5 Minute Air Fryer Quesadilla

Looking for more air fryer snacks? Try my air fryer bagel bites, air fryer kale chips, air fryer pickles, and air fryer pizza rolls next. Whenever I’m craving a quesadilla, time is usually of the essence, which is why I love making them in my air fryer. Not only is it fast and basically hands-off, but the tortilla gets crispy edges, and the cheese turns gooey and melts into the meaty filling. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

Why I love this recipe

Simple ingredients. No surprises here. Just your typical quesadilla fix-ins and your air fryer. Easy to customize. Like regular quesadillas, you can swap the protein, add more cheese, or add any fillings you desire. Versatile. It’s an easy weeknight dinner, lunch, or filling snack. Clean-up is a breeze. All you have to clean is the air fryer basket. How much more convenient could it get?

Ingredients needed

Flour tortillas. I prefer the texture of flour, but you can also use corn tortillas. Smooth salsa. Make it from scratch, or use your favorite bottled salsa. Mozzarella cheese. Shredded. Mexican cheese blend. I used a blend of cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, and Asadero cheese. Shredded chicken breast. Optional, but I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for my quesadillas or if I’ve prepped some Instant Pot shredded chicken. You can also omit this or add another protein. Veggies. I used diced red bell peppers and onions. Butter. To brush on the outside of the quesadilla for maximum crispness. Salsa and sour cream. To serve.

How to air fry quesadillas

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Prep. Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F for 5 minutes, and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray. Step 2- Build. Place the two tortillas side by side on a flat surface. Spread salsa on the left tortilla. Sprinkle a layer of cheese on the right tortilla, followed by chicken and veggies. Place the left tortilla on top of the other one and press down firmly. Step 3- Air fry. Brush the tops of the tortillas with melted butter, then place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.

Arman’s recipe tips

Keep an eye on them. The cooking times for every air fryer may vary, so I suggest checking the cheese quesadilla midway through the cooking process to ensure it doesn’t burn. Some readers have had their quesadillas cooked in around 4 minutes. Consider flipping it halfway. When I tested this recipe, I was able to get both sides golden brown without flipping, but depending on your air fryer, you may want to flip it halfway. Stick a toothpick in it. To ensure the top doesn’t come loose in the basket.

Storage instructions

To store: Store leftover quesadillas in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Add some heat. Add sliced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, or serve the quesadillas with hot sauce on the side. Change up the protein. Swap out the chicken for some ground beef, taco meat, flank steak, blackened shrimp, or pork. Make it a meal and serve it with black beans or refried beans, rice, and guacamole.

To freeze: Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or non-stick skillet. Avoid microwaving the quesadilla, as it will become soggy.