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

Steak quesadillas are a delicious, crunchy, and cheesy snack. They are easy to make and can be prepared in an air fryer for a quick meal. The air fryer ensures the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted to perfection. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste, with various fillings, toppings, and seasonings.

Choosing your cheese

Choosing the right cheese for your steak quesadillas is essential to achieving the perfect flavour and texture. Here are some tips to help you select the best cheese for your air fryer steak quesadillas:

Types of Cheese

The most commonly used cheese for quesadillas is a shredded Mexican cheese blend, typically consisting of Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack. This blend offers a nice balance of sharp flavour from the Cheddar and a gooey, melty texture from the Colby and Jack. If you prefer a milder flavour, Monterey Jack on its own is a good option, as its texture is ideal for quesadillas.

Other cheese options include Pepper Jack, which will give your quesadillas a spicy kick, or smoked Gouda, which adds an umami taste. You can also use shredded cheddar cheese, which tends to pair well with various fillings. If you're feeling creative, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese that melt well, such as mozzarella or even a blend of your favourite cheeses.

Amount of Cheese

When it comes to the amount of cheese to use, a thin layer of shredded cheese is recommended. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and helps prevent it from melting out into the air fryer. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your preference, but remember that too much cheese might affect the texture and cooking time of your quesadillas.

Cheese Placement

To achieve the perfect cheese pull and ensure that your quesadillas stay intact during cooking, it's important to place the cheese strategically. Start by sprinkling cheese on one half of the tortilla, then add your steak and other fillings. Finally, top with another layer of cheese before folding the tortilla or adding the second tortilla on top. This sandwich effect of cheese will help bind everything together.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover quesadillas, you can store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-4 months.

When reheating your steak quesadillas, the air fryer is your best bet to retain their crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the quesadillas for 2-5 minutes, depending on whether they are wrapped in foil or not.

Selecting the right steak

Type of Steak

Start by choosing a suitable type of steak. Flank steak, skirt steak, and ribeye are popular choices for quesadillas. These cuts are tender, flavourful, and relatively inexpensive. You can also opt for other cuts such as sirloin, top round, or strip steak. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, chuck eye is a good alternative.

Freshness and Quality

Always select high-quality, fresh steak from a trusted source. Look for meat with bright red colours and a small amount of marbling (fat distributed within the muscle). Avoid steaks with excessive fat or those that appear dull and greyish.

Amount and Thickness

For quesadillas, it's best to slice the steak thinly, ideally no thicker than 1/8 inch. This ensures that the steak cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer and prevents it from becoming too chewy. Consider the number of quesadillas you plan to make and choose an appropriate amount of steak.

Seasoning

Seasoning the steak enhances its flavour. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Alternatively, try seasoning with lime juice and cumin for a zesty kick. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to find a combination that suits your taste.

Preparation

Before cooking the steak, pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the steak form a delicious crust when cooked. You can cook the steak specifically for the quesadillas or use leftover steak, ensuring it's chopped into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the quesadillas.

Remember, the key to selecting the right steak is to focus on freshness, quality, and proper preparation. By choosing the right type of steak, seasoning it well, and slicing it thinly, you'll be well on your way to creating mouth-watering steak quesadillas in your air fryer.

Preparing your air fryer

Firstly, it is important to ensure your air fryer is clean and ready for use. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning guidelines for your model. Most air fryers have a removable basket or tray that can be washed with warm soapy water and thoroughly dried before use. A clean air fryer will ensure your food tastes great and prevent any residual flavours from previous meals.

Next, you will need to decide on the size and type of tortilla you wish to use. Fajita-sized tortillas are the smallest and will fit well in most air fryer baskets. If you have a larger air fryer, you may be able to use soft taco-sized tortillas, but be aware that they may not fit as snugly and the edges could become crinkled. It is also important to consider the type of tortilla; flour tortillas are the most common choice for quesadillas and will give you that perfect crisp texture when air-fried. However, if you are gluten-intolerant or prefer a different option, corn tortillas are a great gluten-free alternative.

Now it's time to prepare your fillings. The beauty of quesadillas is that you can get creative and choose your own fillings. The most important filling is definitely the cheese! A shredded Mexican cheese blend of Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack is a great option for flavour and texture. You could also use just Monterey Jack for a milder flavour and excellent meltiness. Other cheese options include Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or Smoked Gouda for an umami taste. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different cheeses, but avoid hard cheeses as they don't melt well.

In addition to cheese, you can add a variety of fillings to your quesadillas. Steak, of course, is the star of this dish. Skirt steak is an excellent choice as it is tender and has an intense beefy flavour. Season your steak with lime juice and cumin, and be sure to chop it finely so that it spreads evenly throughout the quesadilla. You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, tomatoes, or mushrooms. If you want to boost the protein content, try adding shredded chicken, beef, or black beans.

Finally, gather your equipment and tools. You will need a flat surface to assemble your quesadillas, a bowl to mix your fillings, and some cooking spray or olive oil to brush on the tortillas. You may also want to use toothpicks to secure the tortillas or a small weight to place on top during cooking to prevent them from opening up.

With your air fryer clean, your fillings prepared, and your equipment ready, you are now all set to start making your steak quesadillas!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature for your steak quesadillas in the air fryer will depend on the type of air fryer you have. Some sources suggest a temperature of 350°F, while others suggest 370°F or 375°F. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding your quesadillas.

The cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your quesadillas. It should take between 6 and 10 minutes for your steak quesadillas to cook in the air fryer. You should flip your quesadillas halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides. Keep a close eye on your quesadillas, especially in the first few minutes of cooking, as you may need to press them down with a spatula if the tortilla has lifted away from the fillings. Your quesadillas are ready when the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

Serving suggestions

Steak quesadillas are a delicious, crunchy, and cheesy snack. They can be served as a snack or paired with rice and beans for a full meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried steak quesadilla experience:

Dips and Sides:

• Salsa: Offer a variety of salsas, from mild to spicy, to add a zesty kick to your quesadillas.
• Sour cream: A cool and creamy dip to balance the spiciness of the salsa.
• Guacamole: Avocado lovers will enjoy this creamy and flavorful dip.
• Greek yoghurt: A tangy and healthy alternative to sour cream.
• Black bean and corn salsa: A hearty and flavorful side dish.
• Rice: A staple side dish that complements the quesadillas.
• Beans: Refried beans or black beans are classic fillings or sides for quesadillas.

Toppings:

• Jalapenos: Add some pickled jalapeno slices for an extra spicy kick.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves add a bright, herbal flavor.
• Onion: Chopped red or green onions provide a crisp texture and a mild onion flavor.

Proteins:

• Chicken: Shredded or rotisserie chicken adds a hearty protein boost.
• Shrimp: For a surf-and-turf twist, try adding some shrimp to your quesadillas.
• Ground beef: Seasoned ground beef transforms your quesadillas into tasty taco-inspired treats.

Vegetables:

• Bell peppers: Colorful and crisp, bell peppers add a touch of sweetness.
• Sauteed mushrooms: For an earthy, savory note, include some sauteed mushrooms.
• Spinach: Add a handful of baby spinach for a nutritious boost.
• Tomatoes: Dice some ripe tomatoes for a juicy and colorful addition.
• Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and a subtle vegetable flavor.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings, proteins, and vegetables to find your favorite variations!

Frequently asked questions