El Monterey frozen burritos are a quick and convenient meal or snack option. However, to get the best taste and texture when cooking frozen burritos, it’s important to follow the recommended cooking instructions on the package. Here is a quick overview of how long to cook El Monterey frozen burritos and tips for heating them correctly.
Oven Instructions
The oven instructions for cooking El Monterey frozen burritos are:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Remove burrito from packaging and place on baking sheet
- Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until hot and lightly browned
So if following the package oven instructions, you would want to cook an El Monterey frozen burrito for approximately 23-25 minutes at 400°F. This will ensure the burrito fillings are hot and the tortilla is warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
Microwave Instructions
To cook an El Monterey frozen burrito in the microwave, follow these steps:
- Remove burrito from packaging and place on a microwave-safe plate
- Microwave on HIGH power for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until burrito is hot, checking and flipping between intervals
The total microwave cook time can vary based on your microwave wattage. But in general, it takes 2-4 minutes to cook an El Monterey frozen burrito in the microwave. Check it periodically and microwave in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
Stovetop Instructions
You can also cook El Monterey frozen burritos on the stovetop with these simple steps:
- Preheat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat
- Place frozen burrito in the hot skillet, folded side down
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, flip and cook other side for 2-3 minutes
- Reduce heat to low, cover skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes more, flipping occasionally
On the stovetop, an El Monterey frozen burrito will need about 10-15 minutes total cooking time, cooking over medium then low heat and flipping occasionally.
Air Fryer Instructions
Cooking frozen burritos in an air fryer is fast and easy. Here are the air fryer instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F
- Place frozen burrito in air fryer basket
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway
- Cook until outer tortilla is crispy
In an air fryer, El Monterey frozen burritos take about 6-8 minutes to cook at 370°F. The air fryer gives them a crispy tortilla exterior.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Burritos
Here are some additional tips for perfectly cooking El Monterey frozen burritos:
- Always cook from frozen. Do not thaw the burritos before cooking.
- Flip or turn the burritos over halfway during cooking.
- If microwaving, use a lower power level and cook for more time to prevent rubbery textures.
- Let burritos stand 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow fillings to fully heat through.
- For extra crispiness, brush tortillas lightly with oil before cooking.
Summary Cooking Times
| Oven | 23-25 minutes at 400°F |
|---|---|
| Microwave | 2-4 minutes on HIGH |
| Stovetop | 10-15 minutes over medium then low heat |
| Air Fryer | 6-8 minutes at 370°F |
Conclusion
El Monterey frozen burritos should be cooked according to the instructions on the package, which recommend oven baking for 23-25 minutes at 400°F. But you can also microwave them for 2-4 minutes, pan fry them on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes, or air fry them for 6-8 minutes at 370°F. Always cook the frozen burritos completely until hot and steaming. Flipping them halfway during cooking and allowing a 1-2 minute rest will ensure the fillings are fully heated through. Following the recommended cooking methods and times will deliver the best tasting El Monterey frozen burritos.