Cooking an El Monterey Burrito in Air Fryer is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to enjoy this savory snack. The air fryer not only saves you time but also delivers a deliciously crisp exterior while keeping the filling warm and flavorful.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a snack on the go, the air fryer can help you achieve perfect results every time. This method has become a favorite for many because it avoids the mushy texture of microwaving and the longer wait times of traditional ovens. Let’s dive into how you can elevate your burrito experience using this modern cooking marvel!
Step-by-Step El Monterey Burrito in Air Fryer Recipe
Follow this simple recipe to achieve burrito perfection in the air fryer every time.
Ingredients
- 1 or more frozen El Monterey burritos (any variety)
- Non-stick cooking spray (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove all packaging from the burritos.
- Add the burritos to the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap to allow even airflow.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping the burritos halfway through.
- Check for doneness—the tortilla should be golden and crisp, and the filling fully heated.
- Optional: If you’re craving extra crispiness, spray a light coat of non-stick cooking spray on the burritos before air frying.
Serving Suggestion
Pair your crispy El Monterey burritos with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or cheese sauce for a delicious snack or meal.
How Long to Cook Frozen Burritos in Air Fryer for Crispy Perfection
If you’re aiming for a restaurant-quality burrito texture, use the following tips for timing perfection.
- Small burritos (e.g., snack-sized): 10–12 minutes at 375°F
- Medium burritos (like El Monterey): 12–15 minutes at 375°F
- Large burritos (fully loaded varieties): 15–18 minutes at 380°F
Always flip halfway for even results.
El Monterey Frozen Burritos Cooking Instructions: A Quick Guide
Here’s a simple guide to cooking your El Monterey frozen burritos for the best results.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Place the frozen burritos in the basket, leaving space between them for proper airflow.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Check for desired texture and internal temperature before serving.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Wrap each frozen burrito in aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Unwrap the foil for the last 5 minutes to achieve a slightly crispy exterior.
Microwave Instructions
- Place your frozen burrito on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness.
- Heat on high for 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Allow it to sit for 1 minute before serving to distribute heat evenly.
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer or oven for even cooking.
- Always check the internal temperature of the burrito, ensuring it reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Customize with your favorite toppings or sides like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra delicious treat!
This helps distribute the heat evenly and makes them easier to handle. Enjoy with your favorite toppings or sides!
El Monterey Beef and Bean Burritos Nutrition Facts
Nutrition is important, especially when it comes to ready-made foods. Here’s what you need to know about El Monterey’s classic Beef and Bean Burrito (per serving):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sodium: 540 mg
El Monterey burritos offer a delicious blend of flavor and nutrients for a quick meal, but like most frozen foods, enjoy in moderation to balance out your diet.
Air Fryer Settings for Cooking El Monterey Burritos
Cooking El Monterey Beef and Bean Burritos in an air fryer is quick and convenient. Follow these simple steps for the best results.
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the burrito from its packaging. No need to thaw—air fry while frozen.
Cooking Instructions
- Place the burrito in the air fryer basket. Ensure it is spaced apart from other items to allow for even airflow.
- Cook time: 12-15 minutes. Rotate halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Finishing Touches
- Use tongs to remove the burrito carefully from the air fryer—it will be very hot.
- Allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.
This method gives your burrito a crispy shell while keeping the filling warm and flavorful!
How to Prevent El Monterey Burritos from Getting Soggy in the Air Fryer
Avoiding soggy burritos in the air fryer is easy if you follow these steps for a perfectly crisped result every time!
- Preheat Your Air Fryer
Always preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before cooking. This ensures even heating from the start.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Space out the burritos in the air fryer basket to allow proper airflow around each one. Cooking multiple burritos too close together can lead to uneven results and sogginess.
- Start with Frozen Burritos
Cook El Monterey burritos directly from frozen—there’s no need to thaw them, as thawing can introduce moisture that may lead to a soggy texture.
- Use a Dry Paper Towel
If the burrito appears frosty or icy, gently pat it with a paper towel to absorb excess frost before placing it in the air fryer.
- Lightly Spray with Oil
A light spritz of cooking oil spray on the burrito can enhance crispiness while preventing sogginess during the cooking process.
- Cook at the Right Temperature
Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically 375°F (190°C), to ensure the burritos cook evenly and retain a crispy exterior.
- Flip Halfway Through Cooking
Rotate or flip the burrito halfway through the cook time to promote uniform crisping on all sides.
- Avoid Overstuffing Fillings
If you’re preparing homemade burritos, ensure the fillings are balanced and not overly moist. Too much sauce or liquid can make the interior soggy.
- Serve Immediately
Once cooked, serve the burrito right away. Leaving it to sit can allow steam to collect, softening the crispy outer shell.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve perfectly crisp El Monterey burritos every time!
Comparing Cooking Times for El Monterey Burritos vs Other Frozen Burritos
Below is a table comparing the average air fryer cooking times for El Monterey burritos with other popular frozen burrito brands.
| Brand | Cooking Temperature | Cooking Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Monterey Burritos | 375°F | 12-15 minutes | Flip halfway through for even crispiness. |
| Tina’s Burritos | 375°F | 10-12 minutes | May require a spritz of oil for extra crisp texture. |
| José Olé Burritos | 380°F | 12-14 minutes | Preheating the air fryer can help achieve more consistent results. |
| Amy’s Organic Burritos | 390°F | 13-16 minutes | Higher temperature helps crisp the organic flour tortilla quickly. |
| Don Miguel Burritos | 370°F | 14-18 minutes | Slightly longer cooking time due to larger portion size. |
This table helps illustrate variations in cooking times depending on burrito size, brand, and ingredients, allowing you to choose what fits your preferences or adjust accordingly!
Final Thoughts
Using an air fryer to cook frozen burritos is an efficient and convenient method to achieve a crispy, evenly heated shell while maintaining the rich flavors of the filling. As illustrated in the table above, cooking times and temperatures vary slightly between brands, which highlights the importance of adjusting settings based on burrito size, composition, and personal preferences. By following the recommended guidelines and experimenting with small adjustments, you can consistently enjoy perfectly cooked burritos tailored to your taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I cook multiple burritos at once in the air fryer?
A: Yes, you can cook multiple burritos at the same time as long as they fit in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking them to ensure even cooking.
Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking frozen burritos?
A: Preheating is recommended for optimal results, as it helps to evenly crisp the tortilla. Check your air fryer model’s instructions for proper preheating guidelines.
Q: Can I reheat a leftover burrito in the air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Set your air fryer to 350°F and heat the burrito for 5-8 minutes, depending on its size, to achieve a crispy texture without drying it out.
Q: Do I need to thaw the frozen burritos before air frying?
A: No, frozen burritos can go directly into the air fryer without thawing. Cooking directly from frozen delivers great results while saving time.
Q: How can I prevent the tortilla from burning?
A: If the tortilla crisps too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil during cooking. This prevents burning while allowing the filling to heat through.
