Grilled Cheese Burrito with Beef (Air Fryer)
Intro
The Grilled Cheese Burrito is the ultimate mashup of comfort foods: the savory, cheesy indulgence of a grilled cheese meets the bold, satisfying flavors of a loaded burrito. This air fryer version gives you a golden, crisp tortilla with perfectly melted cheese outside and inside, wrapped around seasoned beef, rice, and your favorite burrito fixings. It’s a restaurant-style treat you can make in minutes — no griddle needed. The air fryer crisps evenly while keeping the inside warm and melty, so every bite is pure cheesy bliss.
Preheat air fryer: 375°F (190°C) — 2 minutes
Cook burritos (outside cheese): 375°F (190°C) — 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway
Ingredients (Makes 2 large burritos)
For the beef filling:
½ lb (225 g) ground beef
1 tbsp taco seasoning
½ cup water
½ cup cooked rice (optional for a heartier burrito)
½ cup refried beans (optional for creaminess)
For assembly:
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided — 1 cup inside, ½ cup outside)
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup salsa or pico de gallo
2 tbsp chopped green onions
Cooking spray or light brush of oil
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned (5–6 minutes).
Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and water, stir, and cook until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
Stir in cooked rice and/or refried beans if using. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Burritos
Lay out a tortilla and sprinkle a layer of cheese in the center (about ½ cup).
Add a scoop of beef mixture, sour cream, salsa, and green onions.
Fold the sides in, then roll tightly into a burrito shape.
Repeat with the second burrito.
Add the Grilled Cheese Outer Layer
Sprinkle ¼ cup cheese in a rectangle shape on a piece of parchment or foil that fits your air fryer basket.
Place the burrito seam-side down on top of the cheese.
Sprinkle another ¼ cup cheese over the top of the burrito.
Lightly spray with oil for crispness.
Air Fry
Carefully transfer to the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway so both sides get golden and crispy.
Cheese should melt into a crust around the tortilla.
Serve
Serve hot with extra sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
Slice in half for easy eating — watch for gooey cheese!
Air Fryer Pro Tip
For a super cheesy crust, press the cheese into the tortilla gently before air frying so it sticks better and creates a solid layer.
If you want, I can also give you a Taco Bell–style creamy chipotle sauce recipe that takes this grilled cheese burrito to fast-food perfection.