Air-Fried Quesadillas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including quesadillas. Air fryer quesadillas are quick and easy to make, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit individual tastes. The air fryer makes the tortilla crispy and the cheese melted to perfection.

Filling options

Quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Here are some ideas for filling options to make your quesadillas delicious and satisfying:

Cheese

Cheese is a must-have ingredient in quesadillas. You can use shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Swiss, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. The cheese not only adds flavour but also helps to bind the quesadilla together as it melts.

Proteins

You can add various proteins to your quesadillas to make them more filling and nutritious. Some options include shredded chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, beans (such as refried beans or black beans), or any leftover meat you have, such as rotisserie chicken or taco meat.

Vegetables

Vegetables add texture, flavour, and nutritional value to your quesadillas. You can use diced bell peppers, corn, sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, fajita veggies, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos, onions, or zucchini. If you want to add some spice, include pickled jalapeno slices or a dash of hot sauce.

Other Options

For a unique twist, you can also include scrambled eggs and crispy bacon bits for a breakfast-inspired quesadilla. You can also experiment with different types of tortillas, such as flour or corn tortillas, and gluten-free options.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making quesadillas in an air fryer vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the desired level of crispiness. However, the general cooking time and temperature guidelines are as follows:

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. Some recipes suggest a temperature of 350°F, while others recommend 375°F. The higher the temperature, the crispier your quesadilla will be.

Cook your quesadilla for 5 to 8 minutes. Most recipes suggest cooking the quesadilla for around 8 minutes, but some recommend checking on it after 5 minutes, as the cooking time can vary depending on the air fryer model. It is important to flip the quesadilla halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

When cooking quesadillas in an air fryer, it is essential to keep a close eye on them, as the hot air circulation can cause the tortilla to lift or puff up. If this happens, simply press the tortilla down with a spatula or secure it with toothpicks. Additionally, some recipes recommend lightly brushing the tortilla with oil or butter before cooking to achieve a crispier texture.

Reheating and storing

Quesadillas are best enjoyed hot and crispy, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips and tricks for reheating and storing your quesadillas to maintain that perfect texture and taste.

Storing Quesadillas:

If you have leftover quesadillas, it is important to let them cool down completely before storing them. Then, wrap the quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can store your quesadilla in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Quesadillas:

The best way to reheat a quesadilla is to use an air fryer. Air fryers use circulating dry heat, which will give you a crispy exterior while keeping the inside nice and melty. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the quesadilla for 2-5 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Check your quesadilla and add more time in 1-2 minute increments if needed.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat your quesadilla in the oven or on the stovetop. To use the oven, preheat it to 325-350°F and place the quesadilla on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, non-stick cooking spray, or aluminium foil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the exterior is crispy. For stovetop reheating, place a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Add the quesadilla, covering the pan loosely, and cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

While you can use a microwave to reheat your quesadilla, it is not recommended as it will make the tortilla soggy. If you are short on time, heat the quesadilla in 30-second or 1-minute increments, checking to ensure it doesn't burn.

Crispy tortillas

The key to achieving crispy tortillas in an air fryer is to ensure that the quesadillas are cooked for long enough at a high enough temperature. The air fryer should be preheated to at least 350°F (175°C). The cooking time will depend on the air fryer model, but generally, the quesadillas should be cooked for around 8 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden and crispy.

To ensure even cooking, the quesadillas should be flipped halfway through the cooking process. It is also important to use a cooking spray or brush the tortillas with oil to help achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Some recipes suggest microwaving the quesadillas for a few seconds before transferring them to the air fryer to help the cheese melt and prevent the tortillas from flying open during cooking. This can be done by placing the cheese between two tortillas and microwaving until the cheese is slightly melted. Alternatively, toothpicks can be used to secure the tortillas together.

Another tip to prevent the tortillas from flying open is to place a rack or a metal trivet on top of the quesadillas while they cook. This will help to keep them closed and prevent them from puffing up.

Customisation

For the tortillas, you can use flour or corn, depending on your preference. If you want to make your quesadillas gluten-free, simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free alternatives.

When it comes to cheese, shredded cheese of any kind will work. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Mexican cheese blends, and smoked Gouda are all popular options. You can also experiment with different cheeses like parmesan or mozzarella. Just make sure to avoid hard cheeses, as they don't melt well.

For the fillings, you can get creative and use just about anything. Try leftover meat like rotisserie chicken, or go for tofu or beans if you want a vegetarian option. You can also add vegetables like fajita veggies, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos, onions, or bell peppers. If you want to add some spice, include pickled jalapeno slices, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.

If you want to add some protein to your quesadillas, try cooked shredded chicken, beef, shrimp, or black beans. You can also experiment with different proteins like refried beans, ground beef, or mock chicken.

To dip your quesadillas, try sour cream, Greek yoghurt, guacamole, or salsa.

Frequently asked questions