Air-Frying The Perfect Cheese Quesadilla: Quick And Easy!

Air fryer quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious meal option. They are also highly customizable, allowing you to choose your own fillings and make them as crispy and gooey as you like. But how long do they take to cook?

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking a cheese quesadilla in an air fryer depend on the type of air fryer you have, the number of quesadillas you are cooking, and the desired level of crispiness. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you achieve the perfect cheese quesadilla.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 350°F and 400°F. This step may not be necessary for all air fryers, so be sure to check your air fryer's instructions.

Next, prepare your quesadilla by spreading your desired fillings on a tortilla and folding it in half. Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between multiple quesadillas for hot air to circulate. You can also spritz the tops of the tortillas with cooking spray, butter, or olive oil for extra crispness.

Now, it's time to cook your quesadilla! The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispiness, but most recipes recommend cooking for around 4 to 8 minutes, flipping the quesadilla halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on your quesadilla to prevent overcooking or burning.

Finally, remove your quesadilla from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy the perfectly melted cheese and crispy tortilla!

Some additional tips for achieving the perfect air-fried cheese quesadilla:

• Use a toothpick to secure the folded tortilla and prevent it from opening during cooking.
• If your quesadilla filling is dry or has less cheese, you may need to use more than one toothpick.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the number of quesadillas you are cooking and the size of your air fryer.
• For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas.

Filling options

Quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be customised with a variety of fillings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas for filling options to elevate your quesadilla-making experience:

Cheese

Cheese is a key ingredient in quesadillas, providing that signature gooey, melty texture. The best cheeses for quesadillas are those that melt well, such as Oaxaca cheese, Chihuahua cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, smoked gouda, Colby, and cream cheese. For a traditional Mexican-style quesadilla, use Queso de Oaxaca or a similar stringy cheese. However, feel free to experiment with different cheeses that are available locally or suit your taste. If you're making an Asian-style filling, you might choose to omit the cheese altogether to avoid overpowering the other flavours.

Vegetables

Vegetables add texture, flavour, and nutritional value to your quesadillas. Try diced bell peppers (especially red ones), corn kernels, sliced jalapeño peppers, spinach, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, onions, black beans, or garlic. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some avocado sauce, guacamole, or salsa to your quesadilla for an extra kick.

Meat

If you're looking for a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked meat to your quesadilla. Options include shredded chicken, beef, shrimp, pulled pork, or steak. For a spicy option, try using fajita or taco seasoning on your meat. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as beef, pork, veal, chicken, or turkey.

Other Options

Quesadillas can also be made gluten-free by substituting corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas. Additionally, you can get creative with your fillings by adding beans, such as refried beans, black beans, or smashed white beans. For a unique twist, try using a sandwich press instead of a skillet to cook your quesadillas, which will give them a nice caramelised cheese finish.

How to store and reheat

Storing in the Refrigerator

Before storing your quesadilla, ensure it is fully cooled. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for no more than five days.

Storing in the Freezer

If you want to freeze your quesadillas, place them in a Ziploc bag and keep them frozen for up to three months.

Reheating in an Air Fryer

The best way to reheat a quesadilla is to use an air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes. Check the quesadilla and add more time in 1-2 minute increments if needed, to ensure it is warmed through and crispy.

Reheating in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°Fahrenheit. Place the quesadilla on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil. Bake for 10 minutes or until the tortilla is crisp and the cheese is melted.

Reheating on the Stove

Place a non-stick skillet on medium heat and add a thin layer of vegetable or olive oil. Heat the oil for a few minutes, then add the quesadilla to the pan. Heat each side for no longer than one minute at a time. Flip the quesadilla if one side is browning too fast, and reduce the heat if necessary.

How to prevent the tortilla from lifting

To prevent the tortilla from lifting while air-frying a quesadilla, you can try the following methods:

Firstly, it is important to keep an eye on your quesadilla during the cooking process. Check on it often, especially in the first few minutes, and if the tortilla has lifted, simply push it back down with a spatula and continue cooking. You can also use a toothpick to secure the edges of the tortilla together.

Another method is to weigh down the tortilla. Light foods can fly around in the air fryer due to air circulation, so anything that adds weight to your quesadilla will help. For example, you can use toothpicks to secure the tortilla and prevent it from lifting. Alternatively, you can use the cooking rack or tray that usually comes with air fryers as a weight to keep the tortilla in place. Place your quesadilla inside the air fryer basket, then rest the tray on top before turning up the temperature.

Additionally, you can try lining the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will not only help to keep the tortilla in place but also make cleanup easier.

Customisation ideas

Quesadillas are a great way to get creative and use up any leftovers. You can fill your quesadilla with anything you like, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Proteins

• Shredded chicken, beef, or pork
• Beans (refried, black, or smashed)
• Crumbled tempeh or tofu
• Taco-seasoned ground beef
• Rotisserie chicken
• Shrimp
• Mock chicken

Dairy

• Any melty cheese, such as:
• - Monterey jack
• - Cheddar
• - Colby
• - Provolone
• - Mozzarella
• - Gruyere
• - Asiago
• - Brie
• - Blue cheese
• - Havarti
• - Manchego
• Sour cream
• Greek yoghurt

Vegetables

• Spinach
• Bell peppers
• Corn
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Baby spinach
• Onions
• Cilantro
• Jalapenos
• Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Sweet potatoes

Other

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Edamame
• Eggs
• Bacon
• Chia seeds
• Flax seeds
• Hemp seeds
• Hummus
• Sunflower seeds
• Spices, such as smoked paprika

Frequently asked questions