Air Fryer Quesadilla: The Perfect Timing

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make quesadillas. The air fryer makes the tortilla perfectly crisp and the cheese melted to perfection. The cooking time for air fryer quesadillas is usually between 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispness. Some recipes suggest cooking the quesadilla for a shorter period of time, flipping it, and then cooking it for a few more minutes to ensure even cooking and crispness on both sides.

How to make a quesadilla in the air fryer

Ingredients

You can make a quesadilla with just two simple ingredients: cheese and tortillas. However, you can also add meat, veggies, or beans to make it a heartier meal. Here are some common ingredients used in air fryer quesadillas:

• Flour tortillas (corn tortillas can also be used, especially if you're gluten-free)
• Cheese (e.g. Colby-Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Asadero cheese)
• Protein (e.g. shredded chicken, beef, shrimp, ground beef, taco meat, flank steak, blackened shrimp, pork)
• Veggies (e.g. bell peppers, corn, spinach, mushrooms, baby spinach, onions)
• Beans (e.g. refried beans, black beans)
• Seasonings and spices (e.g. jalapenos, red pepper flakes, hot sauce)
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or Greek yogurt for serving

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180°C).
• Prepare your filling by combining shredded cheese with salsa, or spreading refried beans on the tortilla. You can also add your desired protein and veggies to the filling.
• Place a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle the filling on top, leaving a small border around the edge.
• Fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape. You can secure it with a toothpick to prevent it from opening during cooking.
• Lightly brush the outside of the tortilla with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket and cook for 4-8 minutes, or until the tortilla is crisp and golden, and the cheese is melted. Flip the quesadilla halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the quesadilla from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before cutting into wedges.
• Serve immediately with your desired toppings and sides, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or Greek yogurt.

Tips

• Keep an eye on your quesadilla during cooking, as the cook time may vary depending on your air fryer.
• If the tortilla opens up during cooking, simply press it closed or secure it with a toothpick.
• For extra crispness, brush the outside of the quesadilla with melted butter before air frying.
• To reheat leftovers, avoid using the microwave as it will make the tortilla soggy. Instead, reheat the quesadilla in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

How long to cook for

The cooking time for your quesadilla will depend on the ingredients you use and the type of air fryer you have. For example, corn tortillas may cook faster than flour tortillas.

As a general rule, you should cook your quesadilla for around 8 minutes in an air fryer set to 350°F (180°C). However, you may need to adjust this depending on your air fryer model and the ingredients you use. Some recipes suggest cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C) for 4-5 minutes.

It's important to keep an eye on your quesadilla while it's cooking, as you may need to adjust the cooking time. Check on it a few minutes after it starts cooking, and again halfway through. You'll know it's ready when the tortilla is crisp and golden, and the cheese is melted. If you're making more than one quesadilla, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the quesadillas. This can help ensure even cooking, especially if your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function.

What temperature to cook at

When preparing a quesadilla in an air fryer, the temperature you cook at will depend on the type of air fryer you have and the type of tortilla you are using.

If you are using a corn tortilla, you should cook your quesadilla at a lower temperature than if you are using a flour tortilla. This is because corn tortillas cook faster than flour tortillas. A good temperature range for corn tortillas is between 180°C and 200°C (350°F and 400°F). For flour tortillas, you can cook your quesadilla at a higher temperature, such as 350°F or 375°F.

It's important to note that the cooking time for your quesadilla will depend on the temperature you are cooking at. For example, if you are cooking at a higher temperature, you will need to cook your quesadilla for a shorter amount of time. A good range for cooking times is between 4 and 8 minutes.

Additionally, different air fryers may have different cooking times and temperatures, so it is important to refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the quesadilla.
• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
• If using a corn tortilla, hold the quesadilla together with a toothpick to prevent it from falling apart.
• Brush the top of the quesadilla with melted butter for maximum crispness.
• Consider flipping the quesadilla halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Keep an eye on your quesadilla to prevent burning, as cooking times may vary.

By following these tips and adjusting the temperature and cooking time based on your air fryer and tortilla type, you can ensure that your quesadilla comes out perfectly cooked and crispy!

What to serve with air-fryer quesadillas

Air-fried quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option for any night of the week. You can fill them with just about anything, and they're super crispy! Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fryer quesadillas to make a delicious and satisfying meal:

Dips and Sides

You can serve your air-fryer quesadillas with a variety of dips and sides to enhance their flavour. Here are some options:

• Guacamole: Avocado-based guacamole is a perfect pairing for quesadillas, adding a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
• Sour Cream: This classic condiment provides a cool, tangy contrast to the crispy quesadilla.
• Greek Yogurt: For a healthier alternative to sour cream, try Greek yogurt. It has a similar tanginess and creaminess.
• Salsa: A fresh and flavourful salsa, whether mild or spicy, can add a kick to your quesadilla.
• Edamame Guacamole: For an extra boost of nutrients, try this unique twist on traditional guacamole.

Veggie Side Dishes

To round out your meal and boost your vegetable intake, consider pairing your quesadillas with a veggie side dish. Here are some options:

• Air Fryer Broccoli: If you want to make the most of your air fryer, try cooking broccoli in it as a side dish.
• Salad: A fresh salad, such as a kale harvest salad, can provide a crunchy and nutritious accompaniment to your quesadillas.
• Air Fryer Vegetables: You can air fry a variety of vegetables, such as French beans, cauliflower, or carrots, to create a tasty and healthy side dish.

Rice Dishes

Rice dishes can also complement your quesadillas and make the meal more filling. Try the following:

Instant Pot Spanish Rice: This rice dish can be made quickly and easily in an Instant Pot, adding a tasty and convenient side to your quesadillas.

Customise Your Quesadillas

Remember, quesadillas are highly customisable, so you can fill them with a variety of ingredients to make a more complete meal. Here are some ideas:

• Protein: Add some leftover meat, such as rotisserie chicken, taco meat, or tofu, to boost the protein content.
• Vegetables: Include fajita veggies, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos, onions, or bell peppers for added texture and flavour.

No matter what you choose to serve with your air-fryer quesadillas, don't forget to enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of this versatile dish!

How to reheat air-fryer quesadillas

Quesadillas are a delicious Mexican dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold, but they're best served warm and crispy. If you have any leftover quesadillas sitting in your fridge, the air fryer is the perfect way to reheat them and make them crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reheat your quesadillas in an air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. This will help the reheating process go faster.

Prepare the Quesadilla

Place the quesadilla in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Ensure that it is not overlapping or touching any other part of the air fryer. If your quesadilla is large, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to fit comfortably in the basket.

Air Fry the Quesadilla

Cook your quesadilla for 2-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on it and add additional time in 1-2 minute increments if needed to ensure it's warmed through and crispy. The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of your quesadilla.

Remove and Serve

Once your quesadilla is warmed to your liking, use tongs to remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favourite toppings and condiments. You can also serve it with sides like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.

Tips for Reheating Quesadillas in the Air Fryer:

• If the top of your quesadilla is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
• While flipping the quesadilla is not necessary, as the air circulates on all sides, you can flip it after about 2 minutes of cooking for more even results.
• To prevent your quesadilla from flying open in the air fryer, secure it with toothpicks or lightly brush the edges with a little water to help them stick together.

Frequently asked questions