Air Fryer Quesadilla: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to make a quesadilla. They are easy to cook, customizable, and ready in minutes. You can fill your quesadilla with whatever you like, from beans and cheese to leftover chicken and roasted veggies. The air fryer makes the tortilla perfectly crisp and the cheese melted. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand of the air fryer, but on average, a quesadilla will be ready in about 10 minutes.

Air fryer quesadilla fillings

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option that can be made in just 10 minutes. They are also highly customisable, so you can fill them with whatever you like. Here are some ideas for air fryer quesadilla fillings:

Classic Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

This classic combination is a great option for a simple and hearty quesadilla. You can use refried beans or smashed white beans, along with shredded cheese. For added flavour, you can include cilantro, smoked paprika, and a dash of hot sauce.

Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are a great way to add protein to your meal. You can use shredded chicken, or even try buffalo chicken for an extra kick. Include some spinach and cheese to make a balanced quesadilla.

Veggie Quesadillas

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can fill your quesadilla with veggies such as bell peppers, corn, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add beans and cheese to make it more filling.

Spicy Quesadillas

For those who like their food with a kick, try adding some sliced jalapeños, pickled jalapenos, or pepper jack cheese. You can also serve your quesadillas with hot sauce on the side.

Breakfast Quesadillas

For a breakfast-inspired twist, fill your quesadilla with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and cheese. You can even add some diced bell peppers for extra flavour.

Remember, the amount of filling you use may vary depending on the size of your tortillas. You can adjust the quantities as needed and feel free to get creative with your fillings!

How to stop the tortilla from opening

Yes, you can cook a quesadilla in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to make a crispy and tasty quesadilla. To prevent the tortilla from opening, you can try the following methods:

Use toothpicks

Insert toothpicks through the top and bottom of the tortilla before placing it in the air fryer. This will help hold the tortilla together and prevent it from opening during cooking. Push the toothpicks all the way through, so that when you need to flip the quesadilla, the toothpick has a hole to go through. This prevents the cooked tortilla from tearing.

Weigh it down

Use a butter knife, spoon, or fork to weigh down the tortilla and prevent it from opening. This adds weight to the tortilla, counteracting the force of the air circulation in the air fryer.

Use a cooking rack or tray

Place a cooking rack or tray that comes with most air fryers on top of the tortilla to weigh it down and keep it in place.

Microwave first

Before placing the tortilla in the air fryer, microwave it open-faced for 20-30 seconds to melt the cheese. This helps the tortilla stick together and prevents it from opening during cooking.

Use more cheese

Layer the cheese so that it helps the tortilla stick together. Place a layer of shredded cheese, then your fillings, and finish with another layer of cheese before folding the tortilla.

Check periodically

Keep an eye on your quesadilla while it's cooking. If it opens up, simply press it closed again or secure it with a toothpick.

Reheating a quesadilla

If you are reheating a quesadilla in a pan, place the pan over medium-low heat. Spray the pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Add the quesadilla to the pan and cover loosely. Allow each side to cook until golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The quesadilla is done when the exterior is lightly crispy.

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

If you are short on time, you can reheat a quesadilla in the microwave, but this will affect the texture and make the quesadilla soggy. If you do choose to use the microwave, heat the quesadilla for 30-45 seconds and then transfer it to a nonstick skillet until crispy.

To prevent your quesadilla from opening up during reheating, you can use toothpicks to hold it together. Push the toothpicks all the way through the top and bottom before reheating, so that when it is time to flip the quesadilla, there is already a hole for the toothpick to go through.

How long to cook a quesadilla for

The cooking time for a quesadilla in an air fryer varies depending on the ingredients used, the desired level of crispiness, and the power of the air fryer. However, on average, it takes about 8 minutes to cook a quesadilla in an air fryer.

For a classic bean and cheese quesadilla, most recipes recommend cooking it in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes, or until the tortilla is crispy and golden and the cheese is melted. It is important to flip the quesadilla halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.

Some recipes suggest cooking the quesadilla at a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C) for a shorter time of 4 to 5 minutes, or until it is golden brown. This method may require flipping the quesadilla halfway through, depending on your air fryer model.

If you are short on time, you can cook a quesadilla in as little as 2 to 4 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until it is toasted. This method involves melting the cheese in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds before folding the tortilla and air-frying it, which helps prevent the quesadilla from falling apart.

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the power of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on your quesadilla during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning. Additionally, if the tortilla lifts away from the fillings, you can use a spatula to push it back down, or secure it with toothpicks or a heavy oven-safe object.

What to serve with a quesadilla

There are many side dishes that can accompany a quesadilla. Here are some ideas:

If you're looking for a Mexican-themed feast, you could serve your quesadillas with refried beans. These can be made with pinto beans, pork hock, garlic, onion, and salt, and can also be used as a dip. Chips and dip are a must for any Mexican-themed dinner, so why not put out a spread of refried beans, guacamole, and salsa? You could also make a black bean salad with mango slices, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing side dish to balance out the quesadilla. Another option is to make a soup that pairs well with quesadillas. You can combine poblano chiles, pork loin chunks, salsa verde, coriander, and cumin to make a delicious soup.

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, you could make loaded potatoes with melted cheese, chorizo bits, and ranch dressing. Or, if you're looking for a twist on a classic, you can make mashed potatoes with corn kernels for a sweet and crunchy surprise. Sweet potato salad is another great option, especially if you're looking for a smoky flavor profile. You can coat sweet potato chunks with sweet and spicy seasonings, and even add some bacon bits and adobo sauce dressing to keep with the Mexican theme.

If you're looking for something lighter, a simple salad or raw veggies can be a great accompaniment to quesadillas. You could also make a charred corn salad by grilling corn kernels and combining them with avocado slices, red onions, and Fresno chiles. Top it off with a creamy dressing made of chopped tomatillos and Cojita cheese. Avocado fries and jalapeno poppers are also fun side dishes that can turn your quesadilla into a true Tex-Mex feast!

Lastly, don't forget the condiments! Sour cream and guacamole are always great choices, and if you want to add a little spice, you can include some salsa or pickled jalapenos.

Frequently asked questions