Do your flour tortillas turn out soggy or uneven when you heat them? I know the struggle—I test air fryers often, and this is a common problem. The best part is, it’s easy to fix.
An air fryer warms tortillas fast. It makes them soft, hot, and a little crispy without extra effort. I use this method in my own kitchen, and it works every time. Air fryers also have a health bonus. Studies show air frying can lower fat by as much as 80% compared to deep frying. That means you get tasty food with fewer calories and less oil.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to heat tortillas in an air fryer step by step. You’ll learn how to keep them soft, how to make them crisp, and how to avoid the mistakes that dry them out.
Best Tortillas for Air Frying: Flour vs. Corn
Wondering which tortilla works best in the air fryer? The short answer: both work well—it depends on what you like.
From my own tests, flour tortillas turn out soft and bendy. They stay warm and do not crack. They are perfect for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Pick flour if you want a soft wrap—especially handy if you plan to reheat a burrito in an air fryer.
Corn tortillas cook up different. They come out crisp, almost like a tostada shell. The taste is earthy, and the bite is firm. Choose corn tortillas if you want extra crunch and sturdiness.
There’s also a cultural side. In many Mexican kitchens, corn tortillas are treated like daily bread. They shine in street tacos and simple meals. Flour tortillas show up more in Tex-Mex cooking—big burritos, cheesy quesadillas, and wraps. Corn feels bold and rustic. Flour feels soft and versatile.
So, which one should you use? My tip: try both. If you want soft, go flour. If you want crunch, go corn. The best tortilla depends on your taste and the dish you’re making.
Credit: cookthestory.com
How to Prepare Flour Tortillas for the Air Fryer
To keep flour tortillas soft in the air fryer, wrap them in a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture inside, stopping them from drying out. Avoid using too much water; just enough to make the towel slightly wet.
Put the wrapped tortillas into the basket of the air fryer. Use a low temperature, around 350°F (175°C). Heat for 1 to 2 minutes only. This keeps them warm without becoming crispy.
For extra flavor, brush the tortillas lightly with olive oil or melted butter before wrapping. For more insights, check out the best oil spray for air fryers. Then you can sprinkle a little garlic powder or chili flakes for a tasty twist. Simple, but it makes a big difference!
Best Air Fryer Temperature and Time for Heating Tortillas
Set the air fryer temperature between 350°F and 400°F. This range warms tortillas evenly without burning.
Heat times depend on tortilla size and thickness. A small tortilla heats in just 1 to 2 minutes. Larger ones may need up to 3 minutes.
Check tortillas halfway through heating. Flip them to warm both sides well. Avoid overheating to keep them soft and flexible.
| Temperature (°F) | Time (Minutes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 350 | 1 – 2 | Best for small or thin tortillas |
| 375 | 2 – 3 | Good for medium size tortillas |
| 400 | 2 – 3 | Use for thick or large tortillas |
Remember to watch closely. Tortillas can dry out fast if heated too long.
Why Air Frying Tortillas Is Smart for Your Health?
Air frying tortillas is not only quick. It is also a healthier choice.
In my kitchen, I see the difference. When I pan-fry tortillas with oil, they soak it up fast. The result is heavy and greasy. In the air fryer, I can warm or crisp them with little or no oil. The taste stays great, but the calories drop.
Research supports this. Studies show that air-fried food can have up to 80% less fat than deep-fried food. That means you can enjoy tacos, wraps, or quesadillas without the extra oil. Less oil also helps your heart. Doctors link high fat to heart problems. By using the air fryer, you get flavor and texture but with less risk.
I’ve heard from readers in the US and UK who made the switch. People often say tortillas taste lighter and more enjoyable this way. I agree. A simple change like this can have a big impact. For more information on healthier cooking methods, check out this article on Medical News Today’s air frying benefits.
Think of it this way. Pan-frying puts a heavy coat of oil on your tortilla. Air frying gives it a light jacket. You still get the warmth and the crunch, but without the grease.
Step-by-Step: How to Heat Up Flour Tortillas in Air Fryer?
Single Tortilla Method: Put one tortilla into the basket of the air fryer. Set temperature to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 1 minute. Flip the tortilla and heat for another 30 seconds. The tortilla should be warm and soft. Avoid overheating to stop it from drying out.
Multiple Tortillas at Once: Stack up to 5 tortillas. Wrap them in a damp paper towel. Put the stack inside the air fryer basket. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. Check if they are warm and flexible. Add time in 30-second bursts if needed. This keeps them soft without burning.
How to Make Tortillas Crispy in the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer temperature between 350°F to 370°F. This range helps make tortillas crispy but not burnt. Place tortillas flat in the basket. Avoid stacking to allow even air flow. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Check halfway to prevent overcooking.
Too much time makes tortillas hard and dry. Watch closely after 2 minutes. Remove once edges look golden brown and crispy. Let them cool briefly. This method keeps the tortillas soft yet firm, great for tacos or wraps.
Serving Warm Tortillas + Storage Tips
A clean kitchen towel makes it easy to keep tortillas warm. Just wrap them up to hold in the heat. This stops them from drying out. Another option is a tortilla warmer, which keeps them hot for longer. Serve tortillas quickly after heating for best taste. Hot tortillas turn soft and flexible, making them easy to roll.
Storing leftovers right helps keep tortillas fresh. Place cooled tortillas in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container. Store them in the fridge to keep them soft for several days. For longer storage, freeze tortillas in a zip-top bag. When ready to use, warm them again in the air fryer or microwave.
Air Fryer Tortilla Mistakes to Avoid
Overheating flour tortillas in an air fryer can cause them to become brittle and dry. Set the temperature to about 350°F (175°C)and heat for no more than 1 to 2 minutes. Too long or too hot can burn the edges quickly.
Uneven heating happens if tortillas are stacked or crowded in the air fryer basket. Place them flat and in a single layer to ensure even heat. Flip the tortillas halfway through to warm both sides well.
Credit: veryveganish.com
Final Thoughts: Quick & Easy Air Fryer Tortillas
Heating flour tortillas in an air fryer is quick and easy. It keeps them soft and warm without drying out. In only a few minutes, your tortillas will be ready to serve. This method saves time and uses less oil than other ways.
Perfect for tacos, wraps, or snacks. Try different times to find your best texture. Now, enjoy fresh, warm tortillas anytime at home. Simple and fast—just how cooking should be.
How Long Does It Take To Heat Flour Tortillas In An Air Fryer?
Warming flour tortillas in the air fryer takes only 1–2 minutes at 350°F.
Can I Heat Frozen Flour Tortillas In An Air Fryer?
Yes, frozen tortillas can be heated at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until soft and warm.
Should I Spray Oil On Tortillas Before Air Frying?
A light spray of oil helps make tortillas crispy but is optional for soft ones.
What Temperature Is Best For Heating Tortillas In An Air Fryer?
Heat at 350°F so the tortilla warms evenly without burning.
How Many Tortillas Can I Heat At Once In An Air Fryer?
For the best results, warm 3–4 tortillas at once without stacking them.
Can Air Frying Make Tortillas Crispy Or Just Warm?
Air frying can warm tortillas or make them crispy, depending on time and oil use.
Hi, I’m Joshua Miller from Florence, Alabama. I test blenders and kitchen tools to see how they work in real life. I post tips, fixes, and reviews to help you use your tools better. I keep things simple so anyone can follow along. I share what I’ve learned from daily use and hands-on testing. Many home cooks trust my advice because it’s honest and clear. I post often to make sure my info stays fresh and helpful.