Air Fryer Quesadillas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious meal option that can be made in just 10 minutes. They are versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, beans, chicken, vegetables, and more. The air fryer gives the quesadillas a crispy texture and melts the cheese to perfection. They can be served with various sides and dips, such as guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Air fryers also make the cooking process more efficient, allowing for less cleanup and quicker cooking times. This makes air fryer quesadillas a convenient and tasty option for busy individuals and families.

Filling ideas

Air fryer quesadillas are super quick and easy to make, and you can fill them with whatever you like. The classic combination of refried beans and cheese is always a good option, but you can also get creative with your fillings. Here are some ideas:

• Leftover chicken: Shredded chicken, especially with buffalo sauce, can be a great addition to your quesadilla.
• Roasted veggies: You can add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, corn, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted broccoli.
• Meat: Try adding some seasoned taco meat, fajita veggies, or leftover rotisserie chicken.
• Beans: Black beans, smashed white beans, or refried beans can add some extra protein and fibre to your quesadilla.
• Cheese: While cheese is typically used as a base filling, you can also add extra cheese on top of your other fillings.
• Salsa and spices: Try adding some salsa, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or cilantro for a spicy kick.
• Breakfast-inspired fillings: For a breakfast twist, add some scrambled eggs and crispy bacon bits to your quesadilla.

Remember, the amount of filling you use may vary depending on the size of your tortillas. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your quesadilla depend on the type of air fryer you have, the number of tortillas you are cooking, and the ingredients you have used. It is recommended to cook quesadillas at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time can range from 2 to 10 minutes.

For example, if you are cooking two 8-inch tortillas, you should preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Then, place the tortillas in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also cook quesadillas at 400°F for a total of 9 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes.

If you are reheating a quesadilla, you should preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. If the quesadilla is wrapped in foil, it may take a little longer to reheat, around 3 to 5 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand of your air fryer, the ingredients you are using, and the number of tortillas you are cooking. It is recommended to keep an eye on your quesadillas during the cooking process and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Storage and reheating

Air fryer quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, straight out of the fryer while they're hot and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge or freezer for later.

Before storing your air fryer quesadillas, it's important to let them cool completely. This helps prevent sogginess. Once cooled, you can wrap them individually in storage wrap, then in aluminium foil, and place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for no more than three to five days.

For longer storage, you can freeze your air fryer quesadillas. Wrap them well and freeze for up to two to three months.

When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating in an air fryer is ideal, as it will help maintain the crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 375°F. Reheat the quesadillas for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on whether they are wrapped in foil or not. Check on them periodically and add more time in small increments if needed.

How to prevent the tortilla from opening

Yes, you can cook quesadillas in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to make a crispy and tasty quesadilla. However, one common issue with cooking quesadillas in an air fryer is that the tortilla can open up during cooking. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Weighing Down the Tortilla

Use toothpicks to weigh down the tortilla and prevent it from opening up during cooking. This method is especially useful for soft fillings like cheese or vegetables. Simply stick a few toothpicks through the tortilla before placing it in the air fryer. Alternatively, use the cooking rack or tray that comes with most air fryers as a weight to keep the tortilla in place. Remove the crisper plate or tray from the bottom of the basket and place it on top of the tortilla.

Melting the Cheese First

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

Brushing with Oil or Cooking Spray

Lightly brush olive oil or cooking spray on one side of the tortilla before folding and placing it in the air fryer. This helps the tortilla become crisp and also adds flavour and texture. It is recommended to place the tortilla oil-side down in the air fryer basket.

Checking and Pressing the Tortilla

Check on your quesadilla periodically during cooking. If the tortilla has lifted slightly from the fillings, simply press it back down with a spatula and continue cooking.

Cutting and Pinning the Tortilla

For a crunchwrap-style quesadilla, you can try cutting the tortilla into eight evenly spaced triangular flaps. After adding the fillings, fold the flaps over the centre and pin them with toothpicks. This will help keep the tortilla closed during cooking.

Pros and cons of using an air fryer

Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Here are some pros and cons to consider when thinking about using an air fryer:

Pros

• Air fryers are convenient and easy to use. They heat up quickly and cook food fast, making them ideal for quick snacks or family meals.
• They deliver crispy, delicious results with minimal oil required. This makes them a healthier alternative to deep frying while still achieving similar tastes and textures.
• Air fryers are versatile and can cook a variety of foods, including meats, seafood, and vegetables. They are perfect for achieving the ideal crunch for French fries, fish sticks, and onion rings.
• They are slightly cheaper to run than a standard oven, saving you money on bills.
• Air fryers are great for reheating fried leftovers, restoring their crunchy texture.
• They come in various sizes and shapes, making it easy to find one that fits your kitchen and your needs.

Cons

• Air fryers have limited capacity, making them better suited for cooking for one or two people rather than meal prep for a large group.
• While they use less oil than traditional deep fryers, the amount of oil saved may not be significant if you're already using an oven for cooking.
• The high-speed air circulation in air fryers can sometimes cause issues with certain foods, such as tortillas for quesadillas, blowing open during cooking. However, this can be mitigated by pressing the food closed again or securing it with a toothpick.

Frequently asked questions