Air Fryer Quesadilla: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air-fried quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious meal option. They are versatile, allowing you to choose your own fillings and seasonings, and can be made in just a few minutes. The air fryer ensures a perfectly crisp tortilla and melted cheese, resulting in a restaurant-quality quesadilla. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal any day of the week.

Quesadilla fillings

Quesadillas are a great way to repurpose leftovers and get creative with your favourite fillings. Here are some ideas for quesadilla fillings:

Classic Combinations

The traditional Mexican quesadilla is made with a corn tortilla, filled with melted cheese and other ingredients such as meat or vegetables, and then folded. In the US, flour tortillas are often used instead of corn, and toppings like guacamole, salsa and sour cream are added. The classic filling combination is refried beans and cheese.

Meat

When adding meat to your quesadilla, make sure it is already cooked. Try taco-seasoned ground beef, shredded rotisserie chicken, or ground turkey. You could also add in some shredded chicken with pesto and mozzarella.

Vegetables

Mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, onions, spinach, and bell peppers are all great vegetarian options for quesadilla fillings. You could also add in some diced avocado, or sweet potato for a plant-based option.

Beans

Black beans are a popular choice for quesadillas, and can be added with rice and salsa, or with caramelized onions and goat cheese. You could also add in some refried beans, or a mix of black beans, corn and tomato.

Other Combinations

Some other interesting combinations include pulled pork with cheese and BBQ sauce, or ham and cheddar with fresh tomato slices. You could also try a breakfast quesadilla with scrambled eggs, or a more adventurous combination like peanut butter and banana.

Remember, the key to a good quesadilla is a melty cheese, so make sure you choose a variety that will provide that gooey, stringy texture.

Quesadilla cooking times

Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the ingredients used, the quantity of fillings, and the size of the tortillas.

Classic Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

For classic bean and cheese quesadillas, the air fryer should be set to 180C/350F. The cooking time is around 8 minutes, or until the quesadillas are crisp and golden, and the cheese is melted. It is important to flip the quesadillas halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Customisable Quesadillas

Customisable quesadillas with different fillings may require a different cooking time. It is important to keep an eye on the quesadillas during the cooking process and adjust the time accordingly. For example, gluten-free tortillas may cook faster, so the cooking time should be adjusted slightly.

Reheating Quesadillas

The best way to reheat quesadillas is in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350F/175C and air fry the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes, checking regularly and adding time in 1-2 minute increments if needed.

Air Fryer Settings

Some air fryers may require preheating, so it is important to check the manual for specific instructions. The temperature for cooking quesadillas is typically set to 350F, but can be as high as 375F.

Quesadilla toppings

Quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary requirements. They can be made with gluten-free, corn, or flour tortillas, and filled with a variety of ingredients, from classic beans and cheese to more creative options. Here are some ideas for quesadilla toppings to inspire your next meal:

Classic Combinations

The traditional Tex-Mex style quesadilla features a crisp and tender tortilla filled with melted cheese and other tasty treats. A classic combination includes refried beans and cheese, with the option to add in other ingredients such as cooked veggies (peppers, mushrooms, and onions), avocado, and fresh cilantro. You can also sprinkle in some Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for extra flavour and to help the tortilla stick together.

Creative Toppings

For those who want to get creative, quesadillas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as:

• Taco-seasoned ground beef
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• More types of cheese (e.g. Asiago, Brie, Blue cheese crumbles, Colby, or Mozzarella)
• Spinach, chicken, and sweet potatoes
• Diced bell peppers, green onions, or chilli
• Mushrooms, olives, and zucchini
• Leftover cooked meats such as chicken, steak, shrimp, or carnitas
• Sauteed onions and bell peppers with cumin and chile powder
• Black beans, corn, chilli, and cilantro
• Spinach, artichoke dip, chicken, and Monterey Jack cheese
• Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, cheese, and hot sauce
• Sauteed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers
• Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream

Dietary Requirements

Quesadillas can also be adapted to suit various dietary requirements. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas. Dairy-free cheese can be used for those who are lactose intolerant, and plant-based proteins such as mock chicken, crumbled tempeh, or tofu can be added for vegans.

Quesadilla storage

Quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in a sealed or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. It is recommended to wrap the quesadillas individually in aluminium foil or parchment paper before placing them in the airtight container to prevent them from drying out and absorbing other odours from the fridge.

If you want to store your quesadillas for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. First, allow the quesadillas to cool to room temperature, then wrap them in aluminium foil or parchment paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped quesadillas in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and label them with the expiration date, which is usually up to 6 months after freezing.

To reheat your quesadillas, you can use an air fryer, oven, microwave, or skillet. For the best results, thaw frozen quesadillas in the fridge overnight, then warm them up in an air fryer or oven. You can also reheat them directly from frozen, but this may take a little longer.

• Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175-180°C) for 2-3 minutes, then check and add more time if needed.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat the quesadilla for about 10 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
• Microwave: Use 30-second bursts for quick reheating, but this may not maintain crispiness.
• Skillet: Heat each side of the quesadilla for about 1 minute over medium heat, adding a fine layer of oil for extra crispness.

Quesadilla alternatives

Quesadillas are a great option for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. The traditional Mexican dish is typically made with a corn tortilla, filled with cheese, and cooked on a griddle. However, there are many alternatives to the classic quesadilla that you can try, either in an air fryer or cooked another way.

Alternative Fillings

Firstly, you can switch up the fillings. While cheese is a staple, you can add practically anything to a quesadilla. Try vegetables like sautéed peppers, onions, greens, or mushrooms, or include low-fat proteins such as beans, chicken, or tofu. You could also add in other cheeses, like Asiago, Brie, blue cheese, Monterey Jack, cheddar, Colby, American cheese, provolone, havarti, manchego, mozzarella, or Gruyere.

Alternative Methods

If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook your quesadilla in a pan or skillet, on an open burner, or in the microwave.

Alternative Diets

For dietary alternatives, you can make gluten-free quesadillas by swapping out the tortilla for a gluten-free option. You can also make them dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese, or vegan by using plant-based proteins like mock chicken, tofu, or tempeh.

Alternative Dishes

Finally, if you're looking for an alternative dish altogether, you could try a tostada, which is similar to a quesadilla but uses a crisp, flat tortilla as a base and is topped with various ingredients. Alternatively, you could make nachos, using the tortilla as a base and adding your desired toppings.

There are plenty of ways to switch up the classic quesadilla to suit your taste, dietary requirements, or available cooking methods.

Frequently asked questions