Air-Fried Cheese Quesadilla: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make a cheese quesadilla. This simple dish can be made with just two ingredients: tortillas and cheese. The air fryer makes the tortilla perfectly crisp and melts the cheese to perfection. You can also add other ingredients to make it a heartier meal, such as meat, veggies, or beans. This is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course.

Choosing your cheese

The cheese is the star of the show in a quesadilla, so it's important to choose something that will deliver on taste and texture. Here are some tips and recommendations for selecting the perfect cheese for your air fryer quesadilla:

Types of Cheese

The beauty of a quesadilla is its versatility, and the cheese is no exception. You can go for a single variety or a combination of cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. Here are some popular options:

• Cheddar: A classic choice that offers a sharp, tangy flavour.
• Monterey Jack: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy taste.
• Mozzarella: Known for its stretchy, gooey texture, mozzarella adds a delicious stringiness to your quesadilla.
• Mexican Blend: A ready-made blend of cheeses is a convenient option that often includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla.
• Colby-Jack: A combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, this variety offers a mild, slightly nutty flavour.
• Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick, pepper jack cheese adds a nice touch of heat.

Fresh vs Pre-Shredded Cheese

While pre-shredded cheese from the store is convenient, freshly grated cheese will take your quesadilla to the next level. Freshly grated cheese tends to melt better and has a superior flavour, making your quesadilla extra gooey and delicious.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

If you're catering to vegetarian or vegan diets, there are plenty of cheese options to choose from:

• Vegetarian Cheese: Look for varieties specifically labelled as vegetarian, such as vegetarian cheddar or mozzarella.
• Vegan Cheese: For vegan quesadillas, use dairy-free cheese alternatives. These can be made from various plant-based ingredients like soy, coconut oil, or nuts, and come in a range of flavours.

Remember, the cheese is just the beginning when it comes to customising your quesadilla. You can add various fillings, spices, and toppings to create a truly mouthwatering dish.

Picking the right tortillas

First, consider the size of your air fryer basket. Soft taco-sized tortillas typically fit well inside the basket. If your tortillas are too large, you can trim the edges with kitchen scissors. Alternatively, you can fold larger tortillas in half before adding them to the basket. Smaller tortillas also work well and can be a good option if you want to make smaller quesadillas or if you have limited space in your air fryer.

The type of tortilla you choose is also important. Flour tortillas are a popular choice as they tend to get crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. However, if you're gluten-intolerant or prefer a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are an excellent alternative. They may require a light coating of oil on both sides to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. For a healthier option, you can also opt for whole-grain tortillas.

When selecting tortillas, it's a good idea to consider the filling you plan to use. If you're making a classic cheese quesadilla, any of the above options will work well. However, if you're adding refried beans or other hearty fillings, flour tortillas might be a better choice as they can hold the filling without tearing.

Lastly, the thickness of the tortillas can impact the cooking time and crispiness of your quesadillas. Thicker tortillas may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure the cheese melts fully. On the other hand, thinner tortillas will cook faster and result in a crispier quesadilla.

Remember, the key to a great quesadilla is a crispy tortilla that complements the melted cheese filling. By considering the size, type, filling, and thickness of your tortillas, you can choose the perfect option for your air fryer cheese quesadillas.

Filling options

The beauty of making a quesadilla in an air fryer is that you can fill it with whatever you like. While cheese is a must, you can experiment with different types of cheese and add a variety of other ingredients to create your perfect quesadilla. Here are some ideas for fillings to get you started:

Classic Cheese

Go back to basics with a blend of your favourite cheeses. Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. You could also add a sprinkle of Mexican seasoning for some extra flavour.

Chicken and Cheese

Add some protein to your quesadilla by including cooked and seasoned chicken strips or shredded rotisserie chicken.

Vegetarian Delight

Fill your quesadilla with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also mix in some black beans or corn for added texture and protein.

Spicy Jalapeño

For a kick of heat, add sliced jalapeños or diced green chillies. Serve with a creamy avocado or sour cream dipping sauce to balance the spice.

BBQ Chicken

Shred some cooked chicken and mix it with barbecue sauce, then layer it with cheese in your quesadilla. Add some thinly sliced red onions for extra flavour and crunch.

Breakfast Quesadilla

Make a breakfast version by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, and cheese. Serve with salsa or hot sauce for a morning kick.

Hawaiian Twist

Channel tropical vibes by adding diced pineapple and ham to your quesadilla. Sprinkle with a pinch of smoked paprika for a flavour boost.

Remember, the possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauces to create unique flavour profiles.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your cheese quesadilla in the air fryer will depend on the type of tortillas you use, how much filling you add, and your desired level of crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide with detailed instructions on cooking times and temperatures:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. Set your air fryer to 350°F/175°C. This temperature setting is ideal for achieving the perfect meltiness and crispiness in your quesadilla.

Prepare the Tortillas:

Place your tortillas on a flat surface. If using corn tortillas, brush both sides lightly with olive oil or another cooking oil. For flour tortillas, this step is optional, as some prefer the added crispiness, but it is not necessary.

Fill and Fold the Tortillas:

Add your desired fillings to one half of each tortilla. For a classic cheese quesadilla, sprinkle your chosen shredded cheese onto the tortillas. You can use a Mexican blend, Colby-Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or any combination of cheeses you prefer. Fold the tortillas in half, creating a quesadilla shape.

Secure with Toothpicks (Optional):

If your air fryer is large enough, you may want to secure the folded tortillas with toothpicks to prevent them from unfolding during cooking. This step is especially helpful if your air fryer has a strong fan that might blow open the quesadillas.

Place in the Air Fryer:

Carefully place the folded tortillas into the air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded, as this will impact cooking times and evenness.

Cook at 350°F/175°C:

Set your air fryer to cook at 350°F/175°C. The cooking time will vary depending on the number of tortillas and the amount of filling, but on average, it will take about 6 to 8 minutes for the quesadillas to cook through.

Flip Halfway Through:

To ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides, use tongs to flip the quesadillas halfway through the cooking process. This will help achieve that golden-brown, crispy texture on both sides.

Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:

Keep a close eye on your quesadillas, as different air fryer models and the varying thickness of quesadillas can impact the cooking time. You may need to add or subtract a minute or two from the cooking time to get them just right.

Remove and Serve:

Once the tortillas are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted, remove the quesadillas from the air fryer. Let them rest for a minute to allow the cheese to set, then slice and serve immediately.

Reheating Instructions:

If you have any leftover quesadillas, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F/175°C and cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked cheese quesadillas!

Reheating and storing

Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container or sealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To prevent them from getting soggy, separate them with paper towels.

Quesadillas can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in parchment paper, then place them in a freezer bag or container, ensuring they are laid flat.

The best way to reheat a quesadilla is to use an air fryer, as this will ensure the quesadilla is crispy on the outside and melty on the inside. Reheat at 350°F/175°C for 2-3 minutes, checking regularly and adding time in 1-2 minute increments as needed.

Alternatively, you can reheat a quesadilla in the microwave, but this will result in a softer tortilla.

Frequently asked questions