Make-Ahead Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos: The Ultimate Meal Prep Recipe
Breakfast burritos are a classic for a reason. They’re packed with protein, carbs, and flavor, making them the perfect way to start your day. But let’s be honest, who has time to make them from scratch every morning? That’s where these make-ahead air fryer breakfast burritos come in! This recipe allows you to prep a batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious, hot breakfast burritos all week long with minimal effort. The air fryer crisps the tortilla perfectly, giving them that satisfying crunch you crave.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** This recipe is designed for meal prepping. Make a batch on the weekend and have breakfast ready to go for the entire week.
* **Quick and Easy:** The air fryer cooks the burritos in minutes, making them a fast and convenient breakfast option.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the filling to your liking. Swap out proteins, veggies, and cheese to create your perfect burrito.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** These burritos freeze beautifully, so you can make a large batch and enjoy them for months to come.
* **Delicious and Satisfying:** Crispy tortillas, flavorful fillings, and melty cheese make these burritos a truly satisfying breakfast.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Eggs:** The base of our burrito filling. Use large eggs for the best results.
* **Breakfast Sausage:** Adds flavor and protein. You can use pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage.
* **Potatoes:** Diced potatoes add heartiness and substance. Use Yukon gold or russet potatoes.
* **Onion:** Adds flavor and aroma to the filling.
* **Bell Pepper:** Adds color, flavor, and nutrients. Use any color bell pepper you like.
* **Cheese:** Shredded cheese is essential for melty goodness. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well.
* **Tortillas:** Use large burrito-size tortillas. Flour tortillas are recommended for their pliability.
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Consider adding black beans, corn, salsa, avocado, or your favorite hot sauce.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Air Fryer:** The key to crispy burritos.
* **Large Skillet:** For cooking the sausage and vegetables.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For scrambling the eggs.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Spatula:** For stirring and flipping.
* **Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper:** For wrapping the burritos.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the process of making these delicious make-ahead air fryer breakfast burritos:
**Step 1: Prepare the Filling**
1. **Cook the Sausage:** In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Set aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Scramble the Eggs:** In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into the skillet with the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs are set but still slightly moist.
4. **Combine the Filling:** Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the egg and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine.
**Step 2: Assemble the Burritos**
1. **Warm the Tortillas:** To make the tortillas more pliable and prevent them from tearing, warm them slightly. You can do this by microwaving them for 15-20 seconds, wrapping them in a damp paper towel, or heating them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side.
2. **Fill the Burritos:** Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the filling onto the center of the tortilla. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
3. **Fold the Burritos:** Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling. Then, fold up the bottom of the tortilla over the filling and roll tightly to form a burrito.
**Step 3: Air Fry the Burritos (Immediate Consumption)**
1. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Air Fry the Burritos:** Place the burritos in the air fryer basket, seam-side down. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. **Cook until Golden Brown:** Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the burritos immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
**Step 4: Preparing for Freezing (Make-Ahead)**
1. **Wrap Individually:** After assembling the burritos, wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil or parchment paper.
2. **Freeze:** Place the wrapped burritos in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
**Step 5: Reheating from Frozen**
* **Air Fryer Method:** Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen burrito in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
* **Microwave Method:** Remove the foil or parchment paper. Wrap the frozen burrito in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. The tortilla will not be as crispy as when air-fried, but it’s a quick and convenient option.
* **Oven Method:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the frozen burrito in aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
## Tips for the Best Breakfast Burritos
* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the burritos will make them difficult to fold and they may burst while cooking.
* **Warm the Tortillas:** Warming the tortillas is crucial for preventing them from tearing. A few seconds in the microwave or on a dry skillet will do the trick.
* **Don’t Skip the Cheese:** Cheese is essential for holding the filling together and adding flavor.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the burrito. Use fresh vegetables, good-quality sausage, and flavorful cheese.
* **Experiment with Fillings:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings. Try adding different types of vegetables, proteins, or sauces.
* **Press the Seam:** After folding, gently press the seam of the burrito to help it stay closed during cooking.
* **Don’t overcrowd the air fryer:** If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the burritos in batches to ensure even cooking.
## Variation Ideas
* **Spicy Breakfast Burritos:** Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
* **Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos:** Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Consider adding black beans or pinto beans for added protein.
* **Sweet Potato Breakfast Burritos:** Substitute the potatoes with diced sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
* **Chorizo Breakfast Burritos:** Use chorizo instead of breakfast sausage for a spicier, more flavorful burrito.
* **Bacon Breakfast Burritos:** Crispy bacon is always a welcome addition to a breakfast burrito.
* **Egg White Breakfast Burritos:** Use only egg whites for a lower-calorie option.
* **Southwest Breakfast Burritos:** Add black beans, corn, and a southwest seasoning blend to the filling. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
## Serving Suggestions
These breakfast burritos are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:
* **Salsa:** Adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
* **Sour Cream:** Adds creaminess and tang.
* **Guacamole:** Adds healthy fats and a rich, creamy texture.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like a little heat.
* **Fresh Cilantro:** Adds a pop of color and flavor.
* **Lime Wedges:** Adds a touch of acidity.
## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make-Ahead:** As the title suggests, these burritos are perfect for making ahead. Assemble the burritos, wrap them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, freeze the wrapped burritos for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the burritos in the air fryer, microwave, or oven, as described above.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per burrito)
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
* **Can I use different types of tortillas?**
* While flour tortillas are recommended for their pliability, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. However, corn tortillas are more prone to tearing, so be sure to warm them well before filling.
* **Can I add different vegetables?**
* Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to the filling. Some good options include spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and tomatoes.
* **Can I use leftover cooked meat?**
* Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken, steak, or pork in place of the breakfast sausage.
* **How do I prevent the burritos from getting soggy?**
* Be sure to drain off any excess grease from the sausage and vegetables. Also, don’t overfill the burritos.
* **Can I make these burritos in a regular oven?**
* Yes, you can bake the burritos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and lightly browned.
* **How do I keep the filling from falling out when I eat the burrito?**
* Fold the burrito tightly and press the seam to help it stay closed. You can also wrap the bottom half of the burrito in foil or parchment paper to catch any spills.
* **Can I make these ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before air frying?**
* Yes, you can assemble the burritos and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before air frying. This is a great option if you want to prep them the night before.
* **My air fryer model is different. How long should I cook them?**
* Air fryers can vary, so it’s important to keep an eye on the burritos. Start with the recommended cooking time and adjust as needed until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
## Conclusion
These make-ahead air fryer breakfast burritos are a game-changer for busy mornings. They’re easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a quick and satisfying breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy the best breakfast burritos you’ve ever had! Enjoy!