Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla

This Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla recipe is a perfect balance of cheesy, spicy, and savory. The hot and crispy exterior pairs perfectly with tender and juicy chicken and melted cheese inside. Add your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for a fiesta in your mouth.

This Mexican-style Air fryer chicken quesadilla dish is made with Fajita seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, all cooked to crispy and gooey perfection in an air fryer.

I adore chicken in every shape, form, and texture. It is a versatile and delicious protein that can be prepared in countless ways. Whether it’s Wings, Nuggets, or even a Whole roasted bird, I love how the air fryer cooks chicken quickly and evenly, making it a great option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

If you’re like me, tired of the same old chicken recipes, and want a quick and easy flavorful weekday meal that is also healthy, please give the air fryer chicken quesadillas a try! With just a handful of ingredients and a little prep time, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying dinner in no time. May I also recommend some of my other favorite air fryer chicken recipes – Stuffed Chicken, Chicken Caprese, and Bacon Wrapped Chicken bites? Let’s get back to our chicken quesadillas in the air fryer, but first…

Air Fryer Quesadilla vs. Authentic Quesadillas

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’ve most likely heard of quesadillas. They are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a soft warm tortilla filled with cheese and sometimes other ingredients like meat, vegetables, or beans. The tortilla is then folded in half and grilled or fried until the cheese is melted and the outside is crispy. I just came from Mexico, I tried their quesadilla and this is exactly how they serve it.

While I love the authentic flavors of Mexico, there’s something unique about an air fryer quesadilla that just can’t be replicated. With a crispy, golden exterior and perfectly melted cheese oozing out of every bite, air fryer quesadillas have a satisfying crunch experience that you won’t get with a traditional quesadilla.

I know for sure they didn’t use air fryers at our All-inclusive resort where I stayed in Cancun, lol. 

I love how I’m able to customize ingredients and experiment with different flavors, I feel that the air fryer version allows for endless creativity and innovation in the kitchen. So while there’s no denying the authenticity of a classic Mexican quesadilla, there’s no harm in embracing new techniques and flavors to elevate an already beloved dish.

Ingredients

• Two large tortillas. The ones that I used were 8 inches in diameter. You can also use low-carb tortillas.
• Chicken Fajita (for filling). Cooked and shredded. Instead of shredding the chicken I used chicken strips from Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas.
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Please feel free to use other kinds of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Quesadilla or Taco cheese, Mozzarella, and pepper jack. Each cheese brings its unique flavor profile, texture, and melting ability to the dish. 
• One avocado, peeled and sliced (optional)
• One jalapeno, sliced (optional)
• Oil spray

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

While your air fryer is preheating, prep your tortilla. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface and spread two tablespoons of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla, see picture below.

Add two tablespoons of cooked and shredded chicken fajita on top of the cheese. Then spread the remaining shredded cheese over the chicken.

Top with the sliced avocado and jalapeno (optional).

Close the second half of the tortilla and secure with toothpicks, if needed. I secured mine with two toothpicks (please see photo below). This will ensure that the tortilla stays closed and will not open during air frying.

Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket, lightly spray with oil spray (or brush some oil), and cook for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Make sure to flip halfway. This will ensure that the other side of the chicken quesadilla is toasted and crispy. Don’t forget to spray the other side with oil spray as well. Not only does this ensure that tortillas will come out crispy, but spraying lightly with oil protects tortillas from burning.

Allow to rest for a minute. Then slice in 3-4 wedges and enjoy. My favorite is to top with sour cream or Homemade Chipotle sauce.

Tips and Variations

If you prefer softer tortillas, wrap the quesadilla in foil before putting it in the air fryer.

If you love your quesadilla extra crunchy, add some crushed tortilla chips in between the layers. This reminds me of Crunch Wrap Supreme from Taco Bell.

For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and substitute with your favorite veggies. I love using Peppers, Mushrooms and Onions for my vegetarian quesadilla.

Benefits of Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla

Not only is this meal delicious but it is also packed full of nutrients and health benefits. Avocado is known for its heart-healthy fats and nutrients, while chicken provides a good source of protein. By using an air fryer instead of traditional frying in a layer of oil, you’re eliminating excess oil and unhealthy fats. With the air fryer, this meal is easy to make and you’re left with a crispy, flavorful quesadilla.

Leftovers

Store leftovers in the air-tight contained in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is warm and melty inside.

More Creative Tortilla Recipes

• Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
• Crispy Blueberry Cream Cheese Chimichangas
• Air Fryer Empanadas
• Low Carb Apple Pie Tortilla Wraps

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