My air fryer quesadilla recipe is bursting with two types of yummy cheese, and they come together in under 15 minutes! I whip up this easy dish for a tasty snack or quick meal I know my family will love!
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My Favorite Way to Make a Quesadilla in the air Fryer
Whenever I go out to Mexican restaurants, my kids always order cheese quesadillas. One day, when I was craving Mexican but didn’t feel like leaving the house, I got the idea to try making air fryer quesadillas!
I’ve made quesadillas on the stove before, but I always feel like I’m babysitting the skillet so they don’t burn. The oven works if I need a big batch, but the tortilla never gets quite as crispy, plus it takes longer.
But the first time I tried making a quesadilla in the air fryer, the tortillas came out perfectly golden and crunchy, the cheese melted evenly, and they were ready in a matter of minutes! I was able to whip up a cheesy batch for my kids, then threw in some chicken and jalapenos for my husband and my quesadillas.
My son Connor called them the best quesadillas he ever had, and my daughter Leah followed up with a, “me too!” Now, whenever I don’t know what to make for dinner, I can count on this quick recipe to keep the whole family happy and avoid a sink full of dishes.
And, if you love a good air fryer appetizer or snack, try my recipes for air fryer chicken wings, air fryer nachos, air fryer onion rings, and air fryer tortilla chips!
Air Fry Quesadilla Ingredients
- Flour tortillas – I use flour tortillas because they get perfectly crisp and hold the fillings well.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese – This mix melts beautifully and gives each quesadilla a creamy, stretchy bite. Sometimes I swap in sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack if I’m out of the blend.
- Ground cumin – I love how this adds warmth and depth to the flavor without overpowering the cheese.
- Black pepper – Just a touch balances the richness of the cheese and ties all the flavors together.
- Cooking spray – I like to just spritz some cooking spray onto the tortillas to keep them from drying out. Butter, margarine, or any other oil will work as well.
How to Make an Air Fryer Quesadilla
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Place one tortilla on a flat surface such as a countertop or cutting board. Sprinkle ½ a cup of shredded cheese on half of the tortilla, then add the cumin and pepper. Fold the empty half of the tortilla so that it covers the side with the cheese. Repeat the same process with each tortilla.
STEP TWO: Be sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket! Place the tortillas inside and spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook it for 5 to 6 minutes at 350 degrees F, flipping it halfway through the cooking time.
Tips for the Best Air fryer Cheese Quesadilla
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. I’ve learned that overlapping tortillas keeps them from getting golden and crunchy.
- If my quesadillas aren’t golden brown and crispy after 5-6 minutes, I’ll cook them for 30 seconds to 1 minute longer.
- Flip the quesadillas halfway through cooking. I’ve found this helps both sides get evenly browned.
- I always let the air fried quesadillas rest for a minute before cutting so the cheese can set slightly.
- I cut my quesadillas with a pizza cutter on a cutting board for clean, even slices.
Air Fryer Quesadillas Variations and Substitutions
- Add rotisserie chicken for extra protein and heartier air-fryer quesadillas. I usually keep some shredded chicken in the fridge for dishes like this.
- I sometimes swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a slightly nuttier flavor and gluten-free option.
- Mix in black beans or refried beans for a filling vegetarian option. I like to mash them slightly for a creamier texture.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onion slices for extra flavor and color.
- I swap the Mexican blend for pepper jack when I want a spicier kick.
- I like to serve quesadillas with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream to make it feel like a full meal.
What to serve with a Quesadilla in the Air Fryer
I always serve up my air fryer quesadillas with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, and some tortilla chips on the side!
If I feel like making some quick sides, I love having corn dip, avocado lime crema, or mango habanero salsa with quesadillas.
Air Fryer Quesadilla FAQs
What is the best cheese for air fry quesadillas?
I like using a Mexican blend because it melts smoothly and gives a balanced flavor, but I also mix it up sometimes. Cheddar adds sharpness, Monterey Jack is super creamy, and pepper jack brings a little heat. It all depends on what I have in the fridge and what kind of flavor I’m craving.
How should I store leftover air fryer quesadillas?
I keep leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the slices with parchment paper so they don’t stick together, which makes reheating easier later.
How to reheat a quesadilla in the air fryer
To reheat, I preheat my air fryer to 350 degrees F, then air fry the quesadilla slices. 2-3 minutes is usually plenty to get a crispy tortilla on the outside and melty cheese on the inside!
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer hot dogs
- Air fryer skirt steak
- Air fryer chicken bites
- Air fryer hamburgers
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Easy Air Fryer Quesadilla
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Place one tortilla on a flat surface. Spread ½ cup of cheese evenly over half of the tortilla, sprinkle with cumin and pepper, then fold the empty half of the tortilla over the cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortilla.
- Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket, spray the tortillas lightly with cooking spray, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes at 350 degrees F. After 3 minutes of cooking, flip and press the top of each quesadilla down with a spatula, until they are golden and crispy.
- Remove the quesadillas, cut in thirds, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Overlapping tortillas keeps them from getting golden and crunchy.
- If the quesadillas aren’t golden brown and crispy after 5-6 minutes, cook them for 30 seconds to 1 minute longer.
- Flip the quesadillas halfway through cooking. This helps both sides get evenly browned.
- I cut my quesadillas with a pizza cutter on a cutting board for clean, even slices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
