Frozen Burritos in the Air Fryer
A frozen burrito from the microwave is often scorching at the edges, icy in the middle and soggy all over. Frozen burritos in the air fryer heat evenly and the tortilla turns crisp and lightly blistered in about 12 minutes. No thawing is needed, and the same method works for bean, beef, chicken and breakfast burritos.
- Temperature
- 360°F180 °C
- Total time
- 16min
- Prep time
- 2min
- Servings
- 2
- Internal temp
- 165°F74 °C
- Per serving
- 330kcal
Why the air fryer works for frozen burritos
A frozen burrito is a dense roll of rice, beans, meat and cheese inside a tortilla. The microwave heats the water in the filling first, which steams the tortilla from the inside, so you get a soggy wrap with hot and cold zones. The air fryer heats from the outside, the same way an oven does, but with fast-moving air. The tortilla dries out and blisters while the heat travels into the middle.
The trade-off is time and temperature. A burrito heated too hot will brown long before the center thaws, so a moderate 360 °F and a flip halfway give the best balance between crispy and fully hot. This method works for store-bought frozen burritos in general, so check your package for the size and follow the closest time below.
How to make frozen burritos in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Leave them frozen Remove the burritos from any plastic wrapper and paper. Do not thaw them; a frozen burrito holds its shape and heats through without the tortilla going soft.
- Oil lightly Brush or spray the burritos on both sides with a very thin layer of oil. This helps the tortilla crisp and brown. Skip it for a softer, more tender wrap.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 360 °F for .
- Cook Place the burritos in the basket seam side down, with a little space between them. Air fry for , flipping after . Large burritos of 8 oz or more need .
- Check the center Cut into one burrito or insert an instant-read thermometer in the middle. It should read 165 °F and the filling should be steaming hot with no icy spots. If it is not, cook for 2 more minutes at 340 °F so the tortilla does not burn.
- Rest and serve Let the burritos rest for , because the filling is very hot. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Times and temperatures
| Frozen Burritos | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard burrito, 5 ozFlip after 6 min | 360 °F (180 °C) | 12 min |
| Small burrito, 3–4 oz | 360 °F (180 °C) | 9–10 min |
| Large burrito, 8 oz | 350 °F (180 °C) | 14–16 min |
| Frozen breakfast burritoEgg and sausage filling | 360 °F (180 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Leftover burrito, refrigerated | 350 °F (180 °C) | 5–7 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
- Check the package. Beef and bean burritos vary from 3 oz to 10 oz. Use the size, not the filling, to decide on the time.
- Do not overcrowd. Leave about an inch between burritos so air reaches every side. Cook in two rounds if they do not fit.
- Rest before cutting. The center stays much hotter than the surface. Two minutes of rest evens it out and keeps the cheese from running.
What to serve with frozen burritos
Salsa, guacamole and sour cream are the classic toppings. For a full meal, serve burritos with a side of corn on the cob or nachos for game day. A simple bowl of black beans or a fresh green salad balances the richness.
Frozen versus fresh
This page covers burritos you buy frozen and cook straight from the freezer. For another frozen item with its own timing, see frozen salmon, which needs a gentler temperature and a thermometer too. Any meal-prep burrito you wrapped and froze at home can follow the same times as a standard burrito.
Storing and reheating
Keep the unopened burritos in the freezer. Once cooked, a burrito keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Reheat it in the air fryer at 350 °F for 5–7 minutes until it reaches 165 °F in the center. Do not refreeze burritos that you have already cooked and thawed.
Variations
- Cheesy top: Sprinkle 2 tbsp shredded cheese over the cooked burritos and air fry for another minute, until melted.
- Burrito bowl: Slice the cooked burrito and serve over rice with lettuce, salsa and avocado.
- Extra crisp: Spray with oil, cook for 10 minutes, then increase to 390 °F for the last 2 minutes.
If it does not turn out right
- The outside is brown but the middle is cold
- The temperature was too high. Cook at 360 °F, and if the tortilla is already dark, lower it to 320 °F for the remaining minutes. Large burritos need longer, not hotter.
- The tortilla is dry and cracking
- It cooked uncovered for too long. Spray with oil first, and lower the temperature to 340 °F for a few minutes longer. Skip the oil if you prefer a softer tortilla.
- The burritos burst at the seam
- Place them seam side down so the tortilla seals itself against the basket, and do not overfill the basket. Do not stack or press them together.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook a frozen burrito in the air fryer?
About 12 minutes at 360 °F for a standard 5 oz burrito, flipped halfway. Small ones take 9–10 minutes and large burritos take 14–16 minutes. Always check that the center reaches 165 °F.
Can you cook frozen burritos in foil in the air fryer?
You can, but the tortilla will not crisp. If you use foil, wrap the burrito tightly so it cannot lift in the airflow, cook for 15 minutes at 360 °F, then unwrap and cook for 2–3 minutes to crisp the outside.
How long do you cook 2 or 3 frozen burritos at the same time?
Two or three burritos fit in most 4–6 qt baskets if they do not touch. Add 1–2 minutes to the time, and flip them once, swapping their positions.
Can you reheat a burrito in the air fryer?
Yes. Brush a leftover burrito with a little oil and heat at 350 °F for 5–7 minutes, flipping once. A refrigerated homemade burrito is warm after 6 minutes. Check for 165 °F in the center.
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