Ingredients and preparation
To make delicious air fryer quesadillas, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together quickly for a satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour tortillas – Soft, medium-sized tortillas work best for folding and crisping in the air fryer.
- Shredded cheese – A Mexican blend or cheddar cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
- Cooked protein – Grilled chicken, beef, or even shrimp are great options. You can also use beans for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetables – Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even corn add extra flavor and texture.
- Olive oil or cooking spray – A light coating helps the tortillas crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
- Seasonings – A pinch of salt, pepper, cumin, or chili powder can enhance the flavor of your filling.
Before you start assembling your quesadillas, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Shred the cheese, cook and slice your protein, and sauté any vegetables you plan to use. This will make the assembly process quick and easy.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble and cook your quesadillas in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly crispy and melty quesadilla:
- Step 1: Assemble the quesadilla – Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla. Add your cooked protein, such as grilled chicken or beef, followed by any sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top to help the quesadilla stick together when it melts. Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
- Step 2: Prepare the air fryer – Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. While it’s preheating, lightly brush both sides of the folded quesadilla with olive oil or spray it with cooking spray. This will help the tortilla crisp up nicely.
- Step 3: Cook the quesadilla – Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket, making sure it lies flat and isn’t overlapping with other quesadillas. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them one at a time. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. The quesadilla should be golden brown and crispy on both sides, with the cheese fully melted inside.
- Step 4: Check for doneness – After the cooking time is up, carefully open the air fryer and check the quesadilla. If it needs more crisping, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Step 5: Slice and serve – Once the quesadilla is done, remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let it cool for a minute or two before slicing it into wedges. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime.
Tips for perfect quesadillas
To ensure your air fryer quesadillas turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks that will elevate your dish:
- Don’t overfill the quesadilla – While it’s tempting to pack your quesadilla with lots of fillings, too much can make it difficult to fold and may cause the ingredients to spill out during cooking. Stick to a moderate amount of cheese, protein, and vegetables to ensure everything stays neatly inside.
- Use the right cheese – Cheese is the glue that holds your quesadilla together. Opt for cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Preheat the air fryer – Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and helps the tortillas crisp up faster. A quick 3-minute preheat at 350°F (175°C) is usually sufficient.
- Flip halfway through – To achieve an evenly crispy quesadilla, make sure to flip it halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides get that golden-brown crunch without overcooking one side.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so it’s important not to overcrowd the basket. If you’re making multiple quesadillas, cook them in batches to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness – If your quesadilla is on the thicker side due to extra fillings, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, and check for doneness by ensuring the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is crispy.
- Let it rest before slicing – After removing the quesadilla from the air fryer, let it rest for a minute or two before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut without the fillings spilling out.
- Experiment with seasonings – Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings. A sprinkle of cumin, smoked paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce inside the quesadilla can add an extra layer of flavor. You can also season the outside of the tortilla with a pinch of salt or chili powder before cooking for an added kick.