Learn how to cook a frozen burrito in an Air Fryer and get the perfect crunchy shell and cooked burrito fillings. No more microwave mushy burritos!

Air Fryer Frozen Burrito text over a golden brown burrito in the air fryer basket

How to cook a Frozen Burrito in Air Fryer

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I enjoy a frozen burrito a couple of times a week for lunch. They are quick and easy and always taste great. Before getting an air fryer, I used to cook them in the microwave and just deal with the fillings exploding out the side of the burrito.

They were messy but good, and I went with them. Then I realized I could make air fryer frozen burritos and get a fantastic crunchy shell and cooked fillings without the mess. HECK YEAH!

It did take a bit to get the perfect balance of crispy shell and the inside filling cooking just right. At first, I was cooking them too hot, and the shell was crisp, but the inside was still frozen.

Making frozen burritos in the air fryer takes longer than cooking them in the microwave, but it is worth it! Once you try an air fryer burrito, you will not use the microwave unless you have no choice.

Lilly B's frozen bean rice and cheese burrito in the package

Ingredients

This is a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you'll need to make an epic Air Fryer Frozen Burrito! Specific measurements and step-by-step instructions are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Frozen Burrito - You can use any frozen burrito brand you love. The cooking times may vary depending on the size of the burrito.

We love making chicken burritos, breakfast burritos, beef burritos, pork burritos, cheese burritos and bean burrito or any our favorite burrito brands.

Equipment

Air Fryer - We suggest getting an air fryer that is bigger than you think you will need. We found once we started using the air fryer we ended up using it for more meals and larger meals.

Popular Air Fryer brands include he Ninja Foodi, Philips, Cosori air fryer, Instant Vortex, Cuisinart, Pampered Chef Air Fryer, Actifry, Nuwave, Power Air Fryer.

We have been loving the Typhur Air Fryer Dome! It has a huge cooking area and can also dehydrate and broil.

Kitchen Tongs - Tongs will help remove the air fry frozen burritos from the air fryer tray.

Meat Thermometer - A meat thermometer is a great way to make sure your burrito has cooked to a minimum safe internal temperature. Some burrito packaging lists the temperature they recommend cooking to.

Fork and Knife - if desired to enjoy this air fryer frozen burrito recipe.

Air fried frozen burrito in the air fryer basket

How to Cook a Frozen Burrito in an Air Fryer

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.

Place the frozen burrito in the air fryer.
Air fry, flip the burrito a few times during cooking.

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead: We do not suggest making these ahead of time. Frozen burritos are quick and easy to make in the air fryer. Store the burritos in the freezer until you are ready to air fry them.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within three days.

Freezing/How to Freeze: For quality and food safety reasons, it is best not to refreeze any frozen food you have cooked.

How to Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer or the microwave. You can reheat the burrito in the air fryer without worrying about losing the crispy edges.

Recipe Variations

Substitutions:

You can use any frozen burrito you love. The cooking times may vary depending on the size of the burrito.

We love making chicken burritos, breakfast burritos, beef burritos, pork burritos, cheese burritos, bean burritos, or any of our favorite burrito brands.

Vegetarian Option: Make this recipe vegetarian by using a vegetarian burrito.

Vegan Option: Make this recipe vegan by using a vegan burrito. Vegan burrito brands include Amy's, Alpha Foods, Daiya, Whole Foods, Higher Taste, Tattooed Chef, Trader Joe's, and Sweet Earth.

Gluten-Free: Gluten-free eaters should look for a gluten-free burrito. Gluten-free burrito brands include Evol, Amy's Kitchen, and Tattooed Chef.

Make It Spicy: Serve with spicy salsa on the side. We have a Chili's Salsa, an Avocado Salsa, and a Black Bean Salsa to get you started.

Larger Group/More Servings: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook two or more burritos. Adjust the cooking time as needed if you make more than one.

Sugar-Free: Nutrition information, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more, will vary depending on the products used. Choose a low-sugar frozen burrito if this is a dietary concern.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Burrito

Don't forget to flip your burrito a couple of times to get a perfectly golden brown crisp shell outside around the burrito.
Place burritos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You want the hot air to circulate for the best air fryer cooking.
Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the burrito. Keep an eye on the frozen burrito in the air fryer the 1st time you make it so it doesn't overcook.
Check your air fryer user manual to see if your air fryer needs to be pre-heated. Our air fryer oven recipes do not include pre-heating. If you need to preheat, lower the cooking time by a minute or two.
Times and temperatures will vary depending on the air fryer you use and the frozen food you cook.
Printable recipe card instructions are below.

What to Serve with an Air Fryer Frozen Burrito

With this easy how-to guide for making frozen burritos in your air fryer, you’ll never again use the microwave unless you have to! Here are some mealtime suggestions for pairing with your burrito.

Toppings/Sauces: Sour Cream, Chili's Salsa, Guacamole, Avocado Salsa, Black Bean Salsa, Diced Tomatoes, Veggies, Hot Sauce, Chopped Avocado, Shredded Cheese, Pickled Jalapeños, Fresh Lime Juice, Chopped Cilantro, or our favorite dips.

Side Dishes: Refried Beans, Mexican Rice, Side Salad, Chips and Salsa, Cilantro Lime Rice, taco pickles

Drinks: Brazilian Lemonade, Passion Tea Lemonade, Ocean Water, Frosted Lemonade, Freckled Lemonade