Air Fryer Quesadillas

Air Fryer Quesadillas – 10 minute weeknight meal, snack or appetizer! Crispy tortillas filled with melty cheese and any favorites: chicken, beef, shrimp, roasted veggies, beans.

Quesadillas are best made in the air fryer. There. I said it and I stand by it.

Crispy outside, melty cheesy – beef, chicken, bean or veggie inside. The choice is yours and it may be the ultimate use of fridge leftovers.

This tasty recipe makes dinner a snap and cleanup even quicker.

Why this recipe works:

• Fill these beauties with anything you have on hand from chicken to beef, vegetables, beans – even shrimp!
• They’re ideal for a quick lunch, school snack or busy weeknight meal.
• The air fryer makes sure the tortilla is crispy while the inside goodies are warmed perfect.
• The whole thing cooks in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients you’ll need to make Air Fryer Quesadillas:

Below are the ingredients – adjust filling amounts based upon the size of your tortillas and how many ingredients you’re using.

1. tortillas – flour, corn, low carb – your choice – that will fit in your air fryer. I used 6″ fajita size.
2. shredded cheese
3. cooked chicken, beef, vegetables, refried beans
4. diced bell peppers and onions (can use cooked or raw)
5. cooking spray

How to make Quesadillas in the air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.

Wrap the tortillas in a paper towel then microwave for 8-10 seconds to make them pliable and easier to fold.

Place the tortillas on a cutting board or other flat surface and gather your fillings.

Sprinkle a small handful of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla. Divide the chicken between the tortillas then top with vegetables and another light sprinkle of cheese. Fold to form a half moon shape.

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray then carefully add the quesadilla to the basket. Lightly spray the top of the quesadaillas (or brush with olive oil or vegetable oil).

NOTE: this is the metal rack that came with my air fryer. I use it to hold down the quesadillas until the cheese melts. If you don’t have a metal rack, insert toothpicks into the quesadilla or just pause in cooking to press down on the quesadilla if it lifts up.

Cook for 8 minutes or until the quesadillas are crispy and the cheese is melty, flipping them over halfway through cooking process. Cooking time will vary with air fryers so watch closely.

What’s the best kind of cheese for quesadillas?

There’s no one best cheese. This is a really versatile recipe so check your fridge and see what you already have on hand. You’ll want to use a good melty cheese, like Monterey Jack, Mexican cheese blend, Cheddar cheese, Mozzarella or Pepper Jack for an extra kick.

Quesadilla filling suggestions:

One of the best things about this recipe is versaility. Of course, cheese is a must in a quesadilla (the best part in my opinion and main ingredient). From there you can fill your quesadilla with whatever your favorites are. Get creative – you can even repurpose leftover proteins you have in the fridge.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Rotisserie chicken
• Leftover chicken
• My favorite Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
• Roasted or sauteed vegetables (onions, bell peppers)
• Jalapeno peppers
• Banana peppers
• Seasoned ground beef
• Refried Beans
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Ham and cheese (yes – you can take quesadillas in any direction!)
• Pizza style with pepperoni and mozzarella (kids of all ages love this one!)
• Buffalo Chicken
• Dessert quesadilla with nutella and sliced bananas

Tips for the best Quesadillas:

Don’t overstuff the quesadilla or the filling will ooze out when you cook it.

I love this recipe for Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken (you can also add bell peppers and onions) Just drain excess liquid before adding to the tortilla.

Any cooked chicken, beef, vegetables, refried beans – even shrimp works well in this recipe.

Best sides with Air Fryer Quesadillas:

Salsa – easy 5 minute restaurant style salsa made in the blender from canned tomatoes + a few spices. Incredibly delicious, loaded with bold flavor.

Guacamole – classic recipe with fresh avocado, lime juice, cilantro, red onion and jalapeno blended together for authentic Mexican flavor.

5 Ingredient Spanish Rice –  aka Mexican Rice. Perfectly cooked rice loaded with delicious spicy flavor. The ultimate side dish to any Mexican entree.

Grapefruit Margarita –  light, refreshing – a tangy sweet twist on the classic cocktail. Easy to make at home with fresh grapefruit and lime juice.

• A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
• Sliced avocado

More easy air fryer recipes:

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos – better than fried ~ spicy shredded chicken and cheese packed into corn or flour tortillas air fried until golden and crispy.

Crispy Air Fried Coconut Shrimp – like your favorite restaurant version but WITHOUT deep frying! Includes 2-ingredient dipping sauce. Tasty appetizer or entree.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – buttermilk air fried boneless chicken. Crispy outside, juicy inside cooks in under 15 minutes!

Crispy Air Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – crispy outside, tender cauliflower inside and every bite delicious. Make this easy, healthy appetizer in minutes.

Of course, all of these recipes pair perfectly with Grapefruit Margaritas, a tropical twist on the classic cocktail and one of the most popular recipes on the blog!

Enjoy!

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