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

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option that can be made in under 15 minutes. They are versatile, nutritious, and can be customised with a variety of fillings and ingredients. The air fryer ensures that the tortilla is perfectly crisp and the cheese is melted to perfection.

Choosing your fillings

The best thing about making quesadillas is that you can fill them with just about anything. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Proteins

Any leftover meat works great, including rotisserie chicken, taco meat, shredded chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork. You can also use tofu, beans, or refried beans to make it vegetarian.

Vegetables

The options are endless. Fajita veggies, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos, onions, bell peppers, spinach, corn, sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, zucchini, and black beans are all great options.

Cheese

Cheese is essential for binding your quesadillas together and making them extra gooey and delicious. Shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend (including cheddar and Monterey Jack) are popular choices, but you can also use mozzarella, Swiss, pepper jack, gouda, or any other cheese that melts well.

Other fillings

You can add classic Mexican seasonings, such as taco seasoning, or experiment with different seasonings like Italian herbs (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram). You can also add pickled jalapenos, cilantro, onion, or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Assembly

To make a quesadilla in an air fryer, you'll need to assemble your ingredients before cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide to assembling your quesadilla:

Firstly, place your tortilla on a flat surface. You can use either a flour or corn tortilla, depending on your preference. Spread your fillings on one half of the tortilla. Common filling options include refried beans, cheese, shredded chicken, roasted vegetables, salsa, or any leftover meat. You can get creative with your fillings and add whatever you like.

Next, sprinkle cheese on top of your fillings. You can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or any other cheese of your choice. Then, fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape. Repeat this process with another tortilla if you're making more than one quesadilla.

Before placing the quesadillas in the air fryer, you can lightly brush or spray the outside of the tortilla with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is optional but will help achieve a crispier texture.

Now, place the quesadillas in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might be able to cook two quesadillas at once. If your quesadillas have a tendency to open up during cooking, you can use toothpicks or a metal trivet to keep them closed.

Finally, cook your quesadillas according to your air fryer's instructions. The cooking time and temperature may vary, but generally, you'll want to cook them at around 350°F to 400°F for about 5-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Once the quesadillas are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before slicing and serving. You can serve them with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or Greek yogurt on the side.

Cooking method

Ingredients

To make two quesadillas, you will need:

• Two 10-inch tortillas (either flour or corn)
• 1/2 cup of cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil (or olive oil cooking spray)
• Your choice of fillings (e.g. refried beans, chicken, spinach, bell peppers, etc.)

Method

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).

Next, prepare your quesadilla. Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spread your desired fillings on one half. It is recommended to start and end with a layer of cheese, so begin by sprinkling some cheese on the tortilla, then add your fillings, and finish with another sprinkling of cheese. Finally, fold the tortilla in half. Repeat this process with the second tortilla.

Some recipes suggest lightly brushing olive oil onto one side of the tortilla or spraying it with olive oil cooking spray before adding the fillings.

Now, place the quesadillas in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook two quesadillas at once. If your quesadillas have a tendency to puff up or open during cooking, you can use a toothpick or two to secure the top tortilla to the rest of the quesadilla, or place a metal trivet or a piece of foil on top to keep them closed.

Cook the quesadillas for around 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides. The quesadillas are ready when they are golden and crispy, and the cheese has melted.

Serve immediately with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or Greek yoghurt.

Customisation

The classic combination of refried beans and cheese is always a good place to start, but don't be afraid to get creative. Leftover rotisserie chicken, roasted veggies, tofu, or even just cheese on its own would all make delicious fillings. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or Swiss.

You can also mix and match various proteins and vegetables to create your own unique flavour profiles. Try using leftover meat like rotisserie chicken or taco meat, or go vegetarian with tofu, beans, or even smashed white beans. For vegetables, fajita veggies, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos, onions, and bell peppers will all add a burst of flavour and texture.

If you're looking to add some spice to your quesadilla, amp up the heat with pickled jalapeno slices, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes. You can also play around with different seasonings like Italian herbs, including oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.

The customisation options are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different fillings may require slight modifications.

Storage and reheating

Allow your quesadillas to cool completely before storing them. You can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to five days.

If you want to freeze your quesadillas, place them in a Ziploc bag and keep them frozen for a maximum of three months.

The best way to reheat your quesadillas is to use an air fryer, as this will ensure the outside stays crispy and the inside remains gooey and melty. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C) and air fry the quesadillas for 2-5 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they are warmed through and crispy.

You can also reheat your quesadillas in the oven or a toaster oven, but the texture may vary.

Frequently asked questions