Quick, crispy, and utterly irresistible – this Air Fryer Quesadilla delivers restaurant-quality results in just 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings, this foolproof recipe transforms basic tortillas and cheese into a golden-brown masterpiece with perfectly melted filling.
At just 293 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy this Mexican classic without the extra oil from traditional pan-frying methods. The air fryer creates that ideal crispy exterior while maintaining a gooey, cheesy interior that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Quesadilla
- Tortillas: 6 pieces (flour or corn – both work great!)
- Shredded Cheese: 1 cup (use your favorite melting cheese)
- Oil Spray: Optional, but helps achieve golden crispiness
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Base Layer: Place your first tortilla in the air fryer basket, creating a perfect foundation
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1/3 cup cheese evenly across the tortilla – this ensures perfect melty coverage!
- Top Layer: Add the second tortilla gently on top of your cheese layer
- Optional Crisp Boost: Lightly spray the top tortilla with oil for extra crispiness
- Secure Your Creation: Use a trivet or toothpicks to keep tortillas in place while cooking
- Air Frying Magic: Cook at 350°F for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness
- Final Touch: Cut into triangles while hot and serve these golden, crispy treats!
Cooking Techniques
Want that perfect golden-brown crunch? The air fryer makes it super easy! A light spray of oil helps create that restaurant-style crispy exterior. If your tortilla keeps flying around in the air fryer (yes, it happens!), try using toothpicks at the edges or placing a light trivet on top. Just remember to check halfway through cooking – this helps both sides get evenly crispy.
Variations
While plain cheese is always yummy, you can turn this basic quesadilla into something special! Try mixing different cheeses like sharp cheddar and monterey jack. Add some pre-cooked chicken, beef, or beans for protein. Love spicy food? Sprinkle in some diced jalapeños or add a layer of green chiles. For vegetable lovers, toss in some sautéed peppers and onions or fresh spinach.
Serving Suggestions
Make your quesadilla even better with some tasty toppings! Serve with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. A side of Mexican rice or black beans makes it a complete meal. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime and sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top. Don’t forget the hot sauce if you like heat!
Storage Tips
These quesadillas taste best right out of the air fryer while the cheese is melty and the tortilla is crispy. If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F – they’ll crisp right up again!
Air Fryer Quesadilla
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 6 Tortillas flour or corn
- 1 C Shredded Cheese
- Oil Spray optional
Instructions
- Place one tortilla face down in the air fryer.
- Place 1/3 cup of cheese on the tortilla and spread it evenly.
- Place another tortilla on top of the cheese/tortilla combination.
- Optionally: you can spray a bit of oil on the tortilla to help it crisp up. If you want you can place a trivet on top of the tortilla so it doesn’t blow around in the air fryer or you can hold it together with toothpicks.
- Air Fry at 350F/176C for 5 minutes. Flip mid way through cooking.
- Cut air fryer quesadilla into triangles and enjoy!
