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

Chicken quesadillas are a quick and easy meal, perfect for using up leftovers. They are also a great option for those following a gluten-free diet. Making chicken quesadillas in an air fryer is an even faster method, and the results are crispy and golden.

How to Make a Chicken Quesadilla in an Air Fryer

Choosing your fillings

When it comes to choosing your fillings for a chicken quesadilla in the air fryer, the possibilities are endless!

Firstly, you'll want to decide on your protein. Cooked and shredded chicken is a popular choice, and you can use leftovers from a previous meal or a store-bought rotisserie chicken. If you're vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the chicken with your favourite veggies—peppers, mushrooms, and onions are a great option.

Next, you'll need cheese. Shredded cheese works best, and you can use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or any other melty variety that you like. You can also add more than one type of cheese for extra flavour.

If you want to add more veggies, try spinach, mushrooms, or even some salsa or pico de gallo for a Southwestern flair. For a Mediterranean-style quesadilla, add in sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and feta cheese.

For an extra kick of flavour, you can also add a sauce. A simple chilli-lime sauce can be made by whisking together sour cream, lime juice, chilli powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Finally, don't forget to choose your tortilla! You can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. If you want to make your quesadilla gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free tortilla.

With so many filling options, you can get creative and make your chicken quesadilla in the air fryer truly your own!

Assembly

To assemble a chicken quesadilla in an air fryer, you'll need to first preheat the air fryer to 325-350°F (170°C).

Then, prepare your fillings. You can fill your quesadilla with anything you like, but common fillings include guacamole, cheese, chicken, beans, salsa, and vegetables.

Next, place a tortilla on a flat surface and spread your desired fillings on top, leaving the edges clear so that the tortilla can seal shut. If you have a smaller air fryer, fold the tortilla in half. If you have a larger air fryer, place another tortilla on top to create a sandwich.

Finally, place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between the quesadillas for the hot air to circulate. Secure the quesadillas with toothpicks or a heavy, oven-safe object to prevent them from opening up during cooking.

Cooking

Preparation

Before you start cooking, you'll need to gather your ingredients. Most recipes suggest using cooked chicken, so make sure you have some shredded chicken to hand. You can use leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken. If you're cooking the chicken yourself, try seasoning it with fajita or taco seasoning.

You'll also need tortillas, cheese, and any other fillings or toppings you want to include. Popular options include guacamole, salsa, sour cream, avocado, jalapeno, beans, and spinach.

The cooking method is fairly consistent across the various recipes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 325-350°F (170°C).
• Prepare your tortilla by spreading your desired fillings on one half. Most recipes suggest using cheese, chicken, and sauce. For the sauce, you can use store-bought salsa, guacamole, or make your own chili-lime sauce by mixing sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Fold the tortilla in half, creating a quesadilla. If you're using two tortillas, place the fillings between the two tortillas.
• Secure the quesadilla with toothpicks to prevent it from opening up during cooking. You can also place a rack, trivet, or a heavy, oven-safe object on top of the quesadilla to keep it closed.
• Lightly spray or brush the quesadilla with oil. This will help it get crispy and golden without burning.
• Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket, leaving space around it for the hot air to circulate.
• Cook for around 6-10 minutes, flipping the quesadilla halfway through to ensure even cooking. The quesadilla is ready when the tortilla is golden and crisp, and the cheese has melted.
• Remove the quesadilla from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before cutting and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it less messy to slice.

Tips and Tricks

• If your quesadilla opens up during cooking due to the fan, simply press it closed or secure it with a toothpick.
• To make your quesadilla extra crispy, spritz the top with olive oil or brush with mayonnaise before cooking.
• If you prefer softer tortillas, wrap the quesadilla in foil before putting it in the air fryer.
• For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add your favorite veggies instead. Popular options include peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach.
• To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted again.

Now you're ready to cook your chicken quesadilla in the air fryer! Enjoy your delicious and crispy creation.

Customisation

Cheese

The type of cheese you use can make a big difference in the flavour and texture of your quesadilla. Here are some options to consider:

• Asiago: Smooth and crumbly with a strong salty flavour.
• Brie: Super milky and creamy, but can be pricey.
• Blue cheese crumbles: Extremely salty with a distinct mouldy flavour.
• Monterey jack: Mildly salty and sweet.
• Cheddar: Salty, rich, and creamy.
• Colby: Mild, buttery, and sweet.
• American cheese: Budget-friendly and tasty.
• Provolone: Rich and salty, sharp but not too strong.
• Havarti and Manchego: Salty, nutty, and buttery.
• Mozzarella and Gruyere: Stringy and ooey-gooey, perfect for melting.

Tortillas

You can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. If you want to make your quesadillas gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free corn tortillas. You can also use low-carb tortillas if you're watching your carb intake. The size of the tortilla will depend on the size of your air fryer; 8-inch or 10-inch tortillas are commonly used.

Fillings

The fillings are where you can really get creative and customise your quesadilla to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Chicken: Use cooked and shredded chicken, or chicken strips from Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. You can also use store-bought rotisserie chicken or make your own shredded chicken.
• Beans: Try fried beans, black beans, or refried beans.
• Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes are all great options.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and heart-healthy fats.
• Jalapenos: For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapenos.
• Other proteins: If you're making a vegetarian quesadilla, you can use mock chicken, crumbled tempeh, tofu, or extra beans.

Toppings

To take your quesadilla to the next level, don't forget the toppings! Here are some options:

• Guacamole: Adds a creamy texture and fresh flavour.
• Sour cream: A classic topping for quesadillas.
• Salsa: Try pico de gallo or your favourite roasted salsa.
• Greek yoghurt: A tangy and healthy alternative to sour cream.
• Edamame guacamole: For an extra boost of nutrients.
• Homemade chipotle sauce: Spicy and flavourful.

Storage

Chicken quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, straight out of the air fryer while they're hot and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the crispiness of the tortillas, it is recommended to wrap the quesadillas in foil before storing them.

To reheat, simply place the quesadillas back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy again. You can also use an oven toaster or a microwave to reheat.

If you want to store the quesadillas for a more extended period, you can freeze them. Double-wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminium foil and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen quesadillas, defrost them on the counter for about 15 minutes, then put them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes. Alternatively, you can air fry them straight from frozen at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Frequently asked questions