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

Air fryers are a convenient and mess-free way to make cheese quesadillas. They are quick to make, can be easily customised, and are a great option for a weeknight dinner or a snack. The air fryer makes the tortilla perfectly crisp and the cheese melted to perfection.

Choosing your cheese

The cheese is the star of the quesadilla, so it's important to choose the right one. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you select the perfect cheese for your air fryer quesadilla:

Types of Cheese

You can use a variety of cheeses for your quesadilla, depending on your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some options:

• Mexican Cheese Blend: This typically includes a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, providing a gooey and tasty filling.
• Vegetarian Cheese: If you're vegetarian, look for a suitable substitute for regular cheese.
• Mozzarella: As mentioned by one source, mozzarella is a great vegetarian option and pairs well with refried beans.
• Cheddar Cheese: A classic, sharp cheddar will give your quesadilla a nice kick.
• Pepper Jack: If you like your quesadillas spicy, pepper jack cheese will add some heat.
• Smoked Gouda: For a smoky, umami flavour, try smoked gouda.

It's best to avoid hard cheeses, as they don't melt well. Freshly grated cheese is recommended, as it tends to melt better and has a superior flavour compared to store-bought shredded cheese.

Amount of Cheese

Be careful not to overfill your quesadilla with too much cheese. You want the cheese to be gooey and contained inside the tortilla, not oozing out into your air fryer. Follow a recipe or use your judgement to add just the right amount.

Other Ingredients

While cheese is the star, you can also add other ingredients to enhance your quesadilla. Some popular options include:

• Refried beans
• Chicken
• Beef
• Vegetables (e.g. onion, bell peppers, spinach)
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Guacamole

Selecting the right tortillas

First, consider the size of your air fryer basket. Soft taco-sized tortillas work well for most air fryers, but if your tortillas are too big, you can always trim the edges with kitchen scissors. Smaller tortillas are also an option and will fit more easily into your air fryer. It's important to leave enough space for the hot air to circulate, so the quesadillas become perfectly crispy.

The type of tortilla you choose is also important. Flour tortillas are a popular choice and will give you that crispy exterior. Corn tortillas are a good gluten-free option, but remember to brush them with a little oil before placing them in the air fryer. You can also make your own homemade tortillas if you're feeling adventurous!

When preparing your quesadillas, be careful not to overfill them with cheese, as this can cause the cheese to ooze out into your air fryer. A light sprinkling of cheese will give you that gooey texture on the inside without making a mess. If you're using store-bought shredded cheese, try to use a brand that melts well. Freshly grated cheese is even better and will give your quesadillas a more delicious, melty texture.

Lastly, to prevent your tortillas from flying around in the air fryer, you can try a few tricks. Some people suggest microwaving the tortillas for a few seconds first to slightly melt the cheese and help hold the tortilla together. You can also try brushing the tortillas with butter or oil, or using toothpicks to secure them.

Filling options

The beauty of making a quesadilla in an air fryer is that you can fill it with whatever you like. The air fryer will make the tortilla perfectly crisp and the cheese melted to perfection. Here are some ideas for fillings to get you started:

Classic Combination

You can't go wrong with the classic combination of refried beans and cheese. This is a great option if you're short on time or ingredients. Simply spread the refried beans over half of the tortilla, sprinkle cheese on top, then fold the tortilla in half.

Chicken

Shredded chicken is a great option for adding some protein to your quesadilla. You can use the meat from a rotisserie chicken or try the buffalo chicken recipe suggested by Nourished by Nic. For a heartier quesadilla, add some shredded beef or ground beef or turkey.

Pork

Shredded cooked pork is a delicious option, especially with a little barbecue sauce.

Seafood

Cooked shrimp makes a tasty quesadilla filling.

Vegetables

Finely diced onion, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, and sweet potatoes are all great options for adding some extra nutrients to your quesadilla. If you're short on time, try using roasted veggies.

Beans

Black beans or refried beans are a great source of fibre and protein, and they taste delicious in a quesadilla.

Bacon

Cooked, crumbled bacon pieces are always a hit.

Jalapenos

Add some jalapenos for a little extra spice.

Salsa

A spoonful of salsa inside your quesadilla will add a nice kick of flavour.

Cheese

Of course, the type of cheese you use is important too. You can use a Mexican blend, mozzarella, cheddar, or a dairy-free alternative. If you have the time, try grating the cheese yourself for a meltier, more delicious quesadilla.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making a cheese quesadilla in an air fryer will depend on the type and amount of cheese and tortilla you are using, as well as your preferred level of crispiness and meltiness. Most recipes recommend cooking your quesadilla for around 5–8 minutes at 350°F/175°C, flipping it halfway through to ensure even cooking. However, some recipes suggest cooking at a higher temperature of 375°F.

It's important to note that every air fryer cooks differently, and the brand and capacity of your air fryer may affect the cooking time. It's recommended to keep a close eye on your quesadilla while it's cooking and adjust the time as needed.

To achieve a crispy quesadilla, you can spray the tortillas with olive oil or brush them lightly with oil before placing them in the air fryer. Additionally, if you are using corn tortillas, it's best to brush both sides with a little oil to prevent them from drying out.

If you are adding fillings to your quesadilla, such as refried beans, chicken, or vegetables, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It's important not to overfill your quesadilla, as this can cause the cheese to ooze out during cooking.

When assembling your quesadilla, leave a small border around the edge of the tortilla to prevent the filling from oozing out. If your quesadilla opens up during cooking due to the air fryer fan, simply press it closed or secure it with a toothpick.

Serving suggestions

Sides

• Mexican rice
• Green chilli chicken enchiladas
• Air fryer broccoli
• A salad (e.g. this kale harvest salad)
• Homemade refried beans
• Zesty bowl of Mexican rice
• Crispy bacon bits

Dips

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Greek yoghurt
• Salsa
• Edamame guacamole
• Homemade salsa

Drinks

Margaritas

Frequently asked questions