A piping hot burrito is unique, elegant, and yet simple. These portable all-in-one meals are not only filling but also fun to eat. One of the best things about a delicious burrito is the endless amount of filling and garnish options.
Burritos can be stuffed with meats, vegetables, eggs, spices, and cheeses. Breakfast burritos are perfect for a busy schedule because they are quick and easy to make.
They also make delicious leftovers and can taste as good, if not better, than when they were served if reheated in an air fryer. Air fryers not only add crunch to the burrito, but they also keep them from becoming a soggy and lifeless mess like microwaves can do.
There are a few reheating tips to follow to get the best results, but you will always have great reheated burritos. You do not need to use an oven, saving electricity, excess heat, and time.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Time saver - Reheating burritos in an air fryer only takes a few minutes.
- Depth- Air frying a burrito adds more depth of flavor due to the Mailliard Reaction.
- Crispiness - The air fryer adds a crispy layer in only a couple of minutes, which triples the burrito's enjoyment (especially if you mist it. See Expert Tips.)
- Air fryers don’t dry out burritos - This is my favorite part. A low cooking temperature and fast cooking time helps the burrito retain moisture so it does not dry out.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- There is no wrong way to prepare a burrito, which is part of its charm. There are endless opportunities to mix and match ingredients, spices, and toppings. Have Fun!
- I remove as many “wet” ingredients as possible before I reheat a burrito. Lettuce will turn soggy and dairy products like crema or sour cream can separate. Scrape these off during the reheating process and use fresh condiments once the burrito is reheated.
- This recipe works for gluten-free tortillas as well as standard tortillas. If you are reheating both, make sure they stay separated to avoid cross-contamination.
Step By Step
- Preheat your air fryer to 350℉. You can move the temperature up to 375℉ for thicker burritos, but it is best to use a lower temperature for a longer time so the burrito does not lose its moisture.
- While the air fryer is preheating, remove any condiments from the burritos and rewrap them. This isn’t a strict requirement, but it will improve the results.
- Lightly mist the burritos on both sides with cooking spray. This step is optional, but the spray provides a crispier finish, one of the funniest things about an air fryer.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, heat the burrito for 3-5 minutes, depending on size.
- Remove with a flat spatula, top with garnishes like lettuce, cheese, or crema, and serve hot.
Expert Tips
- Always preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures an even temperature around the food for consistent cooking.
- Add a layer of cheese to the top. Adding cheese to the top of the burrito allows it to melt and adds flavor and character to the reheated burrito.
- Use sharp cheese. Though there is no “wrong” cheese to use on burritos, sharper variations balance out the flavors of the cheese and meat and adds character.
- Add more filling. You can add additional meat, cheese, and spices to the inside of the burrito as long as the meat has already been cooked. This is a creative way to use some of your leftovers.
- Flip the burrito when it is halfway through the cooking time. Flipping a burrito (or any food) halfway through the cooking time is the best way to achieve even cooking throughout the dish.
- Use crema. Crema gives this celebrated Mexican dish a richer, more authentic flavor note.
- Use fresh lime juice and cilantro. These two make for a powerful combination that exudes authenticity in Mexican cuisine. You can add it to the middle of the burrito or on the top once it is reheated. Along with the crema, this flavor turns your everyday kitchen into a knockout cantina.
Also read: How To Reheat Soup In Instant Pot Quickly in 3 Easy Steps
FAQS
You can reheat a burrito in a microwave, but the results will be subpar. Microwaves zap the moisture out of food, and the burrito will be bland at best, or worse, tough and chewy.
Depending on the thickness and ingredients, three to five minutes is all that is required. It’s a good idea to start at three minutes and work your way up if needed so that you do not overheat the burrito and dry it out.
Air fryers never require oil for cooking, but a little spray of Pam goes a long way. I recommend spraying the air fryer rack to prevent sticking and both sides of the burrito for extra crunch.
You will love reheating burritos in your air fryer. It is a quick method that does not dry out the burrito. Using a small kitchen appliance prevents the kitchen from heating up like an oven would. Plus, it cuts down on electricity usage. It is my favorite way to reheat because it adds crunchiness and depth of flavor to the original product. I can “doctor” up for more spice or add different condiments. Essentially, it is like having two meals for the price of one.
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How To Reheat A Burrito In An Air Fryer
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 16 oz refried beans
- ½ pound ground beef
- 2 flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ⅛ cup salsa (optional)
- chili powder, smoked paprika to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef. Add any seasonings if you are using them. Once the ground beef is browned, drain the grease.
- Warm the refried beans in a small sauce pot while the ground beef browns. Once the beans are hot, turn the burner to warm. You can add the cheese to the warm beans or serve it as a condiment.
- Serve the ground beef and beans in the tortilla shell with condiments, fold, and serve hot.
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