Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Quesadilla: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook frozen chicken quesadillas. They use hot air to circulate around the food, making it crispy and evenly cooked. The cooking time for frozen chicken quesadillas in an air fryer depends on the thickness and number of quesadillas being cooked. For a single quesadilla, the cooking time is typically between 8 and 10 minutes at 400°F. However, if you are cooking more than one quesadilla, the time may need to be increased by 2 to 3 minutes.

To cook frozen chicken quesadillas in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Then, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the frozen quesadilla in the basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Check the quesadilla after 8 minutes to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The cheese should be melted, and the tortilla should be crispy and golden brown.

You can also cook homemade chicken quesadillas in an air fryer. The cooking time for this may vary depending on the brand and model of the air fryer, but it typically takes about 5 to 8 minutes at around 400°F. It is important to note that you should use pre-cooked chicken in chicken quesadillas when using an air fryer to ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to consume.

Air fryer temperature and time

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. The ideal temperature for preheating is between 350°F to 400°F. Preheat for about 2-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Preparing the Quesadilla:

Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface, which will be the base of your quesadilla. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses, to cover the entire surface. You can also add other ingredients like cooked chicken, vegetables, or beans at this stage.

Adding Seasonings:

Sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and your choice of Mexican or taco seasoning over the fillings to enhance the flavour. You can also add diced tomatoes, jalapenos, or other toppings of your choice.

Placing the Second Tortilla:

Place a second tortilla on top of the fillings to create a sandwich-like structure. Gently press down to secure the fillings inside.

Lightly Coating with Cooking Spray:

Lightly spray or brush both sides of the quesadilla with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This step helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Air Frying the Quesadilla:

Carefully place the quesadilla into the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits comfortably. Set the cooking time for 5-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Flip the quesadilla halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

Checking for Doneness:

Keep a close eye on the quesadilla as air fryer models vary. Your quesadilla is likely done when it turns golden brown and crispy on both sides, and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Serving the Quesadilla:

Remove the quesadilla from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into wedges. Serve hot with your favourite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.

Reheating and Storing Tips:

To reheat leftover quesadillas, place them in the air fryer at a lower temperature, around 300°F to 375°F, for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy again. For storing, let the quesadillas cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 days.

How to prepare the chicken

Preparing the chicken is a crucial step in making delicious chicken quesadillas. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Choosing the Right Chicken

Select boneless and skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins for your quesadillas. Chicken breasts offer convenience, as they are readily available and easy to work with. Chicken tenderloins, on the other hand, are even more tender and cook faster, making them a great choice if you're short on time. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier flavour, but they will take a bit longer to cook.

Seasoning the Chicken

To enhance the flavour of your chicken, create a smoky spice blend by combining spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the chicken and ensure it coats all surfaces. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. If you're feeling adventurous, include red pepper flakes or chilli powder for an extra kick.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken to the pan. For chicken breasts, cook undisturbed until golden brown on the first side (about 2-3 minutes). Then, flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium, and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate or cutting board. If using chicken tenderloins, cook for a shorter duration, adjusting the time as needed.

Shredding or Dicing the Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or dicing it. You can use two forks to shred the chicken into thin strands. Alternatively, you can cut the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

Preparing the Chicken Filling

In a bowl, mix the shredded or diced chicken with your desired fillings. You can add cooked bell peppers, onions, salsa, or any other ingredients you like. If you want a saucy filling, simmer some salsa with a little water and mix it with the chicken. This filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

Assembling the Quesadilla

Lay a tortilla on a clean surface and sprinkle shredded cheese to cover the entire surface. You can use Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or a blend of Mexican cheeses. Then, add your chicken filling and any other desired ingredients, such as sautéed bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, or black beans. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning to taste. Finally, place another tortilla on top to create a sandwich-like structure and secure it with toothpicks.

Your chicken quesadilla is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Follow the instructions for air-frying frozen quesadillas, and you'll have a delicious, crispy treat in no time.

How to assemble the quesadilla

To assemble a chicken quesadilla in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350–375°F (190°C). You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken or cook your own. If cooking, add chicken breast to a bowl and coat in avocado oil and spices. Heat a pan to medium and cook the chicken for 4–6 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it sit for 2–3 minutes before dicing it.

Next, prepare your tortillas. You can use flour or corn tortillas, placing them on a clean, flat surface. This will be the bottom layer of your quesadilla. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese—such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses—to cover the entire surface. You can also add other ingredients like sautéed bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Then, add your chicken.

Add another layer of cheese, then place a second tortilla on top to create a sandwich-like structure. Press down gently to secure the filling. Lightly coat both sides of the quesadilla with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to achieve a crispy texture.

How to cook the quesadilla

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by adding chicken breast to a bowl and coating it in avocado oil and spices. Heat a pan to medium and place the chicken inside, cooking for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches a temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before dicing it.

Step 2: Prepare the Quesadilla

Place one tortilla on a cutting board. You can use flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. Add cheese and chicken to one side of the tortilla. You can use shredded cheddar cheese or substitute it with other cheeses such as Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mozzarella. Fold the tortilla over and secure it with 3 wooden toothpicks.

Step 3: Air Fry the Quesadilla

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F. Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking process. Remove the toothpicks when you flip the tortilla. If your air fryer is large enough, you can cook two quesadillas at the same time.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings (Optional)

While the quesadilla is cooking, you can prepare some toppings and sides. You can make an avocado yogurt dip by mashing avocado with yogurt, lime juice, smoked paprika, and salt, and then mixing in freshly chopped cilantro. You can also prepare some salsa, guacamole, or sour cream to serve with the quesadilla.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the quesadilla is done, remove it from the air fryer and cut it into wedges or slices. Serve it with your chosen toppings and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing Leftovers:

When storing leftovers of your chicken quesadillas, make sure to let them cool down to room temperature first. Place the leftover quesadilla portions in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Leftovers:

If you have a large batch of leftover chicken quesadillas and want to store them for an extended period, you can freeze them. Again, let them cool down before wrapping or placing them in airtight containers. Label the containers with the date and try to consume the frozen leftovers within 2-3 months for the best quality.

Reheating in an Air Fryer:

To reheat your frozen chicken quesadilla in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
• Place the frozen quesadilla in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space for hot air to circulate. You may need to cut the quesadilla into smaller portions to fit, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, then carefully flip the quesadilla over. Continue air frying for another 3-5 minutes or until heated through and crispy. The total time may vary depending on the thickness of your quesadilla and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Remove from the air fryer, let it cool slightly, and enjoy!

Reheating in a Pan:

Alternatively, you can reheat your leftover chicken quesadilla in a non-stick pan on the stovetop. Here's how:

• Place a non-stick pan on medium heat and let it heat up for a minute.
• Place the leftover quesadilla in the pan and heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until crispy and heated through. If it's a frozen quesadilla, cover the pan with a lid for the first few minutes to help thaw and heat the filling evenly.
• Once crispy and heated, transfer to a plate and serve!

Remember, when reheating, you want to ensure the quesadilla is heated all the way through, especially if it contains chicken. Always use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and safely reheated chicken quesadilla!

Frequently asked questions