This air fryer quesadilla is the quickest and easiest small meal! Golden, crispy tortillas meet warm, gooey cheese inside. A perfect crunch leads to a hearty, comforting cheese core. Quick, easy and so delicious!
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If you have an air fryer, you are just minutes away from the perfect air fryer quesadilla. No more soggy kernels or unevenly cooked tortillas! Your air fryer ensures an incredibly crispy exterior and perfectly melted cheese every time.
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It’s the best trick for busy nights, quick snacks, or simple clean-up. Get ready to make amazing quesadillas in under 10 minutes!
Why you’ll love this air fryer quesadilla recipe
This air fryer quesadilla isn’t just easy; It’s a game changer! Here’s why you can do it with repetition:
- Lightning fast: With minimal preparation and a short cook time, you can make a hot, cheesy quesadilla in under 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a last minute snack!
- Effortlessly crispy: The air fryer circulates hot air and gives your tortillas an irresistible golden brown crunch without excess oil. Say goodbye to greasy quesadillas!
- Child friendly: Simple ingredients and a fun, customizable format make it a big hit with kids and picky eaters.
- Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic base for endless flavor combinations. Customize it with your favorite fillings!
- Easy cleaning: Less mess than a traditional frying pan, making cleaning a breeze.
- Check these out Vegetable quesadillas for another easy dinner idea!
Ingredients and Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card below to see the entire Air Fryer Quesadilla recipe.
First, we recommend using homemade tortillas or whole wheat tortillas. Check out ours Whole wheat tortillas or ours Corn tortillas.
Fill your tortillas with grated cheese. We love a Mexican cheese blend or mozzarella. For a more intense flavor, add some sharp cheddar cheese.
Finally, coat the air fryer basket and tortillas with olive oil spray. This makes the quesadilla particularly crispy and delicious!
Taste and texture
When it comes to flavor and texture, this air fryer quesadilla really hits the mark. The outer layer is perfectly golden and wonderfully crispy, providing a delicious crunch in every bite.
This crunch beautifully envelops a core filled with warm, fully melted and satisfying cheese. It’s the ideal combination that makes this quick meal so good!
How to do it
Step 1
Start by spraying the basket of your air fryer. Place a tortilla flat in the basket of your air fryer. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly on top and then place the second tortilla on top.
Step 2
Spray the top of the quesadilla with olive oil spray. This will make it golden brown and crispy in the air fryer.
Step 3
Air fry at 400°F until crispy and golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes.
Step 4
Finally, let it cool for a minute and then cut into wedges. Serve with salsa, sour cream or guacamole if desired!
Expert tips and tricks for the perfect air-fried quesadilla
- Not overloaded: This is perhaps the most important tip! Too much cheese or filling will cause the edges to melt and create a sticky mess. Stick to the recommended amount of cheese and add other ingredients sparingly.
- Even distribution of cheese: Spread your cheese as evenly as possible to ensure each wedge melts evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer (optional but recommended): While not entirely necessary for this quick recipe, preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes can help produce even crispier results.
- Single layer is the key: Cook one quesadilla at a time to ensure good air circulation and even cooking. If the basket is too full, the result will be less crispy.
- Take a close look: The models of hot air fryers can be different. So keep a close eye on your quesadilla. The goal is golden brown and crispy, not burnt!
- Use good quality tortillas: Fresher, good quality tortillas will crisp up better and have a nicer flavor.
Flavor variations and add-ins
The beauty of a quesadilla lies in its adaptability! Once you master the basic cheese version, the possibilities are endless.
Protein power-up:
- Cooked chicken: Shredded Roast chickenleft over grilled chickenor even cooked in cubes chicken breast.
- Seasoned Ground Beef/Turkey: Cooked with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex touch.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained, they add protein and fiber.
- Pulled pork: For a hearty, savory option.
- Shrimp: Sauteed and chopped for a seafood quesadilla.
Vegetable boost:
- Sautéed Onions and Peppers: Classic fajita vegetables.
- Spinach: Wilted before adding or fresh for a healthier kick.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed for an earthy flavor.
- Corn: Canned or fresh, provides sweetness and crunch.
- Jalapenos: Freshly sliced or pickled for a spicy kick.
- Cheese mixtures: Experiment with different types of cheese! A mix of mozzarella and provolone for a pizza-like quesadilla or Pepper Jack for extra spice.
- Spice it up: A pinch of chili powder, cumin, or a dash of hot sauce mixed with your cheese can enhance the flavor.
- Breakfast Quesadilla: Add scrambled eggsBoiled sausage and a pinch of cheddar for a delicious breakfast on the go.
How to serve and store it
Serving suggestions:
Air fryer quesadillas are amazing on their own, but with the right accompaniments they really shine.
- Classic dips: Salsa, sour cream and guacamole are always a crowd pleaser.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh and lively, it highlights the richness of the cheese.
- Hot sauce: For everyone who likes that extra kick.
- Coriander-lime cream: A creamy, spicy and herbal sauce.
- Refried Beans and Rice: To make it a more complete meal.
Storage and warming up:
Although air fryer quesadillas are best eaten immediately for optimal crispiness, you can save leftovers if needed.
Storage: Wrap the cooled quesadilla wedges tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Warm up: The best way to reheat and crisp up an air fryer quesadilla is – you guessed it – in the air fryer! Place the cold quesadilla in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Alternatively, you can use a frying pan over medium heat for a few minutes per side. Avoid microwave as it will make your quesadilla soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Corn tortillas work wonderfully in the air fryer and can offer a different texture and flavor. They may get a little crispier quicker, so keep an eye on them.
Although not entirely necessary for this recipe, preheating for a few minutes can help ensure more even cooking and a crispier result.
You probably used too much cheese! Remember the “don’t overload” tip. For two standard tortillas, you should use 1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded cheese.
It’s best to cook one quesadilla at a time to ensure good air circulation and even crispiness. Overfilling the air fryer basket can result in a less crispy and unevenly cooked result.
If you have a very powerful air fryer and a very light quesadilla (especially without a lot of filling), sometimes the top tortilla may come apart. It may help to press the top tortilla firmly before air frying, or place a light, ovenproof rack on top (if your air fryer has one). However, with a standard cheese quesadilla, this is rarely a problem.
Equipment needed
Air fryer: This basket style air fryer is great for making crispy air fryer quesadillas.
Check out all of ours Kitchen favorites!
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