You might be wondering how to cook Amys burrito in air fryer. It’s a quick method that gives you a crispy result without turning on the oven. If you have a frozen Amy’s burrito and an air fryer, you can have a hot, satisfying meal in minutes. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to get it just right.
Air fryers are fantastic for heating frozen foods. They use hot air to cook things evenly and make the outside wonderfully crisp. For a burrito, this means a tortilla that’s golden and holds together well, with a filling that’s heated all the way through. Let’s get started on the basic method.
How To Cook Amys Burrito In Air Fryer
The core process is straightforward. You don’t usually need to preheat your air fryer for frozen burritos, which makes it even faster. Just follow these steps for a reliably good outcome every single time.
What You’ll Need
- One frozen Amy’s burrito (any variety)
- Your air fryer
- Air fryer basket or tray
- Tongs or a spatula
- Optional: Cooking oil spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Remove the burrito from its packaging. If it’s wrapped in a cardboard sleeve, take that off completely.
- Place the frozen burrito in your air fryer basket. You don’t need to add oil, but a very light spritz can promote extra browning.
- Set the air fryer to 370°F (188°C). This temperature is high enough to crisp the outside but won’t burn it before the inside is hot.
- Cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully flip the burrito over using tongs. This ensures even cooking on both sides.
- Cook for another 4 to 6 minutes. The total cook time will be 14-16 minutes. Check for doneness—the tortilla should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Let it rest for 2 minutes. Remove the burrito and let it sit on a plate. The filling will be extremely hot, and this rest time allows the heat to distribute evenly and makes it safer to eat.
Checking for Doneness
How do you know it’s done? The exterior should be a consistent golden brown color. There shouldn’t be any cold, pale spots. When you gently squeeze the burrito with your tongs, the shell should feel crisp, not soft or doughy. If you cut into it (carefully, steam will escape!), the filling should be piping hot all the way to the center.
Why This Method Works Best
Using an air fryer for Amy’s burritos is superior to a microwave because it avoids a soggy tortilla. The circulating hot air mimics the effect of a conventional oven but much faster. It also requires less energy than heating a full-sized oven for one item. The result is a texture that’s much more pleasent to eat.
Adjusting for Different Air Fryer Models
Not all air fryers are exactly the same. Wattage, basket size, and heating element placement can effect cooking times slightly. Here’s how to adapt the basic method for your specific appliance.
For Smaller or Lower-Wattage Air Fryers
If your air fryer is 3 quarts or smaller, or has lower power, you might need to add a minute or two to the total cooking time. Just be sure to check on it a bit more frequently after the 14-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
For Larger or Convection-Style Ovens
Large basket or oven-style air fryers with powerful fans may cook faster. Start checking at the 12-minute mark. The hot air circulates very efficiently in these models, so things can brown quickly.
Cooking Multiple Burritos at Once
You can cook more than one at a time. Arrange them in a single layer with at least half an inch of space between each burrito for air to flow. You will likely need to add 2-4 minutes to the total cook time and may want to flip them twice for evenness. Avoid overcrowding, as this will lead to steamed, soft results.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Burrito
A few simple tricks can take your air fried burrito from good to great. These tips address common issues and help you customize the final product to your taste.
Avoiding a Burst Burrito
Sometimes, steam builds up inside and can cause the tortilla to split. To minimize this, you can make a very small slit or poke a tiny hole in the tortilla with the tip of a knife before cooking. This lets steam escape gently. Also, letting it rest after cooking helps the internal pressure stabilize.
Maximizing Crispiness
For an extra-crispy shell, lightly spray or brush the frozen burrito with a thin layer of oil before cooking. Avocado oil or olive oil spray works well. Also, ensure you flip it halfway through—this is crucial for an even, crispy texture on all sides.
Dealing with a Soft Bottom
If the bottom of your burrito isn’t as crisp as you’d like, it might be sitting in a small amount of moisture. Try placing a trivet or a small piece of crumpled aluminum foil (shiny side down) in the basket to lift the burrito slightly. This improves airflow underneath.
Popular Amy’s Burrito Varieties & Adjustments
Amy’s makes several burrito types, and some have slightly different optimal cooking times due to their size or ingredients. Here’s a quick reference guide.
Amy’s Breakfast Burritos
These, like the Bean & Rice Breakfast Burrito, are often a bit smaller. Check them a minute or two earlier. They typically cook through in about 12-14 minutes total. The eggs and cheese inside heat quickly.
Large Bean & Rice Burritos
The classic Amy’s Bean & Rice Burrito or the Black Bean Burrito are denser. They do well with the standard 370°F for 16 minutes. If it’s especially thick, you might need the full 16 minutes or even a minute more.
Burritos with a Crust
Some varieties, like the Amy’s Chile Relleno Burrito, have a breaded coating. These can brown very fast. Consider lowering the temperature to 360°F and monitoring closely after 10 minutes to prevent the coating from burning before the inside is hot.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
An air-fried Amy’s burrito is a complete meal on it’s own. But you can easily dress it up with a few simple additions to make it even better.
- Fresh toppings: A dollop of cool sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, or guacamole balances the heat and adds freshness.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top right after cooking so it melts.
- Lettuce & Tomato: Add a bit of crunch with shredded lettuce and diced tomato.
- Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can customize the heat level.
- Side dishes: Serve with a simple side salad, some tortilla chips, or Mexican-style rice.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer Afterwards
Burritos can sometimes leave little crumbs or bits of cheese behind. For easy cleanup, remove the basket as soon as the air fryer is cool enough to handle. Soak the basket in warm, soapy water to loosen any stuck-on food. Wipe the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Many baskets are dishwasher safe for even easier cleaning—check your manual.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with a simple process, a few things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.
Burrito is Still Cold Inside
This means it needed more time. If the outside is browned but the inside is cold, lower the temperature to 350°F and cook for another 3-5 minutes. This will allow heat to penetrate without further browning the shell.
Tortilla is Too Dark or Burning
The temperature was likely too high, or it was cooked too long. Next time, reduce the temperature by 10-15 degrees and/or shorten the cooking time. All air fryers run a little different, so it’s about finding your appliance’s sweet spot.
Soggy or Chewy Tortilla
A soggy result usually means there wasn’t enough air flow. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Also, ensure you’re cooking directly from frozen—a thawed burrito will release more moisture and steam the shell. Make sure you preheat if your model recommends it, though most don’t require it for frozen items.
FAQs About Cooking Amy’s Burritos in an Air Fryer
Do I need to thaw the burrito before air frying?
No, you should not thaw it. Cook it directly from frozen for the best texture. Thawing can make the tortilla soggy and cause the burrito to fall apart during cooking.
Can I cook a refrigerated (not frozen) Amy’s burrito in the air fryer?
Yes, but the time will be much shorter. For a refrigerated burrito, start with 8-10 minutes at 370°F, flipping halfway. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best air fryer setting for Amy’s burritos?
The “Air Fry” function at 370°F is perfect. If your air fryer doesn’t have specific buttons, just set the temperature and timer manually. Avoid using “reheat” modes, as they are often lower power and designed for already-cooked foods.
Is it safe to put the cardboard box in the air fryer?
Absolutely not. Always remove all packaging, including any cardboard sleeves or boxes. Only the frozen burrito itself should go into the air fryer basket.
Can I cook other frozen burrito brands this way?
Yes, this method works for most frozen burritos. However, cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the brand. Start with the 370°F for 14-16 minute guideline and adjust as needed for your preferred brand.
Why did my burrito explode in the air fryer?
This happens when steam builds up too quickly inside. To prevent it, poke a small hole in the tortilla before cooking. Also, avoid overcooking, as excessive heat can create to much internal pressure.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
It’s rare to have leftovers, but if you do, you can store a cooked burrito in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, the air fryer is again your best friend. Reheat at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, until warmed through. This will restore some of the crispness better than a microwave would.
Knowing how to cook Amys burrito in air fryer is a fantastic kitchen shortcut. It delivers a consistently good meal with minimal effort and almost no cleanup. By following the basic steps and using the tips for your specific air fryer, you’ll get a hot, crispy burrito every time. Experiment with different Amy’s varieties and find your favorite topping combinations to keep this quick meal exciting.