If you love tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or fajitas, knowing how to reheat tortillas properly can make all the difference. Reheating tortillas the right way preserves their soft, flexible texture and authentic flavor, whether they are made from corn or flour. From quick microwave methods to traditional comal techniques, there are several ways to bring cold or slightly stale tortillas back to life. In this guide, we’ll explore the best reheating methods to keep your tortillas warm, pliable, and ready for any meal.
Why Knowing How To Reheat Tortillas Matters?
Reheating tortillas correctly is more than just warming them up. Proper technique preserves their texture and flavor, making them soft and pliable for tacos, flexible enough for burritos, and strong enough to hold fillings without tearing.
Learning how to reheat tortillas also reduces waste. Slightly stale tortillas can be revived instead of thrown away, helping you get the most out of every pack. This skill also supports efficient meal prep, allowing you to store tortillas ahead of time and serve them warm and fresh when needed.
How Long Do Tortillas Last and How to Tell If They’re Bad
Corn Tortilla vs Flour Tortilla: Key Differences Every Cook Should Know
Best Ways How To Reheat Tortillas
How to Reheat Tortillas On a Comal or Open Flame
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For corn tortillas: Place directly on a preheated comal or over low open flame for 30–45 seconds per side until soft and lightly charred.
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For flour tortillas: Heat on the comal or flame for about 20–30 seconds per side, avoiding over-charring to prevent dryness.
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Turn with tongs for even heating. This method gives tortillas an authentic aroma and slight crisp on the outside while keeping the inside soft.
How to Reheat Tortillas On a Dry Skillet or Cast-iron Griddle
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Preheat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
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Place tortillas in the dry pan for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.
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For multiple tortillas, stack them and rotate to keep them warm while the others heat.
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Ideal for both flour and corn tortillas, this method enhances flavor and maintains moisture without adding oil.
How to Reheat Tortillas in the Microwave (wrapped in a damp towel)
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Stack up to 5 tortillas and wrap in a clean, damp paper towel or cloth.
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Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 20–30 seconds for flour, or 30–40 seconds for corn.
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The steam from the towel keeps tortillas soft and prevents cracking.
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Best for quick reheating, especially when serving small batches.
How to Reheat Tortillas With a Steamer
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Set up a steamer pot or bamboo steamer with boiling water underneath.
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Wrap tortillas in a clean cloth or place in a heatproof steamer basket.
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Steam for 1–2 minutes until warm and pliable.
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This method works especially well for corn tortillas that have dried slightly, as it restores moisture evenly.
How to Reheat Tortillas in an Air Fryer or Toaster Oven
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Preheat to 325°F (160°C).
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Wrap tortillas in foil to prevent direct airflow from drying them out.
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Heat for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
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Works for small batches and keeps tortillas soft while adding a gentle heat.
How to Use a Tortilla Warmer and Other Serving Solutions
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A tortilla warmer (ceramic, plastic, or fabric) keeps reheated tortillas warm for up to an hour.
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After reheating, stack tortillas inside the warmer and cover immediately.
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Alternatively, wrap tortillas in a clean kitchen towel and place them in a covered basket or container to hold heat at the table.
Tools And Equipment That Make Reheating Tortillas Easier
Comal, cast iron skillet, griddle
A comal or cast iron skillet is one of the most reliable tools for reheating tortillas. The heavy surface distributes heat evenly, ensuring tortillas warm through without burning. If you’re using a flat griddle, you can heat several tortillas at once, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Always preheat the surface before adding the tortillas to maintain consistent heat and preserve texture.
Oven-safe foil, tortilla warmer, steamer basket
For larger batches, oven-safe foil helps trap moisture when reheating tortillas in the oven. A tortilla warmer, whether made of clay, ceramic, or insulated fabric, keeps reheated tortillas warm and soft at the table. A steamer basket is useful when you want to gently reheat tortillas while infusing them with steam, which keeps them pliable.
Microwave-safe damp towels and microwave steam techniques
When using a microwave, microwave-safe damp towels are essential. Wrap a small stack of tortillas in a slightly damp towel to create steam as they heat. This technique prevents drying and helps tortillas stay flexible for tacos, burritos, or wraps.
Air fryer and toaster oven tips
An air fryer or toaster oven can be effective for reheating tortillas if you use low heat and short cooking times. For the air fryer, wrap tortillas loosely in foil to prevent over-crisping. In the toaster oven, a quick reheat at low temperature keeps them warm without drying them out.
Common Mistakes When Reheating Tortillas (Do not)
Overheating in microwave until dry or rubbery
One of the fastest ways to ruin a tortilla is to microwave it for too long without moisture. Overheating causes the tortilla to become dry and rubbery, making it hard to fold without tearing.
Applying too much oil for reheating unless you want crisping
A light brush of oil can add flavor, but too much will change the texture, turning soft tortillas into crispy ones. Unless you’re intentionally making tostadas or chips, stick to dry heat or light steaming.
Reheating frozen tortillas on high heat without thawing which causes cracking
Putting frozen tortillas directly onto a very hot surface often leads to cracking. For best results, thaw frozen tortillas at room temperature or in the refrigerator before reheating. This ensures even heating and prevents breakage.
FAQs About How to Reheat Tortillas
How do you reheat corn tortillas so they do not break?
Steam or heat briefly on a comal, keep them warm in a cloth after heating.
Can you reheat tortillas from frozen?
Yes; thaw in fridge overnight or microwave damp towel then skillet; oven foil packet also works.
Conclusion
Mastering how to reheat tortillas is a small skill that delivers big results in your kitchen. Whether you use a skillet, microwave, steamer, or tortilla warmer, the goal is the same; soft, flavorful, and perfectly heated tortillas every time. By avoiding common mistakes and using the right tools, you can elevate your taco nights, prevent food waste, and enjoy fresh-tasting tortillas even days after purchase.
