Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, air fryer quesadillas are a serious game changer! Perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or casual dinner, they give you the timeless appeal of a classic chicken quesadilla with the convenience of an air fryer. Serve them with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Everything is prepped and cooked in under 10 minutes.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand in your kitchen.
- Kid-friendly: Everyone loves air fryer quesadillas, even picky eaters!
- Healthier option: Less oil is needed compared to traditional frying, meaning you can indulge without guilt!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas are universally loved for their crispy exterior and melty, gooey, cheesy interior. These air fryer quesadillas are all that and more, bringing a modern and convenient twist to a classic meal.
They offer the perfect combination of tender chicken shreds and melty cheese encased in a crispy flour tortilla. Plus, the air fryer makes this recipe virtually all hands-off!
Each bite is satisfyingly crunchy without being greasy. Enjoy this chicken quesadilla recipe on its own or with your favorite dips and sides.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Quesadillas
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas work best for a soft yet crispy texture. However, you can also use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas if you have gluten sensitivities.
- Shredded chicken: Adds protein and flavor. I like to use my Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe, but you can buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it. You can also use beef, pork, or refried beans for a vegetarian protein option.
- Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy taste. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Chihuahua cheese are also delicious options.
How to Make Air Fryer Quesadillas
Step 1: Prep The Filling
Start by spreading shredded chicken and cheese evenly over half of your tortilla or tortillas. To prevent the tortilla from cracking, you can quickly heat it in a dry skillet or the microwave.
Step 2: Fold & Cook The Quesadilla
Fold the tortilla over the filling and place it in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350F and cook it for 8 minutes. Remember to flip the quesadilla halfway through for even cooking! For an extra crispy exterior, you can brush or spray both sides of the tortilla with vegetable oil.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas
Pair these quesadillas with a dollop of guacamole, a scoop of fresh salsa, a side of sour cream, or even Alabama white BBQ sauce. They’re also great with a simple green salad, air fryer frozen broccoli, or crispy air fryer potatoes as a well-balanced meal.
If you’re looking for other filling ideas besides shredded chicken, try shredded beef brisket, pulled pork, or Southern baked beans.
Recipe Variations
- Veggie-forward: Load the quesadilla with grilled and sliced vegetables like bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, and red onions.
- Cheesy: Mix and match different cheeses! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Gouda for an ultra-creamy option.
- Breakfast version: Add scrambled eggs and turkey bacon bits for a quick and easy breakfast idea.
- Spicy beef: Use ground beef cooked with taco seasoning for a meatier option.
- BBQ chicken: Toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce before adding it to the tortilla for a tangy, smoky twist.
- Vegan: Use plant-based cheese and seitan chicken for a plant-based version.
- Seafood: Fill your tortilla with sautéed shrimp and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Tips For The Best Recipe
- Don’t overstuff: Overstuffing will lead to messy and undercooked air fryer quesadillas. Only add the filling to one-half of the tortilla, and don’t overdo it.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer isn’t completely necessary but ensures you end up with a crispier outside and a perfectly melty inside.
- Flip halfway: Flipping halfway results in equally crisped sides.
- Check for doneness: Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer. You may need more or less time, so check the quesadilla frequently toward the end of cooking.
- Use fresh tortillas: Fresh tortillas fold easier and won’t crack.
- Shred the cheese yourself: Pre-shredded varieties often contain additives to prevent clumping, which makes them dry and harder to melt. If you can, shred your own cheese.
What To Do With Leftovers
If you have any leftover air fryer chicken quesadillas, here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Fridge: Once cooled, store the quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the quesadillas individually and freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat them in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes at 350F, flipping halfway for the best results. You can cook them straight from frozen, adding a few more minutes.
Additional Recipes
If you loved this chicken quesadilla recipe, you’ll love these other crispy air fryer recipes:
- Frozen Potato Skins in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Quesadillas can easily be made by using a skillet. Follow the same assembly instructions, then cook the quesadillas in the skillet over medium heat until they’re golden brown on each side.
What’s the best way to flip the quesadilla in the air fryer?
You can easily flip the quesadillas in the air fryer with a spatula or tongs. Just make sure to do it carefully so they don’t fall apart!
Can I add raw ingredients to the quesadilla?
It’s always best to cook ingredients before adding them to the quesadilla to ensure even cooking. I prefer cooked and shredded chicken, pork, beef, or refried beans.
Easy Air Fryer Quesadillas (in Less Than 10 Minutes)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tortilla (corn or flour, more for additional quesadillas)
- ¼ cup shredded chicken
- ½ cup mexican blend cheese (taco blend, etc.)
- Optional toppings: guacamole (sour cream, salsa, etc.)
Instructions
- Lay out each tortilla. On one half of the tortilla, evenly spread the chicken and cheese on one half of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla over and place in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350F for 8 minutes or until the quesadillas are crisp and golden on the outside and melty on the inside. Don’t forget to flip half way through.