Air Fryer Quesadillas
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Quesadillas
Description
Air Fryer Quesadillas combine soft flour tortillas and shredded cheese as the base, with the option to add cooked proteins or beans for heartier fillings. The tortillas are folded in half around the cheese and any mix-ins, then lightly brushed with oil to promote crisping during air frying. The cooking process starts at 350°F with an initial minute of frying, after which the quesadillas are pressed flat to keep them folded and then cooked for several more minutes, flipping halfway for an even golden crust.
The focus on soft, pliable tortillas allows easy folding, while the air fryer crisps the outside without the need for excess oil, resulting in a sandwich that is both crunchy and melty. Including proteins or vegetables inside adds texture and flavor variety. Serve with cold toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce for contrast.
This method simplifies quesadilla preparation and cleanup compared to pan-frying. The recipe notes encourage using soft flour tortillas and adjusting cooking times if using non-traditional tortillas to maintain a good seal. The air fryer’s quick cooking time and pressing technique ensure the fillings melt properly, and the quesadilla avoids becoming soggy or falling apart.
Ingredients
- 2 flour tortillas at room temperature, soft
- ½ - ⅔ cups cheese I recommend sharp cheddar or Mexican-blend, shredded
- Avocado oil spray or olive oil spray
- chicken shredded or cubed cooked; cooked pulled pork; cooked steak; cooked shrimp; black or kidney beans; optional mix-ins
- beef steak
- Shrimp
- pork
- black beans
- Kidney Beans
- corn
- fajita vegetables
- salsa optional toppings
- guacamole
- Greek yogurt
- sour cream
- hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F and spray air fryer basket with olive oil, avocado oil, or nonstick spray.
- Cheese Quesadilla: Add about ¼ to ⅓ cup cheese onto one side of the first tortilla, fold it in half, and place it into the air fryer basket. I used super soft flour tortillas, so it was not hard to fold, if there is resistance, heat up your tortilla in the microwave (with no cheese) for 10 - 15 seconds.
- Optional Mix-Ins: If you are adding mix-ins, add half the amount of cheese onto one side of the first tortilla, add desired mix-ins, top with the remaining cheese, then fold the tortilla in half and add to the air fryer.
- Repeat step 2 or 3 with the second tortilla.
- Lightly brush the tops with olive oil or lightly spray again with avocado or olive oil.
- Air fry for 1 minute, then open the air fryer basket and use a spatula to press the quesadilla down, making sure it is folded in half and secure.
- Continue to air fry for 3 - 5 minutes, flipping the quesadillas halfway through. They should be golden brown, slightly crisp, and the cheese should be melted.
- Remove from the air fryer and gently press down with a spatula to ensure the quesadillas hold together.
- Cut into triangles and serve immediately with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Use super-soft flour tortillas to fold easily; warm them briefly if resistant.
- Check and press quesadillas down after 1 minute of air frying to secure the fold.
- Add cooked proteins like chicken, steak, shrimp, pork, beans, or tofu for variety.
- Use dairy-free shredded cheese to make the dish vegan.
- If using corn, almond flour, or gluten-free tortillas, monitor sealing every 1-2 minutes during cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2quesadillas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 195 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 195kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 52mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 417mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 51mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 442IU | 9% |
| Calcium | 331mg | 33% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.