How To Reheat Taco Bell (Best Methods)

We’ve all been there – you order Taco Bell, enticed by the delicious menu options, only to find yourself with a surplus of leftovers.

Whether it’s due to a larger order than anticipated or you simply couldn’t resist trying a variety of items, leftover Taco Bell is a common occurrence.

However, reheating these leftovers properly is essential to avoid wasting the tasty goodness and maintain the flavors that made you love them in the first place.

Best Methods for Reheating Taco Bell Items

When it comes to reheating Taco Bell items, two methods stand out: using the oven and utilizing the microwave. Each method has its advantages, and your choice will depend on the time you have and the desired outcome.

Reheating in the oven for optimal results

If you have a bit more time and want to achieve the best reheating results, the oven is your go-to option. By reheating Taco Bell in the oven, you can preserve the structure and texture of the food, making it taste as close to fresh as possible.

Recommended temperature: 350°F

Set your oven to 350°F for most Taco Bell menu items. This temperature allows for even reheating without risking burning or drying out the food.

Preserves the structure and texture of the food

Unlike the microwave, which can make certain items soggy, the oven helps maintain the desired texture. It crisps up the shells and revives the flavors, giving you a more enjoyable eating experience.

Reheating in the microwave for convenience

If time is of the essence and convenience is your priority, reheating Taco Bell in the microwave is a quick and easy option.

A quick option for reheating Taco Bell food

Microwaving your leftovers will get them warm and ready to eat in no time. It’s perfect for those moments when you’re in a hurry or just want a hassle-free reheating experience.

Microwave time: 30-45 seconds

To avoid overheating or drying out your food, start with 30-45 seconds in the microwave. Keep an eye on it and adjust the time accordingly to achieve your desired level of warmth.

How to Reheat Specific Taco Bell Menu Items

Different Taco Bell items require specific reheating methods to ensure they retain their original flavors and textures. Let’s explore how to reheat some of the most popular menu items.

How to Reheat Tacos

Tacos are a Taco Bell staple, and reheating them properly is crucial to maintaining their crispy shells and delicious fillings.

1. Oven reheating for soft and hard shell tacos

Before reheating, remove any vegetable toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, or sauces. However, it’s best to keep the cheese and sour cream, as they add to the flavor and texture.
Set your oven to 350°F to ensure even reheating and a perfectly crispy shell.
Wrap each taco individually in aluminum foil to protect it and retain moisture during the reheating process.
Arrange the wrapped tacos in an oven-safe baking pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even reheating.
Place the baking pan with the wrapped tacos in the preheated oven and let them cook for approximately 10 minutes.
Carefully remove the foil from the tacos and place them back in the oven for an additional 3 minutes to achieve a crispier shell.
Once the tacos are heated through and the shells are crispy, you can add back the vegetable toppings and any additional condiments you desire. Serve and enjoy your revitalized tacos!

2. Alternative option: Air fryer reheating

If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your tacos. Follow the same steps as the oven reheating method, but skip the foil wrapping.

Instead of wrapping the tacos in foil, place them directly in the air fryer basket.
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the tacos for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.

How to Reheat a Burrito

Burritos are another popular Taco Bell item that you might want to reheat. Whether you prefer a soft or crispy shell, there are reheating methods to suit both options.

1. Microwave reheating for convenience

Microwaving a burrito is quick and convenient, ensuring that you can enjoy it without much effort.

Keep the burrito wrapped in its original foil or wrapper, but remove any cold toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, or sauces.
Put the wrapped burrito on a microwave-safe dish to avoid any mess or leakage.
Start by microwaving the burrito for about 1 minute. Then, leave it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. This allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout the burrito.
To ensure thorough reheating, flip the burrito and microwave it for another minute. Once again, let it sit in the microwave for 30 seconds to allow the heat to penetrate the filling.
If the burrito is not warm enough after the second round of microwaving, repeat the process in shorter intervals until you achieve your desired warmth.
Once the burrito is heated to your liking, add back any cold toppings that you removed earlier. Then, it’s ready to be enjoyed!

2. Oven reheating for a crispy shell

If you prefer a burrito with a crispy shell, the oven is your best bet.

Set your oven to a low temperature of 225°F. This gentle heat will warm the burrito without compromising its crispy shell.
Wrap the burrito in foil, ensuring that the foil covers it completely, except for the cold toppings.
The estimated baking time for a burrito wrapped in foil and baked in a preheated oven is 30 minutes. This slow reheating process will help maintain the crispy shell.
Once the burrito is warmed through, remove it from the oven and add back the cold toppings. Now you can savor the deliciousness of a crispy reheated burrito!

How to Reheat Gorditas

Gorditas are a delightful Taco Bell item with a thick and soft tortilla filled with meat, cheese, and various toppings. To reheat them properly, follow these steps:

For gorditas, the oven is the best method to achieve optimal reheating results while maintaining the integrity of the tortilla.

Before reheating, remove any cold toppings that could become soggy or lose their freshness during the heating process. This includes tomatoes, lettuce, sauces, and sour cream.
Wrap the gordita, along with the meat and cheese filling, in aluminum foil to protect it and retain its moisture.
Set your oven to 350°F to ensure even reheating without risking burning the tortilla.
Arrange the wrapped gorditas on an oven-safe pan, spacing them out evenly for consistent reheating.
Place the pan with the wrapped gorditas in the preheated oven and cook them for approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and check for your desired warmth.
Once the gorditas are heated through, remove them from the oven and add back the cold toppings you set aside earlier. Now you can relish the flavors of your reheated gorditas!

How to Reheat Crunchwraps

Crunchwraps are a fan-favorite Taco Bell creation, featuring a crispy tortilla filled with delicious ingredients. Here’s how to reheat them:

Start by unwrapping the crunchwrap and carefully remove any cold toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or sauces. To restore the crunchiness of the tortilla, the oven method is recommended.

Set your oven to 300°F to gently warm the crunchwrap without making the tortilla too crispy.
Put the unwrapped crunchwrap on an oven-safe pan to ensure it maintains its shape while reheating.
Place the pan with the crunchwrap in the preheated oven and bake it for around 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check for your desired level of warmth.
Once the crunchwrap is warmed through and the tortilla has regained some crispness, carefully unwrap the outer shell. Then, add back the cold toppings you removed earlier.
With the crunchy tortilla and flavorful fillings brought back to life, your reheated crunchwrap is ready to be served and enjoyed!

How to Reheat a Mexican Pizza

Mexican Pizza is a unique Taco Bell creation with layers of tortillas, beans, meat, cheese, and toppings. To reheat it while preserving its crispy shells, follow these steps:

Using an air fryer is an excellent way to bring back the crispy texture of a Mexican Pizza:

Put the Mexican Pizza into the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits comfortably without overlapping.
Set the air fryer temperature to 350-370°F for a balance between heating and crisping the shells.
Cook the Mexican Pizza in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes. Monitor the progress and adjust the time based on your preference for shell crispness.
Once the Mexican Pizza is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer. The shells should be delightfully crispy, ready to be devoured!

Alternative option: Oven reheating

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat the Mexican Pizza in the oven.

Set your oven to 400°F to ensure efficient reheating and crisping of the pizza.
Place the Mexican Pizza directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake it for approximately 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Once the pizza is heated through and the shells have regained their crispness, carefully remove it from the oven. Add back any cold toppings that you set aside earlier.
Now that your Mexican Pizza is beautifully reheated and the shells are crispy, it’s time to savor each delicious bite!

Conclusion

Leftover Taco Bell doesn’t have to be a disappointing afterthought. By reheating your Taco Bell items using the appropriate methods, you can enjoy them as if they were freshly made.

Remember to remove cold toppings before reheating, as they can become soggy or lose their appeal. While both the oven and microwave have their advantages, the oven is often the best choice for achieving optimal results.

So, the next time you find yourself with Taco Bell leftovers, follow these reheating techniques and enjoy your meal without sacrificing taste or texture. Waste not, want not – indulge in reheated Taco Bell and relish the flavors!