Reheating Quesadillas: Air Fryer Magic

Quesadillas are a delicious, quick and easy meal to make, but what happens when you have leftovers? The best way to reheat a quesadilla is to use an air fryer. Air fryers use circulating dry heat to cook the food, which means the quesadilla will be crispy on the outside and still nice and melty on the inside. To reheat, place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 2–3 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

How long to reheat a quesadilla in an air fryer

Reheating a quesadilla in an air fryer is a great way to ensure your snack is crispy on the outside and still nice and melty on the inside.

To reheat a quesadilla in an air fryer, first ensure your quesadilla is fully cooled before placing it in the air fryer. Then, air fry the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check the quesadilla and, if needed, add additional time in 1-2 minute increments to ensure it's warmed through and crispy.

If your quesadilla is wrapped in foil, it may take a little longer—around 3-5 minutes.

It's worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on your quesadilla to ensure it doesn't burn.

What temperature to reheat a quesadilla in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat a quesadilla in an air fryer! In fact, it's considered the best way to reheat a quesadilla as air fryers use circulating dry heat to cook the food, resulting in a crispy exterior and a nice, melty interior.

To reheat a quesadilla in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C). Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket and reheat for 2-3 minutes. Check the quesadilla and add additional time in 1-2 minute increments if needed to ensure it's warmed through and crispy. If your quesadilla is wrapped in foil, it will take a bit longer to reheat, approximately 3-5 minutes.

How to stop the tortilla from lifting away from the filling

To prevent the tortilla from lifting away from the filling, you can secure the top tortilla with a couple of toothpicks to keep the quesadilla together. You can also push it back down with a spatula if it starts to lift away.

Ingredients and Tools:

• Tortillas (flour, corn, or whole wheat)
• Cooking oil spray (optional)
• Tongs (for handling hot tortillas)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating will help achieve even cooking.
• Prepare the tortillas: If you're using flour or whole wheat tortillas, lightly spray them with cooking oil for added crispness. Corn tortillas usually don't require oil, but you can brush them lightly if desired.
• Arrange in the air fryer basket: Place the tortillas in a single layer, ensuring enough space for hot air to circulate around each tortilla.
• Cook: Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and tortilla size. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
• Check for doneness: The tortillas should be golden brown and crispy. If you prefer them crispier, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Remove from the air fryer: Use tongs to transfer the tortillas to a plate and let them cool slightly.
• Serve: Your tortillas are now ready to be filled or used in recipes like tacos or burritos!

Some additional tips for making quesadillas in an air fryer:

• Monitor the cooking time: Keep an eye on your tortillas while cooking, especially if you're using a smaller air fryer. Start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket: If cooking multiple tortillas, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Experiment with flavours: Try seasoning your tortillas with garlic powder, paprika, or chili seasoning before cooking for added flavour.
• Get creative with fillings: In addition to the classic combination of refried beans and cheese, you can fill your quesadillas with leftover rotisserie chicken, roasted vegetables, or even just cheese.

How to store leftover quesadillas

To store leftover quesadillas, it is important to let them cool down to room temperature before storing them. Once cooled, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. To do this, wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. Frozen quesadillas can be stored for up to 4 months but are best consumed within 2-3 months.

Some additional tips for storing leftover quesadillas include:

• Using paper towels to absorb any excess moisture before placing them in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Storing the filling separately from the tortilla and assembling them just before eating.
• If using wet ingredients, placing a barrier, such as cheese, between the wet ingredients and the tortilla to prevent the tortilla from getting soggy.

What to serve with air fryer quesadillas

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option, and you can serve them with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer quesadillas:

Veggie Side Dishes

You can pair your quesadillas with a veggie side dish such as air fryer broccoli or a salad. Air fryer broccoli is a great option if you want to make the most of your air fryer and minimise cleanup. Alternatively, you could meal prep a salad, such as a kale harvest salad, to serve on the side.

Beans

You can serve your quesadillas with a side of beans, such as black beans or refried beans. Beans provide protein and fibre, making your meal more nutritious and filling.

Rice

Rice is another option to serve with your quesadillas, especially if you want to make it a more substantial meal. Rice and beans are a classic combination, so you could serve them together for a hearty and nourishing dish.

Guacamole, Salsa, and Sour Cream

Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream are all popular toppings for quesadillas, but they can also be served on the side. These toppings will add extra flavour and creaminess to your meal. You can also serve your quesadillas with Greek yoghurt or plain Greek yoghurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream.

Homemade Salsa or Edamame Guacamole

If you want to boost the nutrient content of your meal, consider making your own salsa or edamame guacamole to serve with your quesadillas. These options will add extra vitamins and minerals to your meal.

Nachos

If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish to accompany your quesadillas, nachos could be a great option. You can make them in the air fryer or oven, and they're a fun and tasty addition to your meal.

Mexican Side Dishes

There are several Mexican side dishes that would pair well with quesadillas, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a Mexican salad. You could also serve them with a side of Mexican street corn or elote, which is grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, spicy sauce and topped with crumbled cheese.

Frequently asked questions