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

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious meal option. Requiring minimal prep and cooking time, they are perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying snack. The air fryer gives quesadillas a unique crispiness, and they can be loaded with your choice of fillings, making them highly customizable. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to making the perfect air fryer quesadilla, along with tips and tricks for a crispy, cheesy, and mouthwatering treat.

Preheat the air fryer and prepare the tortillas

To make quesadillas in an air fryer, the first step is to preheat the air fryer and prepare the tortillas. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer. Some sources recommend preheating to 350°F for 7-8 minutes, while others suggest a higher temperature of 400°F for 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply turn it on empty at the desired temperature for about 3 minutes before adding the quesadillas.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your tortillas. Place two tortillas side by side on a flat surface. On one tortilla, spread your desired fillings, such as refried beans, salsa, cheese, chicken, vegetables, or any other creative combination. Leave a small border around the edge to prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking. Place the second tortilla on top and press down firmly to prevent the quesadilla from flipping open during cooking.

To ensure maximum crispness, you can brush the outside of the quesadilla with melted butter or cooking spray. You can also insert toothpicks through the top and bottom of the quesadilla to hold it together and prevent it from opening during cooking. This trick ensures that there is already a hole for the toothpick when it's time to flip the quesadilla.

Choose your fillings

Air fryer quesadillas are super quick and easy to make, and you can fill them with almost anything. The classic combination is refried beans and cheese, but you can also add chicken, beef, shrimp, or black beans to make your quesadilla more hearty and filling. If you're vegetarian, try roasted veggies, spinach, corn, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers. For a breakfast option, add some scrambled eggs and crispy bacon bits.

If you like your food spicy, add some jalapeños, hot sauce, or smoked paprika. You can also add salsa to your quesadilla, or serve it on the side as a dip, along with sour cream, guacamole, and Greek yoghurt. For an authentic Mexican experience, try recreating Taco Bell's quesadilla sauce at home by mixing mayo, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, cumin, chili powder, and salt.

If you're short on time, you can also make a simple quesadilla with just cheese and tortilla. First, sprinkle shredded cheese on a tortilla, then microwave until melted, and roll it up.

Assemble the quesadilla

To assemble the quesadilla, start by placing two tortillas side by side on a flat surface. If you want to add some extra crispness to your quesadilla, brush the outside with butter or olive oil, or use cooking spray. Next, add your chosen fillings to one of the tortillas. You can get creative with your fillings, but popular options include salsa, cheese, chicken, beans, vegetables, and spices.

If you're making a classic quesadilla, spread refried beans over half of one tortilla, then sprinkle cheese on top of the beans. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, corn, or sautéed mushrooms, or even some shredded chicken or beef for extra protein. For a saucier option, spread Taco Bell quesadilla sauce, made with mayo, sour cream, pickled jalapenos, cumin, chili powder, and salt, on one tortilla before adding the other fillings.

Once you've added your fillings, fold the tortilla in half, creating a quesadilla. If you're making multiple quesadillas, repeat the filling and folding process with the remaining tortillas. To prevent the quesadilla from falling apart during cooking, you can use toothpicks to hold it together, pushing them all the way through to create holes for flipping. Alternatively, you can try microwaving the quesadilla for 20-30 seconds before folding to help the cheese melt and hold the tortilla together.

Air-frying the quesadilla

Once preheated, it's time to assemble your quesadilla. Place your tortilla on a flat surface and add your desired fillings to one half. Common filling options include shredded cheese, refried beans, salsa, chicken, spinach, peppers, onions, and various spices. Get creative and customise your quesadilla to your taste preferences! After adding your fillings, fold the tortilla in half, creating a quesadilla pocket.

Now, it's time to air fry! Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 4 to 8 minutes, depending on your air fryer's temperature and your desired level of crispness. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking. It's a good idea to check your quesadilla periodically and flip it halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.

Finally, remove the quesadilla from the air fryer, let it cool slightly, and cut it into portions. Serve immediately while it's still hot, crispy, and melty. You can pair it with sides like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or Greek yoghurt for a delicious and nutritious meal. Enjoy your air-fried quesadilla!

Serving and storing the quesadilla

Air fryer quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, straight out of the fryer while they're hot and crispy. If you're serving them straight away, let them cool for a minute or two so the cheese can set, then slice and serve. You can serve them as they are, or with sides and toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or Greek yoghurt. For a heartier meal, serve them with a veggie side dish, such as broccoli, a salad, or Spanish rice.

If you're storing leftover quesadillas, it's best to avoid the fridge as they can become soggy. Instead, transfer them to a sealed container and store at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, use an air fryer if possible, as this will restore the crispy texture. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C), checking regularly and adding time in small increments until they're warmed through.

Frequently asked questions