrap, place seam side down at 350 °F and cook for 14 to 16 minutes, turning halfway. Store-bought frozen burritos vary by size, so follow the package time if it is different, and check for 165 °F in the center.
How do you reheat a breakfast burrito in the air fryer?
Reheat at 350 °F for 6 to 8 minutes from the refrigerator, turning once. Remove any foil and paper wrapping first.
Can I make breakfast burritos healthy?
Swap the sausage for black beans and extra vegetables and use whole-wheat tortillas. A burrito with beans, spinach and egg whites is lighter and still filling.
What did you think of this recipe?
Be the first to rate this recipe.
