Description
Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla
Ingredients
2 large flour tortillas
1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup salsa or pico de gallo
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Olive oil spray
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole
Directions
Prep Chicken: In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken with salsa, chili powder, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble Quesadilla: Lay one tortilla flat. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across, then sprinkle with cheese. Top with the second tortilla.
Brush or Spray: Lightly spray both sides of the quesadilla with olive oil.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the quesadilla in the basket and cook for 5-6 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
Serve: Slice into quarters and garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfectly crispy quesadilla every time. First, ensure your cooked chicken is finely shredded or diced for even distribution. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the chicken, salsa, chili powder, and garlic powder. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) while you assemble. On a clean surface, lay one tortilla flat. Spread the chicken mixture evenly, leaving a small border around the edge to prevent spillage. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken, as it acts as the glue. Carefully place the second tortilla on top and press down gently. Use olive oil spray to lightly coat the top tortilla.
Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket, sprayed side down, then spray the new top side. Cook for 3 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla. It should be lightly golden. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tortilla is deeply golden and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. Transfer to a cutting board, let it rest for one minute, then slice with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your quesadilla from a snack to a complete meal. Serve the sliced wedges with classic sides like fresh guacamole, chunky salsa, and cool sour cream. For a heartier dinner, pair it with a simple side salad, Mexican street corn (elote), or a bowl of black bean soup. For a fun appetizer or party food, cut the quesadilla into smaller triangles and serve with an array of dipping sauces.
How-to Summary
In summary: mix seasoned chicken and salsa, layer it with cheese between two tortillas, spray with oil, and air fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Slice and serve with your favorite toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken? No, the cook time is too short to safely cook raw chicken. Always use pre-cooked, shredded chicken for this recipe.
How do I prevent the filling from spilling out? Avoid overfilling and leave a 1/2-inch border around the edge of the tortilla when adding ingredients. The melted cheese will seal the edges during cooking.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the filling ahead, but assemble just before cooking. A pre-assembled quesadilla will make the tortilla soggy.
What if my air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting? Simply run it empty at the cooking temperature for 3 minutes before adding your food for consistent results.
How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. The microwave will make it soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Overfilling the tortilla, which causes leaks and a messy cook. Not flipping the quesadilla halfway, resulting in uneven browning. Using too much oil spray, which can make the tortilla greasy instead of crispy. Skipping the preheat step, which leads to inconsistent cooking. Cutting the quesadilla immediately after cooking, which can let the hot cheese filling ooze out—let it rest for a minute first.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla recipe is the ultimate solution for a delicious, crispy meal in minutes. It leverages the air fryer’s power to create a perfectly golden exterior without the grease of traditional pan-frying. Incredibly versatile, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a family-friendly dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With the simple steps and tips provided, you can master this recipe and customize it endlessly with your favorite fillings and dips. It’s a guaranteed way to bring a restaurant-quality favorite to your home kitchen with minimal effort and cleanup.