Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla with Spicy Jalapeno Cream Recipe
Introduction
This Air Fryer Quesadilla is a quick and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Packed with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and a tangy jalapeño sauce, it’s a perfect snack or meal that comes together in minutes using your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapenos, diced
- 1 tablespoon juice from jar of pickled jalapenos
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup shredded, cooked chicken
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 2 8-inch flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, diced jalapenos, jalapeno juice, cumin, chili powder, and salt to make the sauce.
- Step 2: In another bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the taco seasoning until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Lay the tortillas flat and spread about a tablespoon or two of the quesadilla sauce on half of each tortilla (you won’t use all the sauce).
- Step 4: Sprinkle the Monterey jack cheese over the sauce, then evenly distribute the seasoned chicken on top, finishing with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 5: Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling and place them in the air fryer basket. Lightly spritz the outside of the tortillas with cooking spray.
- Step 6: Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tortillas are golden brown and crisp to your liking.
- Step 7: Serve hot with the remaining sauce for dipping, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, brush the tortillas lightly with oil instead of using cooking spray.
- Swap the chicken for cooked beef, pork, or vegetables for different protein options.
- Add chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice after cooking for a bright finish.
- Use pepper jack cheese if you want a little extra heat.
Storage
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or a skillet at medium heat to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the tortillas soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this quesadilla without an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook the quesadillas on a skillet over medium heat, flipping to brown both sides and melt the cheese. The air fryer just makes them crispier and quicker to cook.
What can I use instead of pickled jalapenos if I don’t have any?
You can substitute fresh jalapenos, finely diced, or use a dash of hot sauce to add heat and tang to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla with Spicy Jalapeno Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (1 quesadilla per serving) 1x
Description
This Air Fryer Quesadilla recipe is a quick and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, featuring seasoned shredded chicken, a blend of Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses, and a zesty jalapeno sour cream sauce. Crisped to perfection in the air fryer, these quesadillas make a perfect snack or light meal with a deliciously golden and crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
Quesadilla Sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapenos, diced
- 1 tablespoon juice from jar of pickled jalapenos
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Quesadilla Filling
- ¾ cup shredded, cooked chicken
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 2 8-inch flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, diced pickled jalapenos, jalapeno juice, cumin, chili powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Season the chicken: In another small bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the taco seasoning until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Assemble the quesadillas: Spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared quesadilla sauce on half of each tortilla. Sprinkle the Monterey jack cheese over the sauce, then evenly distribute the seasoned shredded chicken on top, followed by the cheddar cheese.
- Fold the tortillas: Carefully fold each tortilla in half, pressing slightly to keep the filling together.
- Air fry the quesadillas: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket and the folded quesadillas with cooking spray. Place the quesadillas in the basket and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the tortillas are golden brown and crisp to your liking.
- Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the air fryer and serve immediately with the remaining quesadilla sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can customize the filling by adding vegetables such as diced bell peppers or onions.
- Adjust the air frying time slightly depending on your air fryer model and desired crispness.
- For a spicier kick, add more diced jalapenos to the sauce or inside the quesadillas.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: air fryer quesadilla, chicken quesadilla, quick snack, easy appetizer, air fryer recipes, Mexican snack, cheesy quesadilla
