Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner Delight
These Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas feature crispy tortillas stuffed with juicy chicken and melty cheese, air-fried to golden perfection. Quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying with whatever filling you want in an easy air fryer quesadilla!
Beyond the ordinary chicken, explore new flavors. Savor the Grilled Lemon Chicken and Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas
Remember those evenings spent hunched over a stove, patiently flipping quesadillas and dodging splatters? Yeah, me neither. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, those days are over!
Air fryer chicken quesadillas are the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers (or, let’s be honest, anytime cravings strike). Imagine perfectly golden tortillas, bursting with juicy, seasoned chicken and gooey melted cheese, all cooked to crispy perfection without a drop of oil. Sounds too good to be true, right? Trust me, it’s not.
These quesadillas are more than just convenient, they’re flavor bombs. We’re talking customizable goodness, packed with your favorite toppings like salsa, crema, and veggies. They’re a cinch to whip up, even on those busy weeknights, and kids can even make their own cheese quesadillas as a snack!
I can’t wait! Let’s get frying!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Quesadilla Recipe
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding meals that are both quick to prepare and enjoyable for everyone can be a challenge. That’s where this air fryer quesadilla recipe shines. Here’s why you’ll fall in love and make air fryer quesadillas a regular weeknight dinner:
- Quick and Easy: In quick dinners, the air fryer chicken quesadillas take the crown. With simple ingredients, and minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by. Serve as a side dish to a salad, or as an appetizer or main dish.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is a hit with all ages. Picky eaters, kids, and adults alike will be reaching for seconds. The combination of Tyson Grilled and Ready Chicken, crispy bacon, Mexican-style shredded cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Or, sub in whatever flavors your family likes – it’s easy to customize with grilled peppers, black beans or refried beans, and more.
Your time is precious – here are our favorite quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes!
How to Make Air Fryer Quesadillas with Chicken
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a satisfying dinner ready to serve. So gather the ingredients, set up your air fryer, and get ready to make these Air Fryer Quesadillas with chicken, bacon, and ranch.
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Ingredients
- Soft Flour Tortillas
- Tyson Grilled & Ready pre-cooked chicken strips, rotisserie chicken, or pre-cooked shredded chicken
- Bacon, cooked and cut into pieces – or pre-cooked bacon crumbles
- Mexican Style Cheddar Jack Cheese (or a mix of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, colby jack, or monterey jack cheese to your taste preference)
- Ranch Seasoning
- Salsa
- Spray Butter or Cooking Spray (optional)
- Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the grilled chicken, cut bacon (or bacon bits), cheese, and ranch seasoning.
- Spray one side of a tortilla with butter and place it buttered side down in the flat surface of the air fryer basket. (I was able to fit 2 quesadillas at a time in my air fryer.)
- Fill the tortillas with the chicken and bacon mixture. Place another tortilla on top with the buttered side facing up, or, depending on your air fryer size, fold half of the tortilla over the filling inside.
- Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole, and garnish with a sprinkle of cheese and chopped green onions.
Variations for the Air Fryer Quesadilla Recipe
While these Air Fryer Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas are delicious as written, feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking. Here are some variations to try:
- Veggie Lover’s Quesadillas: Add diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or any other favorite vegetables to the filling for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition. You an even sneak in some kale!
- Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by using pepper jack cheese or adding diced green chiles or jalapeños to the filling mixture. Add a sprinkle of cumin, garlic salt, or chili powder for a new flavor profile.
- BBQ Twist: Substitute barbecue sauce for the salsa and add some caramelized onions for a smoky, tangy flavor profile.
- Breakfast Air Fryer Quesadillas: Scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese make a delicious and protein-packed breakfast quesadilla.
Can Air Fryer Quesadillas Be Stored or Made Ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance for a quick assembly later. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply fill the tortillas and air fry. Leftover quesadillas can be refrigerated and reheated in the Air Fryer for a crispy texture.
Quick Dinner Idea: Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas
Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 1 package Tortillas soft
- Tyson Grilled & Ready chicken breast strips or pre-cooked chicken strips or shredded chicken
- 12 Strips Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup Cheese Mexican style, shredded
- 3 tbsps Ranch Seasoning
- 1 jar organic salsa mild
- spray butter
- Tortillas chips for serving on the side
- Salsa for serving on the side
- Sour cream for serving on the side
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the pre-cooked chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning.
- Spray one side of the tortillas with butter and place them buttered side down in the Air Fryer basket. (I was able to fit 2 tortillas in my air fryer at a time.)
- Fill the tortillas with the chicken bacon mixture. Place another tortilla on top with the buttered side facing up.
- Cook in the Air Fryer at 375°F for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
- Serve with salsa, and chips, and garnish with a sprinkle of cheese and chopped onions.
Notes
Common Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the chicken for cooked ground beef, turkey, or shredded pork based on your preference.
Do I have to use the spray butter or cooking spray?
The added butter or oil is optional – we like the flavor and texture better with it, but you can skip it if you prefer a lower fat version.
Can I use corn tortillas to make this gluten free?
Yes, if you prefer corn tortillas or need a gluten-free quesadilla option, just use corn tortillas. The corn tortillas will require the added spray butter or cooking spray to ensure a crispy texture.
Can I freeze the prepared quesadillas?
While freezing is possible, the texture may be compromised upon thawing and reheating. It’s recommended to enjoy them fresh or store the filling separately if planning to freeze.
Can I make this recipe without an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can prepare these quesadillas in a skillet or on a griddle, or in a toaster oven. Adjust the cooking time accordingly until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Facts About Chicken
- Chicken is a versatile and lean source of protein, making it a popular choice for many dishes.
- It’s rich in essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals, and can be prepared in countless ways, from grilling to roasting to frying.
- When handled and cooked properly, chicken is safe to eat and can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.
This Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla is a game-changing recipe for those seeking a quick, tasty, and crowd-pleasing dinner option. With a perfect balance of flavors and a versatile nature, this dish is set to become a regular on your menu. So, fire up that Air Fryer and treat everyone you love!
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Cassity Kmetzsch started Remodelaholic after graduating from Utah State University with a degree in Interior Design. Remodelaholic is the place to share her love for knocking out walls, and building everything back up again to not only add function but beauty to her home. Together with her husband Justin, they have remodeled 6 homes and are working on a seventh. She is a mother of four amazing girls. Making a house a home is her favorite hobby.
