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These crispy air fryer cheeseburger wraps are my secret weapon for busy weeknights. They deliver all the juicy, savory satisfaction of a classic cheeseburger, but they come together in under 30 minutes in a tidy, handheld package that everyone in the family goes wild for.
I first threw these together on a chaotic evening before soccer practice, and they were such a massive hit. Now, they're a permanent part of our meal rotation for those nights when time is short but we still want something delicious and comforting.
Ingredients
- One pound ground beef: an 80/20 blend is perfect here as the higher fat content ensures a juicy, flavorful filling
- Four large flour tortillas: you want the big burrito size ones to make rolling easy and to hold all the delicious fillings without tearing
- Four slices American cheese: it melts into a perfectly creamy, gooey sauce that is essential for that classic cheeseburger experience
- One half cup dill pickle slices: these add the perfect tangy crunch and bite to cut through the richness
- Two tablespoons melted salted butter: this is the key to getting that beautifully golden and crispy exterior in the air fryer
- One quarter cup mayonnaise: provides a creamy base for the sauce
- Two tablespoons ketchup: gives that familiar sweet and tangy burger sauce flavor
- One teaspoon salt
- One half teaspoon black pepper
- One half teaspoon garlic powder: this simple trio of seasonings is all you need to perfectly flavor the beef
Step by Step Instructions
- Sauté the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. As it cooks, use a spatula to break it apart into small, bite sized crumbles. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder over the meat and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it's fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease from the pan. I like to let it cool for just a minute or two so it doesn't make the tortillas soggy.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Stack your four tortillas on a plate and cover them with a slightly damp paper towel. Microwave them for about 20 seconds. This step is a game changer; it gently steams the tortillas, making them soft and pliable so they won’t crack when you roll them.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay one warm tortilla on a clean, flat surface. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise down the center, followed by a drizzle of ketchup. Arrange about four pickle slices over the sauce. Place a slice of American cheese on top, and then spoon a generous portion, about a quarter of the cooked beef mixture, over the cheese.
- Roll Them Tight:
- To roll the wrap, fold the left and right sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, take the bottom edge closest to you and pull it up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Continue rolling it away from you into a snug, secure package. Place it on a plate with the seam side facing down to help it stay sealed. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Air Fry to Crispy Perfection:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s preheating, generously brush the tops and sides of each wrap with the melted butter. Place the wraps seam side down in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a little space between them for the air to circulate. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the outside is a beautiful golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Let them rest for a minute before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
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My favorite part of this whole recipe is the American cheese. I know it gets a bad rap sometimes, but for a cheeseburger wrap, nothing else melts into that perfectly smooth, creamy sauce that coats every bite of the beef. It reminds my family of our favorite old fashioned diner burgers, and for us, it's non negotiable.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any wraps left over, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The best way to bring them back to life is to pop them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about three minutes. This crisps the tortilla right back up, making them taste almost as good as when they were freshly made.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even plant based crumbles for a vegetarian version. If American cheese isn't your thing, sliced cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack all work beautifully. You can also add other burger toppings inside the wrap, like finely diced onions or a slice of tomato.
What to Serve with Your Wraps
These wraps are a meal on their own, but they are even better with a classic side dish. We love serving them with a big batch of sweet potato fries, a simple side salad, or a creamy coleslaw. For dipping, you can’t go wrong with some extra burger sauce made by mixing a little more mayo and ketchup, or even a spicy aioli.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best way to warm the tortillas?
Microwaving them briefly with a damp paper towel makes them pliable and prevents cracking during rolling.
- → Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work great for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- → What other cheese can I use?
Cheddar, pepper jack, or any cheese that melts well are delicious alternatives to American cheese.
- → How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Cooling the beef slightly before assembling helps prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy. Also, don't overfill them.
- → How do I reheat leftover wraps?
The air fryer is the best way to restore crispiness! Reheat for 3 minutes, or until heated through.
- → Can I freeze these wraps?
Yes! Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.