Air Fryer Quesadillas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air-fried quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious meal option. They are versatile, allowing for a variety of fillings, and can be made in just a few minutes using an air fryer. The air fryer cooks the tortilla to a perfect crisp, while the cheese melts to perfection.

Air fryer quesadilla fillings

Air-fried quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option, and you can fill them with whatever you like. The classic combination of refried beans and cheese is always a good choice, but you can also get creative with your fillings. Here are some ideas for air fryer quesadilla fillings to get you started:

Beans and Cheese

This is a classic quesadilla filling for a reason. Refried beans provide a creamy texture and a hearty flavour, while cheese adds a delicious gooeyness. You can use any type of cheese you like, but shredded cheese tends to melt better. If you want to add a bit of spice, try using pepper jack cheese.

Chicken and Veggies

If you're looking for a more substantial filling, shredded chicken breast and veggies like diced red bell peppers and onions are a great option. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or prepped Instant Pot shredded chicken for convenience. This filling is also a good source of protein and vitamins.

Salsa and Cheese

For a zesty kick, try a filling of shredded Mexican cheese blend and salsa. The salsa adds a burst of flavour and moisture to the quesadilla, while the cheese provides that essential gooeyness. Just be sure to choose a salsa with your preferred level of spice.

Spinach and Chicken

Spinach and chicken is a nutritious and tasty combination. The spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, while the chicken provides protein. This filling is also a good option if you're looking for something a little lighter.

Sweet Potato and Black Beans

For a plant-based option, try a filling of sweet potato and black beans. The sweet potato adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess, while the black beans provide protein and fibre. This filling is both satisfying and nutritious.

Remember, the beauty of quesadillas is that you can customise them to your liking. So feel free to experiment with different fillings and find your perfect combination!

Air fryer quesadilla toppings

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick, easy, and versatile meal that can be made with a variety of toppings and fillings. Here are some ideas for toppings and fillings to elevate your air fryer quesadilla:

Classic Cheese Quesadilla

For a simple and delicious option, stick to the classic combination of cheese and tortillas. You can use a Mexican blend of cheese or create your own blend with cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. Add a sprinkle of Mexican seasoning to take the flavour up a notch.

Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla

Add some protein to your quesadilla by including cooked and seasoned chicken strips or shredded rotisserie chicken. This option provides a hearty and satisfying meal.

Vegetarian Quesadilla

Load up your quesadilla with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. For added texture and protein, include black beans or corn. This option is perfect for vegetarians or those looking for a meatless meal.

Spicy Jalapeño Quesadilla

For those who enjoy a kick of heat, add sliced jalapeños or diced green chilies to your cheese quesadilla. Serve with a creamy avocado or sour cream dipping sauce to balance the spice.

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Combine shredded cooked chicken with barbecue sauce and layer it with cheese in your quesadilla. Add thinly sliced red onions for a flavour boost and a satisfying crunch.

Breakfast Quesadilla

Create a breakfast version by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, and cheese to your quesadilla. Serve with salsa or hot sauce for a morning kick and a hearty start to your day.

Hawaiian Quesadilla

Channel tropical flavours by adding diced pineapple and ham to your cheese quesadilla. Sprinkle with smoked paprika for an extra punch of flavour.

Other Topping Ideas:

• Salsa: Add a zesty kick to your quesadilla with salsa. Choose a salsa with your preferred heat level or make your own at home.
• Guacamole: Avocado provides a creamy and delicious topping that pairs well with the crispy tortilla.
• Sour cream: This classic topping offers a tangy and creamy contrast to the cheesy quesadilla.
• Greek yogurt: For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It provides a similar tanginess and creaminess.
• Spinach: Include some leafy greens by adding spinach to your quesadilla.
• Black beans: These beans add texture, protein, and a hearty flavour to your creation.
• Corn: Sweet and juicy corn kernels can be a great addition to your quesadilla.
• Bell peppers: Colourful and crunchy, bell peppers can be sautéed or added raw to your quesadilla.
• Onions: Sliced or diced onions can provide a pungent and crunchy topping.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed or raw mushrooms add a earthy flavour and texture.
• Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh and bright flavour to your quesadilla.

Air fryer quesadilla cooking times

Some recipes suggest cooking the quesadilla for 8 minutes at 350°F (175°C), flipping it halfway through to ensure even cooking. Others suggest cooking it for 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F, again flipping it halfway.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand of air fryer being used, so it's always a good idea to check the progress of your quesadilla periodically to ensure it doesn't burn.

Additionally, if you're using a gluten-free tortilla, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook faster than regular flour tortillas.

When assembling your quesadilla, it's recommended to leave a small border around the edge of the tortilla to prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking.

Lastly, when reheating a quesadilla in the air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, adding additional time in 1-2 minute increments as needed.

Air fryer quesadilla cooking tips

Getting Started

Before you begin, check if your air fryer needs to be preheated. If it does, set it to 350°F/180°C.

Filling

For a classic quesadilla, spread refried beans on one half of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. You can also add other fillings such as chicken, beef, veggies, or extra cheese. Just be sure to cook any meat fillings beforehand.

Assembly

Fold the tortillas in half and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring there's space in between for the hot air to circulate. If your tortillas open up, use toothpicks or a heavy oven-safe object to secure them.

Cooking

Air fry your quesadillas at 350°F/180°C for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They're ready when the tortillas are golden and crisp, and the cheese has melted.

Serving

Quesadillas are best served immediately, with toppings like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your quesadillas back into the air fryer at 350°F/175°C for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

Storage

Leftover quesadillas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Customization

Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can use different types of cheese, add more veggies, or experiment with different proteins. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Air fryer quesadilla reheating

Air-fryer quesadillas are a quick, easy, and tasty meal option. They are also a great snack and can be served as an appetiser or side dish. But what if you've made too many and need to reheat them? Well, the good news is that the best way to reheat a quesadilla is to use an air fryer!

Air fryers use circulating dry heat to cook food, which is why they are so good at crisping up the outside of your quesadilla while keeping the inside nice and melty. To reheat your quesadilla, simply pop it back into the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. Check your quesadilla and, if needed, add more time in 1-2 minute increments until it is warmed through and crispy.

You can also reheat quesadillas in the oven toaster or the microwave, but the texture will be softer. If you are reheating from frozen, defrost your quesadilla on the counter for 15 minutes, then follow the same instructions as above.

Frequently asked questions