In just minutes, whip up this easy air fryer quesadilla recipe for a perfectly crispy tortilla filled with gooey, melted cheese. No butter or oil required—just cheese and tortillas straight into the air fryer!
The Best Cheese Quesadilla
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadillas are amazing! If you are looking for a quick lunch or snack, this is one of my kid’s favorite.
Made with a quick cheese filling and then layered on the toppings. This is truly one of the best things you can make in the air fryer. And it comes together in minutes.
While you can add any fillings that you want, I went with a traditional cheese quesadilla, but the possibilities are truly endless.
If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Quick Lunch Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER WEIGHT WATCHER GRILLED CHEESE, AIR FRYER BLACKBERRY & GOAT CHEESE SANDWICHES, AIR FRYER GRILLED CHEESE PIZZA SANDWICHES, and AIR FRYER BLT WITH HARD-BOILED EGGS.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Incredibly Easy
- Kid-Friendly (even your pickiest eater–can create his/her own creation)
- So delicious, there is nothing better than a warm cheese filling, oozing out.
What You Will Need
Whether you prefer to keep it simple or get creative, quesadillas offer endless possibilities. While you can certainly add cooked meats and vegetables, this demonstration focuses on just two essential ingredients!
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Cheese: Choose your preferred cheeses for your quesadillas; I typically opt for a Mexican blend readily available at Costco, though any cheese you enjoy will suffice for a delicious outcome. For an even more flavorful quesadilla, fresh grated cheese is a fantastic option.
- Tortillas: t soft taco size tortillas fit perfectly inside the basket. If your tortillas are too large, simply trim around the edges with kitchen scissors; smaller tortillas also work well for this recipe.
How To Make Quesadillas In Air Fryer
Making quesadillas in the air fryer is simple and delicious! Here’s how:
Place your tortilla on a cutting board, and then sprinkle the cheese on top.
Place some toothpicks in the quesadilla to help weigh it down (sometimes the tortilla will fly into the heating element), or depending on the size of your air fryer, fold in half.
Set the tortilla into the air fryer and air fry for 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 6 to 8 minutes. If you want the tortilla to crisp up, add a few sprays of cooking spray.
Garnish with your favorite toppings, plate, serve, and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before adding the quesadillas. This ensures that they cook evenly and crisply from the start.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the quesadillas from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the quesadillas with too many ingredients, as this can make them difficult to flip and may cause the filling to spill out.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flip the quesadillas halfway through the cooking time to ensure that both sides cook evenly and become golden brown.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the quesadillas as they cook and adjust the cooking time as needed based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the quesadillas.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the quesadillas to rest for a minute or two after removing them from the air fryer. This helps the cheese set and makes them easier to slice.
- Experiment with Fillings: Get creative with your quesadilla fillings! Try different combinations of cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauces to create unique flavor profiles.
Cheese Quesadilla Filling Options
Here are some delicious cheese quesadilla filling options to try:
- Classic Cheese: Stick to the basics with a blend of your favorite cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. Add a sprinkle of Mexican seasoning for extra flavor.
- Chicken and Cheese: Add cooked and seasoned chicken strips to your cheese quesadilla for a protein-packed twist. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Vegetarian Delight: Load up your quesadilla with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. Mix in some black beans or corn for added texture and protein.
- Spicy Jalapeño: For a kick of heat, add sliced jalapeños or diced green chilies to your cheese quesadilla. Pair with a creamy avocado or sour cream dipping sauce to balance the spice.
- BBQ Chicken: Mix shredded cooked chicken with barbecue sauce and layer it with cheese in your quesadilla. Add thinly sliced red onions for extra flavor and crunch.
- Breakfast Quesadilla: Make a breakfast version by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, and cheese to your quesadilla. Serve with salsa or hot sauce for a morning kick.
- Hawaiian Twist: Channel tropical vibes by adding diced pineapple and ham to your cheese quesadilla. Sprinkle with a pinch of smoked paprika for a flavor boost.
Faqs Cheese Quesadilla In Air Fryer
Can I use any type of tortillas for Air Fryer Quesadillas? Yes, you can use any type of tortillas you prefer, such as flour, corn, or whole wheat, depending on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Do I need to preheat the Air Fryer for Quesadillas? Preheating the Air Fryer is recommended for best results. Preheating ensures that the quesadillas cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
How long do I cook Quesadillas in the Air Fryer? Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the tortillas and the fillings used. Generally, Air Fryer Quesadillas cook in about 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway through.
Can I add toppings to the Quesadillas before cooking? Yes, you can add toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro before cooking. Just be mindful not to overload the quesadillas, as too many toppings can make them difficult to flip.
How do I prevent the Quesadillas from sticking to the Air Fryer basket? Using parchment paper or lightly spraying the Air Fryer basket with cooking spray can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I make Quesadillas ahead of time and reheat them in the Air Fryer? Yes, you can make Quesadillas ahead of time and reheat them in the Air Fryer. Simply cook the quesadillas as directed, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the quesadillas in the Air Fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER CHEESY BLACK BEAN QUESADILLAS
- AIR FRYER CARAMELIZED ONION AND MUSHROOM QUESADILLA
- INSTANT POT BUFFALO CHICKEN QUESADILLAS
- AIR FRYER BANANA NUTELLA QUESADILLA
- AIR FRYER, EGGS & CHEESE BREAKFAST QUESADILLA
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Easy Air Fryer Quesadilla
Description
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings: Guacamole, Sour Cream, Salsa, Diced Tomatoes, Cilantro, etc.
Instructions
- Place your tortilla on a cutting board, and then sprinkle the cheese on top.
- Place some toothpicks in the quesadilla to help weigh it down (sometimes the tortilla will fly into the heating element), or depending on the size of your air fryer, fold in half.
- Set the tortilla into the air fryer and air fry for 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 6 to 8 minutes. If you want the tortilla to crisp up, add a few sprays of cooking spray.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings, plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Toothpicks
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
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Janet Livingston
If you add chicken to the quesadilla,
would your pre cook chicken or add it raw in the shell?
Laurie
Precooked.
Mark
I’m new to air fryer “world” love using it. Unfortunately I don’t have toothpicks to close quesadillas. Can I use wooden stir sticks or paperclips?
Janet
I wouldnt use anything with metal in the air fryer, thats just my opinion. Isnt wood sticks the same as tooth picks? Good luck!