How To Use A Tortilla Warmer In A Microwave

Heating your tortilla before eating is an important step. It creates a more flexible food that is less likely to crack when assembling your dish. Not only that, but a warm corn tortilla actually has more complex flavors. Fortunately, tortilla warmers make heating tortillas easy and fast. We've done the research and can tell you all the basics of using a tortilla warmer in the microwave.

To use your tortilla warmer, first, you'll need to place three to five tortillas into the device. This can either be a hard container or a cloth-style warmer. Then, place in the microwave and heat for approximately 30 seconds. At the end of that time, you'll have warm tortillas ready for eating.

Keep reading to discover how to use different tortilla warmers, what the best warmer is, and more.

About Tortilla Warmers

A tortilla warmer is an often multi-functional kitchen tool. It's used to heat tortillas either in the microwave or in the oven. After heating, many tortilla warmers can then be used as a storage and serving tray.

There are two popular styles of tortilla warmers. The first is a hard container warmer. These are round containers that usually come with a lid. Common materials for this device include terra cotta, ceramic, plastic, or stoneware. The second is a fabric-style tortilla warmer. These are also round and have an opening to place tortillas into.

How to Use a Tortilla Warmer

Using a tortilla warmer works similarly no matter what kind you have. However, cooking times will vary based on material and the type of microwave that you have. First, separate three to five tortillas and place them into your tortilla warmer. It's important to heat your tortillas in small batches. This ensures a more even heating of the tortillas.

If you're using a hard container tortilla warmer, you should also place a damp paper towel in the container with the tortillas. You can even place a damp towel underneath the tortillas as well as on top of them.

Once your warmer is prepared, you're ready to heat the tortillas. Place the warmer inside the microwave and set the timer for 20 to 30 seconds. The exact timing will vary based on the specific warmer being used. Once the timer reaches zero, your tortillas are ready to serve.

Look at this helpful video to see how to use a tortilla warmer!

Materials for Tortilla Warmers

There are several styles of tortilla warmers on the market today. These devices come in a variety of sizes and storage capacities to better suit your needs.

Terracotta

Terracotta is a clay-based ceramic. This material has long been used in cooking. Terracotta is oven safe and microwave safe. So, you can heat your tortillas either way you want.

Plastic

Plastic is a popular choice of material for tortilla warmers. Many plastic containers are FDA approved, which means they are safe for your food. This material is also versatile. There are a lot of unique colors and designs for plastic tortilla warmers.

Check out this 8-inch tortilla warmer on Amazon.

Stoneware

Stoneware is an excellent choice for cooking. This material is well-known for its ability to cook food evenly. It also has superior heat retention and will keep food warm after heating. Stoneware tortilla warmers are oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe.

Check out this stoneware tortilla warmer on Amazon.

Cloth

Tortilla warmers made out of fabric are lightweight and easy to store. They're also easy to clean. Many cloth tortilla warmers can be machine washed but have to be air-dried.

Check out this cloth tortilla warmer on Amazon.

How do you use an insulated tortilla warmer?

Using an insulated tortilla warmer is very similar to using a hard container tortilla warmer. First, take three to five tortillas and put them in your cloth warmer. It's not recommended to microwave more than five tortillas at once.

Next, place your warmer into the microwave and heat for up to 30 seconds. Your tortillas are heated and ready for serving once the time reaches zero. Although, you can microwave for an additional 30-second interval if you think it's necessary.

Check out this great video to see how it's done:

Can you microwave Pampered Chef Tortilla Warmer?

The Pampered Chef Tortilla Warmer is 11 inches in diameter. It can hold up to 12, 8- to 9-inch tortillas. The Tortilla Warmer is also good for heating frozen pancakes, pita bread, flatbreads, or dinner rolls.

The Pampered Chef Tortilla Warmer is microwave safe. It's used the same way that an insulated tortilla warmer is used. Pampered Chef recommends heating four 8- to 9-inch tortillas for up to 20 seconds. They also suggest not using this warmer for more than two minutes at one time.

What is the best type of tortilla warmer?

A tortilla warmer should have a few specific traits. It should be able to keep your tortillas warm, moist and have a high enough capacity for your needs. It would help if you also looked for a warmer that is easy to store and clean.

From there you'll have to decide on whether you prefer a cloth warmer or a hard container. A tortilla warmer made out of fabric can easily be made at home or purchased in many fun designs and colors. Hard containers are also an excellent choice, although they may be more limited in design options.

Best Cloth Tortilla Warmer

The insulated tortilla warmer by ENdeas can hold up to 15, 12-inch tortillas at one time. It's made with BPA-free materials and has a fun two-pattern design. This product is easy to use and claims to keep tortillas warm for over an hour.

Check out this cloth tortilla warmer on Amazon.

Best Overall Tortilla Warmer

The Nordic Ware Tortilla Warmer is one of the best options for tortilla warmers. It's made from BPA-free plastic and can hold 10-inch size tortillas. This warmer is highly popular and is often found in restaurants.

Check out this Nordic Ware tortilla warmer on Amazon.

How do you fix dried tortillas without a microwave?

There are a few fixes for tortillas that don't require a microwave. For flour tortillas, preheat your oven to approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap your tortillas with a damp dishcloth and place them in a casserole dish. Cover your dish with a sheet of foil and then place it into the oven. Your tortillas will be fixed after approximately 15 minutes.

You can heat your corn tortillas on an open flame or on the griddle. The flame on a gas stove is the most common method of heating tortillas. To do this, you'll begin by wetting a tortilla. Then, turn the flame on and place your tortilla onto the flame. Flip your tortilla once you notice a slight browning and repeat.

You can also use a skillet or griddle instead. In this instance, you'll heat the device at a low-to-medium temperature. Then, place the tortillas in a single layer on the skillet. Flip your tortillas after approximately 30 seconds.

In Summary

Tortilla warmers are handy devices that make heating and storing tortillas easy. While you should always follow your product's instructions, there are some common tips for microwaving your tortillas. Make sure you heat less than five at a time and for approximately 30 seconds.