How many calories are in one fried burrito? It depends on ingredients and size

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

A single deep-fried burrito, often called a chimichanga, can contain upwards of 1,500 calories, making the question of how many calories are in one fried burrito a matter of serious nutritional consideration. The precise number varies significantly based on its size, the richness of its fillings, and the frying method used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a fried burrito varies widely, ranging from approximately 300 to over 1,500 calories depending on the content. Key contributing factors include the type of meat, dairy products like cheese and sour cream, and the added fats from deep-frying.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Range: Fried burritos can range from roughly 300 to over 1,500 calories, heavily dependent on size and ingredients.
Frying Adds Calories: The deep-frying process causes the tortilla to absorb oil, dramatically increasing the fat and total calorie count.
Ingredient Impact: High-fat fillings like rich meats, cheese, sour cream, and refried beans substantially increase the calorie total.
Baking vs. Frying: Choosing to bake or air-fry a burrito instead of deep-frying can eliminate hundreds of calories from the final count.
Healthier Substitutions: Opting for lean protein, reduced-fat dairy, and skipping the deep-fry are simple ways to reduce the calorie impact.
Chimichanga Calorie Alert: Larger, restaurant-style fried burritos (chimichangas) are the highest in calories, sometimes exceeding 1,500 in a single serving.

The Surprising Calorie Count in a Fried Burrito

For many, the appeal of a fried burrito—whether a smaller fast-food version or a hefty restaurant chimichanga—is undeniable. However, the caloric content can be surprisingly high, and understanding what drives this number is the first step towards informed eating. The deep-frying process is a primary contributor, as the tortilla soaks up a significant amount of oil, drastically increasing the fat and calorie content compared to a baked or soft burrito. A study published in WebMD highlights that a large, fully-loaded chimichanga can pack more than 1,500 calories, without even factoring in toppings. The ingredients packed inside, from cheese and meat to high-fat sauces, compound this effect, pushing the total caloric load to potentially constitute an entire day's worth of calories for some individuals.

Breaking Down the Calories by Ingredient

To understand the full picture of how many calories are in one fried burrito, it is helpful to look at its individual components. The final tally is a sum of several calorie-dense elements.

The Tortilla: A standard large flour tortilla can contain between 290 and 310 calories before it even touches the oil. When deep-fried, this number can climb dramatically as the tortilla absorbs the hot cooking oil.
The Filling: The choice of filling is a major determining factor. While a simple beef and bean filling from a branded fast food product might land around 310 to 430 calories, a restaurant-style filling is often more generous and richer. Lean chicken or sauteed vegetables offer a lower-calorie base compared to higher-fat options like shredded beef, carnitas, or seasoned ground beef. A hefty portion of ground beef filling can easily add several hundred calories.
Cheese: Cheese is a non-negotiable ingredient for many fried burritos, and its calorie count adds up quickly. A quarter cup of a shredded Mexican cheese blend can add over 100 calories, and many restaurants use much more than that. Opting for reduced-fat cheese can make a slight difference, but the portion size is key.
Beans: Refried beans, a popular filling, can also be a high-calorie component. With about 220 to 280 calories per cup, they contribute to the overall energy density of the burrito, especially if cooked with added fats. Whole pinto or black beans are typically lower in fat and calories.
Frying Oil: The deep-frying process is the most significant caloric addition. The amount of oil absorbed depends on the batter and the temperature of the oil, but it can increase the total fat content substantially. Each tablespoon of oil can add 120-125 calories.

Comparing a Basic vs. Loaded Fried Burrito

To illustrate the wide range, consider the difference between a simple fried burrito and a loaded one. The following table provides an estimated comparison:


Ingredient	Basic Fried Burrito (Estimate)	Loaded Fried Burrito (Estimate)
Tortilla (Deep-Fried)	~400 calories	~500 calories
Filling (Beef & Bean)	~250 calories (Lean Beef)	~400 calories (Fatty Beef/Carnitas)
Cheese	~100 calories	~300 calories (Double Portion)
Beans	~150 calories	~200 calories (Refried Beans)
Sauce	N/A	~150 calories (Cheese Sauce/Gravy)
Sour Cream & Guacamole	N/A	~200 calories
Total Estimated Calories	~900 calories	~1750+ calories

Healthier Alternatives to Reduce Calories

While a deep-fried burrito can be a calorific indulgence, there are several ways to enjoy the flavor profile with less of the negative nutritional impact. The most obvious substitution is to avoid the deep-frying process altogether.

Baking or Air-Frying: Opt for baking or using an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture without the vast amounts of added oil. This simple change can eliminate hundreds of calories.
Choose Lean Fillings: Select lean protein sources such as grilled chicken breast or extra-lean ground beef instead of fatty meats like carnitas. Consider vegetarian options with plenty of vegetables and whole beans.
Mind Your Dairy: Be mindful of the amount of cheese and sour cream. Choose reduced-fat versions or use lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt.
Embrace the Burrito Bowl: Skip the tortilla entirely and enjoy your fillings over a bed of rice or greens. This can significantly reduce your calorie and carbohydrate intake.
Control Portion Sizes: Instead of a massive restaurant-sized chimichanga, consider a smaller, snack-sized fried burrito or simply eat a smaller portion of a larger one.

For more detailed nutritional comparisons of various Mexican dishes and general health advice, a reputable source like WebMD is always recommended.

Conclusion

The number of calories in one fried burrito is not a fixed figure but a spectrum heavily influenced by its preparation and ingredients. From a modest 300-calorie snack to an expansive 1,500+ calorie restaurant entree, the range is vast. The defining factor is the frying process and the quality and quantity of fillings, particularly high-fat meats and dairy. By making mindful substitutions like baking instead of frying, choosing leaner protein, and controlling portion sizes, you can significantly reduce the caloric load while still enjoying the rich and satisfying flavors of Mexican cuisine.

A Final Word on Understanding Burrito Calories

It is crucial to remember that nutritional information is an estimation, particularly for homemade or restaurant-prepared dishes. Even a single tablespoon of extra oil or a slightly larger portion of cheese can alter the final count. For strict dietary needs, using an air fryer, measuring ingredients, and choosing leaner, healthier options are the most reliable methods for controlling your calorie intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fried burritos are high in calories primarily because of the deep-frying process. The tortilla absorbs a significant amount of cooking oil, adding a large quantity of fat and calories. Additionally, calorie-dense fillings like fatty meats, cheese, and sour cream contribute to the high count.

A baked burrito will have significantly fewer calories than a fried one because it does not absorb the oil used in deep-frying. For every tablespoon of oil saved, you can reduce the total calories by about 120-125. Baking or air-frying is a simple way to achieve a crisp texture with less added fat.

The calories in a small, commercially prepared frozen fried burrito can range, but a 'beef & bean' option might be around 310 to 430 calories, depending on the brand and specific recipe.

The highest-calorie ingredients in a fried burrito typically include the frying oil, fatty meats (like carnitas or fatty ground beef), full-fat cheeses, and rich toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or cheese sauce.

Yes, you can significantly reduce the calories by making one at home. Use an air fryer or bake it instead of deep-frying. Fill it with leaner protein like chicken breast, load it with vegetables, and use reduced-fat cheese and a low-fat sauce or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

A chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito, usually larger and filled with rich ingredients. As a result, chimichangas tend to be on the higher end of the calorie spectrum for fried burritos, with some restaurant versions containing well over 1,500 calories.

Yes, a burrito bowl is a much healthier alternative because it omits the high-calorie tortilla and the deep-frying process. This allows you to focus on nutritious ingredients like lean protein, beans, and fresh vegetables, giving you better control over your caloric intake.