Air-Fryer Cheese Quesadillas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious meal option. They are versatile, highly customizable, and can be made with simple ingredients. The air fryer ensures that the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted to perfection. You can stick to the classic refried beans and cheese or get creative with your choice of fillings. Making quesadillas in an air fryer is an excellent option for busy weeknights or a quick snack.

How to make cheese quesadillas in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 flour tortillas
• Cheese (shredded)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Salt

Optional Fillings

• Refried beans
• Chicken
• Vegetables (e.g. spinach, bell peppers, onions)
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Greek yoghurt

Method

• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). If desired, lightly brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil, or spray with olive oil cooking spray.
• Assemble the quesadillas: Place the tortillas on a flat surface. Spread refried beans on one half of each tortilla, then sprinkle with cheese. You can also add other fillings of your choice, such as chicken and vegetables. Fold the tortillas in half, pressing down firmly.
• Air fry: Place the quesadillas in the air fryer basket, leaving space in between them to allow hot air to circulate. If your quesadillas are opening up, secure them with toothpicks or weigh them down with a trivet, rack, or another heavy oven-safe object. Air fry for 6-8 minutes at 350°F (180°C), flipping halfway through.
• Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. Then, serve immediately with your choice of toppings and sides, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or Greek yoghurt.

Tips:

• If you want your tortillas extra crispy, spritz the tops with olive oil before air frying.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Check on your quesadillas regularly to ensure they don't burn.
• If you're making a large batch, keep the cooked quesadillas warm by wrapping them in foil.

Storage:

Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or a non-stick skillet to maintain crispness—microwaving will make the tortillas soggy.

The best cheese to use for quesadillas

When it comes to making quesadillas, the cheese you choose can make or break the dish. You'll want a cheese that melts well and has a good flavour. Here are some of the best cheeses to use:

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a classic choice for quesadillas. It's a mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully, making it an excellent base for your quesadilla. It pairs well with other cheeses too, so you can experiment with different combinations.

Cheddar Cheese

If you're looking for a sharper flavour, cheddar cheese is a great option. It adds depth to your quesadilla and is often mixed with Monterey Jack for a balanced taste.

Colby Jack

For a smooth and mild flavour, Colby Jack is a perfect blend. It combines Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, resulting in a blend that's neither too strong nor too bland.

Asadero or Queso Quesadilla

These traditional Mexican cheeses are excellent melting choices. They are creamy and mild, making them a great option if you want the authentic Mexican experience.

Mozzarella Cheese

If you prefer a milder flavour and a stretchy texture, mozzarella is the way to go. It's a popular choice for those who like their quesadillas stringy and ooey-gooey.

Oaxaca Cheese

Oaxaca cheese is a semi-soft, stringy Mexican cheese. It has a delicate, milky flavour and a smooth, meltable texture, making it a popular choice for quesadillas and other melted cheese dishes.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and create your own unique blend. Just make sure that whichever cheese you choose, it melts well so you can achieve that irresistible, gooey texture that makes quesadillas so delicious.

How to store and reheat air-fried quesadillas

Storing your air-fried quesadillas

Air-fried quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, as storing them in the fridge may make them soggy. However, if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to five days. Make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in the fridge.

You can also freeze your quesadillas for up to three months. Wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminium foil, or place them in a freezer bag, and freeze.

Reheating your air-fried quesadillas

The best way to reheat your quesadillas is to use an air fryer, as this will ensure they are crispy on the outside and still melted on the inside. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, checking periodically and adding time in 1-2 minute increments if needed.

You can also reheat your quesadillas in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray. Place the quesadillas on the sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling.

For stovetop reheating, place a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Add the quesadillas and cover loosely. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is lightly crispy.

If you are reheating from frozen, air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Customising your quesadilla fillings

Quesadillas are a great way to get creative with your leftovers and use up whatever you have in your fridge. You can fill your quesadilla with anything you like, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Beans and Cheese

The classic combination of refried beans and cheese is a popular choice for a reason. It's a simple, tasty option that you can always fall back on.

Chicken

Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great way to add some protein to your quesadilla. You could also try using buffalo chicken for an extra kick.

Veggies

If you're looking to add some crunch to your quesadilla, try throwing in some roasted veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or sweet potatoes. You could also add in some diced tomatoes or avocado slices for a fresh twist.

More Cheese

You can never have too much cheese! Try mixing and matching different types of cheese like Asiago, Brie, Blue Cheese crumbles, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Colby, American cheese, Provolone, Havarti, Manchego, Mozzarella, or Gruyere.

Meat

If you're feeling adventurous, you can add some meat to your quesadilla. Just make sure it's already cooked before adding it in. Some options include taco-seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken.

How to prevent quesadillas from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent your quesadillas from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can try a few different methods:

• Use parchment paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
• Use toothpicks to secure the quesadillas in place.
• Place a trivet, rack, or another heavy oven-safe object on top of the quesadillas to weigh them down.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Make sure there is space between the quesadillas for the hot air to circulate.
• If you notice the top half of the quesadilla lifting away from the filling, use a spatula to push it back down.

Frequently asked questions