Air Fryer Quesadillas
Mar 16, 2021, Updated May 05, 2025
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Air fryer quesadillas are the perfect combination of gooey, melted cheese sandwiched between two crispy tortillas. Find out how to make a classic cheese quesadilla in the air fryer along with instructions for adding your favorite fillings.
After trying nachos in the air fryer and this air fryer grilled cheese, I knew I needed to test how quesadillas would work. My conclusion, making quesadillas in the air fryer is a total game changer. It’s quick, easy and even the kids can make them without worrying about turning on the stove.
This quesadilla recipe is for a classic, melted cheese filling, however, feel free to add almost anything like beans, rotisserie chicken, beef, or vegetables.
Ingredients needed
Doesn’t get much easier than two simple ingredients. Again, this is for a basic recipe but feel free to add in additional fillings.
Tortillas – I prefer using smaller flour or corn tortillas so that they fit in the cooking basket. For this recipe I used “soft taco” size tortillas and am able to fit two quesadillas in my 5.8 quart air fryer.
Cheese – You will want to use a shredded cheese that easily melts like a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella or cheddar.
How to make air fryer quesadillas
- Lightly spray one side of tortilla with olive oil. I use this oil mister. Lay the tortilla, oil side down, in the air fryer basket.
- Sprinkle one side of the tortilla with cheese being sure not to add too much cheese. (If you are adding something like cooked chicken or beef, start with a thin layer of cheese, a layer of the filling, and then a little more cheese.)
- Fold the tortilla in half and insert two toothpicks to help keep the tortilla from coming open. If you don’t have toothpicks, press down on the tortilla with a spatula when you flip them over to help keep them pressed down.
- Cook at 350 degrees F for 2 minutes, remove toothpicks, flip over and cook another 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Best cheese for quesadillas
When you are choosing what cheese to use for your quesadilla, be sure to get one that melts easily. Some great choices are a mixture of Monterey Jack and mozzarella, Colby Jack and provolone. We also love Brie for something different.
Quesadilla filling ideas
A classic, simple cheese quesadilla is always a winner but there are many delicious ingredients you can add in to transform them into something out of this world. Here are a few suggestions for quesadilla fillings:
- Shredded chicken
- Taco meat
- Sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions and peppers.
- Refried beans
- Buffalo chicken and blue cheese
- Brie and fig jam
Topping ideas
These cheese quesadillas are delicious served with a variety of dips. Here are a few favorite recommendations:
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo
- Taco sauce
- Copycat Taco Bell quesadilla sauce
Recipe tips
- If you want to add extra flavor, replace the olive oil with butter. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of the tortilla instead of the oil. This will add a rich flavor to the quesadilla.
- Be sure not to stuff the quesadilla with cheese. If you put too much, it will have a hard time melting and might overflow out of the tortillas.
- Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut your quesadilla into triangle shapes.
How to reheat
You can reheat leftover quesadillas in the air fryer. Place them in the basket and heat at 350 degrees F for about 2 minutes. They can also be heated on the stovetop by placing them in a nonstick skillet and warmed over medium heat.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Frequently asked questions
I recommend cooking them at 350 degrees F for about 6-7 minutes.
A little spray of non-stick cooking spray will help get that golden color on the tortilla. You could also brush the tortilla with oil or melted butter.
I recommend flipping halfway through cooking. This helps with even cooking on both sides.
More easy air fryer recipes
Air Fryer Quesadilla
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 flour tortillas
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese
- olive oil
Instructions
- Lightly spray one side of tortilla with olive oil. Lay the tortilla, oil side down, in the air fryer basket. (You could replace olive oil with butter if you prefer.)
- Sprinkle one side with cheese being sure not to add too much cheese. (If you are adding something like cooked chicken or beef, start with a thin layer of cheese, a layer of the filling, and then a little more cheese.)
- Fold the tortilla in half and place 1-2 toothpicks in the center to help keep it closed. Cook at 350 degrees F for 3 minutes, remove toothpicks, flip the quesadillas over and cook another 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Video
Notes
- If you want to add extra flavor, replace the olive oil with butter. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of the tortilla instead of the oil. This will add a rich flavor to the quesadilla.
- Be sure not to stuff the quesadilla with cheese. If you put too much, it will have a hard time melting and might overflow out of the tortillas.
- Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut your quesadilla into triangle shapes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m gluten-free so would corn tortillas work?
Yes they will work. Thanks!
My family loved these. This will be my go to recipe. I added diced green chilies. Then with leftover Taco meat and refried beans. I made a variety with different combinations.
I made these with cheese and Taco meat and folded them over. They turned out great. This morning I made one with 2 scrambled eggs, cheese and green chilies. I left it whole. It didn’t brown either side. The cheese was melted, but not even brown on the edges, and a bit soggy in the middle. Did I over stuff it? Or did leaving it whole make a difference? I had these in New Mexico and they were wonderful.
It says remove toothpicks but you didn’t tell where to use them…, please explain.
Sorry you place 1-2 toothpicks through the folded quesadilla to help keep it closed while it’s cooking.
My son bought an air fryer for Christmas and I have used it several times to make food. I’ve never thought about making quesadillas but this is a quick meal or snack that I enjoy. My 9 year old is too picky these days and won’t eat them.
My sister just bought her air fryer and I guess I will request her to make quesadillas as one of the many that she would cook using her new air fryer!
Love recipes that are easy and quick to make. Now I just need me an air fryer. 🙂