Air Fryer Quesadilla: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option, perfect for a busy weeknight or a simple lunch. They are also highly customisable, allowing you to choose your own fillings and level of crispiness. But how long do they take to cook?

How to make a quesadilla in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 x soft taco-sized tortillas (flour or corn)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (or more, if desired)
• Filling of your choice (e.g. refried beans, shredded chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, diced onion, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapenos, salsa, etc.)
• Oil or butter (optional)

Method

• Place the tortillas on a flat surface.
• Add your desired fillings to half of each tortilla. You can get creative here and include any number of fillings, but cheese is typically included as it helps to bind the quesadilla together.
• Fold the tortillas in half, creating a quesadilla.
• Place the quesadillas in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough room for them to cook properly. You may need to trim the tortillas with kitchen scissors if they are too big for your air fryer.
• Cook the quesadillas at 350°F for around 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. You can brush the quesadillas with oil or butter before cooking if you want them to be crispier, but this is not necessary.
• The quesadillas are ready when they are golden and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
• Serve immediately with your choice of sides or toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or Greek yoghurt.

Tips

• If you are using dry fillings or not a lot of cheese, you can secure the top tortilla with a toothpick to prevent it from coming loose during cooking.
• If the quesadilla opens up during cooking due to the air fryer fan, simply press it closed again.
• To prevent the quesadilla from flying open, you can microwave it open-faced for 20-30 seconds before cooking to slightly melt the cheese, or use a rack or foil to weigh it down in the air fryer.
• If you are making multiple quesadillas, you will need to cook them in batches.
• If you are cooking with oil, brush the outside of the quesadillas with oil before placing them in the air fryer, or spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking oil.
• If you are cooking with butter, thinly coat the outside of the quesadillas before frying.
• Don't overfill the quesadillas, as this will result in cheese oozing out into the air fryer.
• If you are using corn tortillas, brush the tops and bottoms with a little oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• Grating the cheese yourself will make the quesadilla meltier and more delicious.

Reheating and Storage

• To reheat, place the quesadilla in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
• For storage, ensure the quesadilla has fully cooled, then wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How long 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 in the first place! The air fryer uses dry circulating heat to cook food, which means the quesadilla will get crispy on the outside and stay nice and gooey on the inside.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes.
• 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.
• Air fry the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes or until the inside is warmed through and the outside is crispy.
• Using tongs, remove the reheated quesadilla and enjoy it with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Tips for Reheating a Quesadilla in an Air Fryer:

• Make sure to preheat the air fryer before adding the quesadilla, as this will help start the reheating process faster.
• How long it takes to reheat a quesadilla in the air fryer depends on the thickness and size. Generally, it takes around 3-4 minutes for a single quesadilla, but it may need more or less time.
• The top can get crispy too quickly, so you can cover it with foil to prevent burning if needed.
• The quesadilla does not need to be flipped as the air is circulating on all sides. However, if you would like to flip it for even cooking, you can do so after about 2 minutes of cooking.

What temperature to cook a quesadilla in an air fryer

Cooking a Quesadilla in an Air Fryer

Cooking quesadillas in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare this classic Mexican dish. The air fryer gives the tortilla a perfect crispness and melts the cheese beautifully. You can stick with the classic refried beans and cheese, or get creative with your fillings.

Temperature

The ideal temperature to cook a quesadilla in an air fryer is 350°F (175-180°C). This temperature ensures the tortilla becomes crispy and golden, and the cheese melts.

Time

The cooking time for a quesadilla in an air fryer is around 8 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on it, especially in the first few minutes, as you may need to push down the tortilla with a spatula if it lifts away from the fillings. It's also essential to flip the quesadilla halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Tips

• Before placing the quesadilla in the air fryer, brush one side of the tortilla with olive oil or spray with olive oil cooking spray.
• If you're making a classic bean and cheese quesadilla, spread refried beans on half of the tortilla, sprinkle cheese on top, then fold the tortilla.
• For a chicken quesadilla, spread a layer of shredded cheese, top with spinach and chicken, and finish with another layer of cheese to help the tortilla stick together.
• If you're worried about the quesadilla opening during cooking due to the air fryer fan, you can secure it with a toothpick.
• For gluten-free quesadillas, use a gluten-free tortilla.
• For dairy-free quesadillas, use dairy-free cheese.
• For vegan quesadillas, use dairy-free cheese and plant-based protein like mock chicken, tofu, or black beans.
• Air fryer quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, as storing them in the fridge may make them soggy.
• To reheat a quesadilla, use the air fryer to maintain crispness. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, adding more time in small increments if needed.

Cooking quesadillas in an air fryer is a convenient and delicious option, offering a quick meal that can be customised to your taste. The air fryer ensures a crispy tortilla and melted cheese every time.

What to serve with a quesadilla

So, you're making quesadillas in an air fryer and want to know what to serve with them? Well, you've come to the right place! Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your crispy, cheesy delights and make your meal a true Mexican feast:

• Cilantro-Lime Rice: A refreshing and flavorful combo that will be a hit with your guests. Rice goes great with almost any meal and can be made in advance. It's the perfect side dish to make sure your guests leave your home full and happy!
• Refried Beans: Nothing screams Mexican like refried beans! They are super easy to make and can also be used for dipping. You can even put out a full spread with refried beans, guacamole, and salsa for your guests to enjoy.
• Black Bean Salad: A nice balance to the sweet and spicy flavors of the quesadilla. Add some mango slices, cilantro, and lime juice for a quick and refreshing side dish.
• Mexican Coleslaw: A fun, summertime side dish that will be a perfect companion to your quesadillas. It starts with a base of coleslaw mix and adds bold and bright ingredients like jicama, cucumber, and shredded raw beets.
• Chicken Tortilla Soup: You already have tortillas, so why not make some tortilla soup too? This classic Mexican soup only requires a few basic ingredients and is a great way to round out your meal.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Fire up the grill and make this delicious Mexican party staple! Grill corn cobs until slightly charred, then brush with mayonnaise, and sprinkle with chili powder, cotija, and cilantro. It's deliciously messy and perfect for a fun and casual meal.
• Guacamole: No Mexican entree is complete without a bowl of fresh, authentic guacamole. You can spread it over your quesadillas, sandwich it inside, or serve it as a side with some crunchy tortilla chips.
• Chili Cheese Dip: A quick and easy side to pair with your quesadillas. Grab some tortilla chips for dipping or dip your quesadillas right into the warm, melted cheese. It's a flexible recipe that you can customize with sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, or chopped red onion.
• Sweet Potato Salad: A tasty and modern side dish that will add a nice smoky flair to your quesadilla party. Coat sweet potato chunks with sweet and spicy seasonings, or even add some bacon bits and smoky adobo sauce dressing for a true Mexican twist.

There you have it! With these side dishes, your quesadilla meal will be taken to the next level. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy treats and don't forget to offer your guests a variety of toppings and dips to customize their plates!

What to put in a quesadilla

Quesadillas are a versatile dish, and you can put almost anything you like in them. The most traditional fillings are cheese and meat, but you can also add vegetables, beans, and other ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheese

Queso is Spanish for cheese, and it is a key ingredient in quesadillas. The best cheeses for quesadillas are those that melt well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or traditional Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca. Freshly grated cheese will also melt better than pre-grated cheese, so it is worth grating your own for the best results.

Meat

Chicken is a popular choice for quesadillas, but you can also use steak, shrimp, chorizo, or even leftover Indian food like saag paneer or butter chicken. If you are using meat, make sure it is cooked before adding it to your quesadilla.

Beans

Black beans, refried beans, and pinto beans are all excellent sources of protein and fibre, and they go well with the other flavours in a quesadilla. You can use them as a base and build your quesadilla from there.

Vegetables

Onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, and olives are all great choices for adding flavour and texture to your quesadilla. You can also try corn, avocado, zucchini, or even courgette flowers for something a little different. If you are using vegetables, make sure to chop them into small pieces so that they cook through properly and your quesadilla is easy to eat.

Other Ingredients

Some less traditional, but equally delicious, ingredients to put in a quesadilla include eggs, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and various types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese. You can also experiment with different types of tortillas, such as gluten-free or whole-grain options, to change up the flavour and texture of your quesadilla.

Frequently asked questions