Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make a cheese quesadilla. They are easy to make, versatile, and can be customised with a variety of fillings. The air fryer makes the tortilla perfectly crisp and the cheese melted to perfection. The cooking time is short, and the clean-up is minimal.

Air fryer quesadilla fillings

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

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option for your quesadilla filling. You can shred the chicken and add it to your quesadilla with some cheese and your favourite veggies. Speaking of veggies...

Roasted Veggies

You can add pretty much any roasted veggie to your quesadilla. Some popular options include bell peppers, onions, spinach, and sweet potatoes. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you could even roast some peppers and onions in your air fryer before adding them to your quesadilla!

Different Types of Cheese

While cheese is a standard ingredient in quesadillas, you can mix things up by using different types of cheese. Some good options include mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Brie. You could even use a blend of multiple cheeses!

Spicy Options

If you like your food with a kick, there are several ways to spice up your quesadilla. Try adding some jalapeños, using pepper jack cheese, or serving your quesadilla with hot sauce on the side.

Beans

Beans are a classic quesadilla filling for a reason—they're delicious! You can use refried beans, black beans, or even smashed white beans.

Other Proteins

If you're looking for a protein boost, there are several options you can choose from. Some ideas include ground beef, taco meat, flank steak, shrimp, or pork. Just make sure that any meat fillings are already cooked before you add them to your quesadilla.

How long to cook a cheese quesadilla in an air fryer

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option that can be made in less than 10 minutes. The cooking time for a cheese quesadilla in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispness and the model of the air fryer. On average, it takes around 8 minutes to cook a cheese quesadilla in an air fryer, but this can range from 4 to 10 minutes.

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat it for about 5 minutes.
• Prepare the tortilla: Place a tortilla on a flat surface. You can use a flour or corn tortilla, depending on your preference.
• Add the fillings: Spread refried beans or any desired fillings on half of the tortilla. You can also add other ingredients such as shredded cheese, spinach, chicken, or veggies.
• Fold and secure the quesadilla: Fold the tortilla in half, creating a quesadilla. You can secure the edges with toothpicks to prevent it from opening during cooking.
• Cook the quesadilla: Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket and cook for 4-8 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking process. The quesadilla is ready when the tortilla is golden and crisp, and the cheese has melted.
• Serve: Remove the quesadilla from the air fryer and cut it into portions. Serve it with your favourite toppings and sides, such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the quesadilla during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning. Additionally, if you are using multiple tortillas, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

How to stop the tortilla from lifting away from the filling

To prevent the tortilla from lifting away from the filling, you can use a few different methods:

• Use a spatula to push the tortilla back down if it starts to lift.
• Place a trivet, rack, or any heavy, oven-safe object on top of the tortilla to weigh it down and prevent it from opening up.
• Secure the tortilla with toothpicks by sticking them down the middle to hold the tortilla in place.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the tortillas in a single layer and leave space between them to allow hot air to circulate.
• Avoid overfilling the tortillas. This can cause the upper flap to lift away from the filling.
• Use a cheese that melts well, as this will act as a glue to hold the tortilla together.

How to reheat a quesadilla in an air fryer

Reheating a quesadilla in an air fryer is a quick and hassle-free process that will make you forget you ever had leftovers! Here is how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C). While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your quesadilla. Place the quesadilla in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Make sure it is not overlapping or touching any other part of the air fryer. You can spritz the top of the quesadilla with olive oil for extra crispiness.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the quesadilla in the basket and cook for 2-5 minutes. You may want to flip the quesadilla halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides. The quesadilla is ready when the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy and golden. If you are reheating multiple quesadillas, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

And that's it! Your leftover quesadilla is now crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, just like it was freshly made!

What to serve with a cheese quesadilla

There are many options for what to serve with a cheese quesadilla. Here are some ideas:

Dips and Sauces

You could serve your quesadilla with a dip or sauce, such as guacamole, sour cream, Greek yoghurt, salsa, pico de gallo, roasted tomato salsa, black bean and corn salsa, or a creamy avocado sauce.

Salads and Veggies

A fresh, crisp salad or some vegetables can help to balance out the richness of the quesadilla. Try a kale harvest salad, air fryer broccoli, or a simple side of iceberg lettuce with cider vinegar and salt.

Meat

Although a classic cheese quesadilla is delicious, you could add some meat to make the meal more substantial. Try shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, taco-seasoned ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken.

More Cheese

If you want to add even more cheese to your meal, you could serve your quesadilla with a cheese dip or include a variety of cheeses in your quesadilla, such as Asiago, Brie, blue cheese crumbles, Monterey jack, cheddar, Colby, American cheese, provolone, havarti, manchego, mozzarella, or gruyere.

Frequently asked questions