Air Fryer Quesadilla: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, including quesadillas. Air fryer quesadillas are quick and easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients such as tortillas, cheese, and fillings of your choice. The air fryer cooks the quesadillas to perfection, resulting in a crispy tortilla and melted cheese.

The process of making air fryer quesadillas is straightforward. First, you place the fillings on a tortilla and fold it in half. Then, you cook the quesadillas in the air fryer at a temperature of around 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

One of the best things about air fryer quesadillas is the versatility of fillings and toppings. You can stick to the classic combination of refried beans and cheese or get creative with leftover rotisserie chicken, roasted vegetables, taco-seasoned ground beef, or shredded chicken.

Additionally, air fryer quesadillas are a nutritionally balanced option, offering protein, healthy fats, and fibre-rich carbs. They can be paired with homemade salsa, edamame guacamole, or sour cream for extra flavour and nutrients.

Overall, air fryer quesadillas are a convenient, tasty, and customizable meal option that can be prepared in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Air fryer quesadilla fillings

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option. You can stick to the classic refried beans and cheese, or get creative with your fillings. Here are some ideas for air fryer quesadilla fillings:

Beans and Cheese

This is the classic quesadilla filling. You can use refried beans or smashed black beans, and any type of shredded cheese such as Asiago, Brie, Blue Cheese, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Colby, American Cheese, Provolone, Havarti, Manchego, Mozzarella, or Gruyere. For a vegan option, use dairy-free cheese.

Chicken

Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great filling option, especially if you have leftovers. You can also use shredded buffalo chicken or chicken breast. For a vegan option, try mock chicken, crumbled tempeh, or tofu.

Vegetables

You can add vegetables such as diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, tomatoes, or roasted veggies. If you're feeling adventurous, try a mix of chia, flax, and hemp seeds.

Other Proteins

You can also add other proteins such as ground beef, taco meat, flank steak, shrimp, or pork.

Toppings

Serve your air fryer quesadillas with toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.

How to store and reheat air fryer quesadillas

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights. They are also versatile and can be loaded up with various tasty fillings and cheese. But what do you do when you have leftovers? Here is a guide on how to store and reheat air fryer quesadillas to ensure they stay delicious.

Storing Quesadillas

Quesadillas are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure they are properly cooled down before placing them in the fridge, and try to eat them within three days for the best quality. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the quesadillas in plastic wrap, then foil, and they will last for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Quesadillas

The best way to reheat quesadillas is in the air fryer, as this will ensure they get crispy again. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave, but they may not get as crispy. If reheating from frozen, let the quesadillas thaw first and cook them for 8-10 minutes in the air fryer, flipping them halfway through.

How to secure the quesadilla

To secure the quesadilla, it is recommended to use toothpicks to hold the tortilla down in the middle. This will prevent the tortilla from opening up and spilling out the filling.

Another way to secure the quesadilla is to place a trivet, rack, or any heavy oven-safe object on top of the quesadillas to weigh them down. You can also push down the tortilla with a spatula if you notice it lifting away from the filling.

Additionally, the amount and type of cheese you use can affect how well the quesadilla stays together. Cheese acts as a glue that adheres the tortilla to the filling, so using a melty variety of cheese will help keep the quesadilla secure. You can also sprinkle a little cheese on the outside of the quesadilla and let it melt before flipping it so that the cheese fries against the tortilla.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option. They are also versatile and can be made to suit your taste buds and cravings. The air fryer cooks the quesadillas evenly, making the cheese melt to perfection and the tortilla crispy.

The temperature and timing for cooking quesadillas in an air fryer vary slightly depending on the source. However, most sources recommend cooking quesadillas at a temperature between 350°F and 375°F for around 8 minutes. Some sources suggest cooking quesadillas for a shorter time, such as 6 minutes, while others suggest a longer cooking time of up to 10 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may depend on the power of your air fryer and the size of your tortillas. It is recommended to check the quesadillas periodically during cooking and adjust the time as needed. Flipping the quesadillas halfway through cooking ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

To reheat quesadillas in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350°F to 375°F and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until warmed through.

Air fryer quesadilla toppings

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option, and the best part is that you can get creative with your toppings.

If you're looking for a classic Tex-Mex flavour, you can fill your quesadilla with refried beans, cheese, and taco-seasoned ground beef or shredded rotisserie chicken. For a vegetarian option, you can add more kinds of cheese, or fill your quesadilla with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also add black beans or corn for extra protein and texture.

For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or diced green chillies, and balance the spice with a creamy avocado or sour cream dipping sauce. If you're feeling tropical, add diced pineapple and ham with a pinch of smoked paprika.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. Try a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella, or opt for a Mexican blend. Freshly grated cheese will give your quesadilla an extra flavour boost.

Don't be afraid to get creative and make your air fryer quesadilla your own!

Frequently asked questions