Delicious & Easy Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos: Your Guide to a Perfect Morning Meal

Transform your breakfast routine with these incredible Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos! We’ve spent countless hours perfecting batches of breakfast burritos and discovered a secret to making them even better: heating them in the Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi. This method truly elevates the experience, delivering a warm, satisfying meal with a delightful crispy texture that makes every bite a pleasure. Forget soggy burritos; the air fryer is your ticket to breakfast perfection!

The magic of the air fryer lies in its ability to circulate hot air evenly, ensuring your breakfast burritos are heated through to a delicious warmth while simultaneously crisping up the tortilla to a golden perfection. This creates a texture very similar to a Breakfast Chimichanga, adding an irresistible crunch that traditional reheating methods simply can’t achieve. Whether you’re making them fresh or reheating from frozen, the air fryer delivers a superior result every time, making these burritos a fantastic quick and easy breakfast option.

Can You Make These Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! This versatile recipe is incredibly adaptable and can easily cater to gluten-free dietary needs. The only component requiring a swap is the flour tortilla. With a few simple adjustments, everyone can enjoy these savory and satisfying breakfast burritos without compromising on taste or texture.

For those aiming to create gluten-free breakfast burritos, selecting the right tortilla is key. We highly recommend Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas from brands like Mission. These tortillas are designed to hold their shape and texture, making them ideal for wrapping and air frying. They won’t crumble or crack, ensuring your burritos are as structurally sound and delicious as their gluten-filled counterparts. Always double-check ingredient labels on other components like sausage, hash browns, and seasonings to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

Should You Wrap Burritos in Aluminum Foil Before Air Frying?

The choice to wrap your breakfast burritos in foil before placing them in the air fryer depends entirely on your preference for texture and how you plan to serve them. Both methods offer distinct advantages.

If your goal is to keep the burritos warm for an extended period, perhaps when preparing them for a large gathering or for meal prepping to enjoy later, wrapping them in foil is an excellent strategy. The foil acts as an insulator, trapping the heat and moisture, which keeps the burritos soft and warm until your guests arrive or until you’re ready to eat. This is particularly useful for buffets or brunches where food needs to be held at temperature. However, it’s important to note that if you keep them wrapped in foil throughout the entire air frying process, the tortillas will remain soft and pliable, lacking the signature crispness that the air fryer can provide.

For those who crave a crispy, golden-brown tortilla, placing the burritos directly into the air fryer unwrapped is the way to go. The direct exposure to the circulating hot air will transform the tortilla’s exterior into a wonderfully crunchy shell, reminiscent of a fried chimichanga. This method is perfect for immediate consumption and delivers the ultimate textural contrast between the crispy shell and the warm, savory filling. You can even start them unwrapped for crispness and then briefly wrap them in foil at the end if you need to hold them warm for a very short period without losing too much crispness.

Can You Freeze Breakfast Burritos for Meal Prep?

Freezing breakfast burritos is an absolute game-changer for meal prep! It allows you to make a large batch of these delicious burritos ahead of time, ensuring you have a quick and easy breakfast ready for busy mornings. If you find yourself with extra burritos after preparation, or if you’re intentionally making a bigger batch for future meals, freezing them is a fantastic option. Simply wrap each individual burrito tightly in foil or parchment paper, then place them into a freezer-safe storage bag or airtight container. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to a month.

It’s crucial to remember that if you plan to freeze your breakfast burritos, do not air fry them before freezing. The best practice is to freeze them un-cooked from the air fryer, then cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve. This preserves the quality and ensures the best texture upon reheating. When that craving hits, simply take a foil-wrapped burrito from the freezer and pop it into your preheated air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 7-10 minutes. This initial cooking time thaws and warms the filling. If you desire that signature crispy exterior, remove the foil during the last few minutes of cooking or immediately after the initial reheat to allow the tortilla to crisp up. For completely frozen, unwrapped burritos, you might need to add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re thoroughly heated through.

Expert Tips for Making Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos

Achieving the perfect air fryer breakfast burrito is simple with a few helpful tips. These insights will ensure your burritos are not only delicious but also cooked to perfection every time.

Ingredient Customization and Preparation:

• Sausage Choice: While lean ground sausage is recommended for less grease, feel free to use your favorite variety. If your sausage produces excess grease, ensure you drain it thoroughly after cooking and before adding other ingredients to the skillet. This prevents a greasy filling and ensures a better overall texture. Consider spicy sausage for an extra kick!
• Potato Varieties: Beyond cubed frozen hash browns, get creative with your potato base. Potatoes O’Brien, which come pre-mixed with peppers and onions, are a fantastic shortcut. You can also use tater tots or even leftover roasted potatoes, chopped into small pieces, to add a different texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetable Power-Up: Don’t limit yourself to just onions and bell peppers. Enhance your burritos with finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or even diced jalapeños for a little heat. Sauté these vegetables with your sausage to soften them and meld their flavors.
• Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheese combinations. While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics, try adding pepper jack for a spicy note, Colby for extra creaminess, or a Mexican blend for authentic flavor.
• Egg Perfection: Scramble your eggs to your desired consistency. For fluffier eggs, add a splash of milk or cream before whisking. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Cooking Equipment & Techniques:

• Ninja Foodi Versatility: If you own a Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker, you’re in luck! Its multi-functionality means you can prepare all your burrito filling ingredients right in the pot, streamlining the cooking process and reducing cleanup. Sauté your sausage and veggies, then scramble your eggs, all in one place.
• Traditional Skillet Method: For those without a Ninja Foodi, a large skillet on the stovetop works perfectly for preparing the savory filling. Cook your sausage, then add the vegetables and eggs as directed in the recipe.
• Air Fryer Overcrowding: To ensure even cooking and maximum crispness, avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket. Cook burritos in a single layer, in batches if necessary, allowing air to circulate freely around each one.
• Preheating is Key: Always preheat your air fryer as instructed. This ensures the appliance reaches the optimal cooking temperature, leading to consistent results and that desired crispy exterior.

With these comprehensive tips, you’re now fully equipped to create the most incredible Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos that will surely become a staple in your home. Get ready for a good breakfast that’s both easy to make and even better to eat!

Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos

Make a wonderful easy and delicious breakfast with these Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos! Perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.

4.50 from 2 votes

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Prep Time

15 minutes
mins

Cook Time

6 minutes
mins

Total Time

21 minutes
mins

Course
Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine
American

Servings

8
Servings

Calories

479
kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2
  Tbsp
  Olive Oil
• 1 1/2
  Cups
  Cubed Frozen Hash Browns
• 1
  Lb
  Ground Pork Sausage
• 1/4
  Cup
  Diced Yellow Onion
• 1/4
  Cup
  Diced Green or Red Bell Peppers
• 8
  Large
  Eggs
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• 1
  Cup
  Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1
  Cup
  Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
• 8
  Gluten-Free or Regular Sized Flour Tortillas

Instructions

 

1. In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the cubed frozen hash browns to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. In the same skillet (add a little more oil if needed), add the ground pork sausage, diced yellow onion, and diced bell peppers. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet before proceeding.
4. Return the cooked hash browns to the pan with the sausage and vegetable mixture.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the large eggs until they are lightly beaten and combined.
6. Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet with the other ingredients. Cook, stirring frequently, until the eggs are fully set and scrambled to your liking.
7. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary for your preference.
8. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3 minutes to ensure it’s ready for optimal cooking.
9. Lay out one tortilla. Spoon approximately 1/8 of the prepared filling onto the bottom third of the tortilla.
10. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the filling.
11. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then fold the bottom end over the filling and roll up as tightly as possible to create a compact burrito. Repeat for remaining burritos.
12. Place the rolled burritos (unwrapped, seam-side down) in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
13. Serve your perfectly crispy and warm Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos immediately with your favorite salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole.
14. For meal prep and freezing, wrap freshly assembled (but uncooked) burritos tightly in foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, follow the air fryer instructions, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from frozen, and remove foil for the last few minutes for crispness.

Notes

To Freeze: After assembly, wrap each uncooked burrito tightly in foil or parchment paper. Place the wrapped burritos into a freezer-safe resealable bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

To Reheat from Frozen: Remove the foil (if you want a crispy exterior) or keep it on (for a soft exterior). Place the frozen burrito directly into the preheated air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 7-10 minutes. If kept in foil, they will remain soft. If unwrapped, they will crisp up beautifully. Add 1-2 extra minutes if still cold in the center.

Ingredient Shortcut: If you opt to use Potatoes O’Brien, which typically includes diced peppers and onions, you can omit the separate diced yellow onion and bell peppers from the ingredient list. Simply use the vegetables included in the frozen potato mix.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
Serving


Calories:
479
kcal


Carbohydrates:
23
g


Protein:
25
g


Fat:
31
g


Saturated Fat:
11
g


Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g


Monounsaturated Fat:
13
g


Trans Fat:
0.1
g


Cholesterol:
242
mg


Sodium:
833
mg


Potassium:
396
mg


Fiber:
2
g


Sugar:
2
g


Vitamin A:
468
IU


Vitamin C:
8
mg


Calcium:
246
mg


Iron:
3
mg

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