Easy Air Fryer Ground Beef Quesadillas

Looking for a quick and delicious appetizer? You should try these Easy Air Fryer Ground Beef Quesadillas!

You may also like my other Mexican food: Instant Pot Al Pastor, Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita.

Why You’ll Love It

This satisfying meal is easy to prepare. Quesadillas’ crispy exterior and flavorful filling will surely be a hit with family and friends. These quesadillas will impress whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or a festive gathering. This recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option. Enjoy this recipe and add your twist to make it uniquely yours!

How Do You Make Air Fryer Beef Quesadilla and How to Cook It Stove Top

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion, finely chopped
• Bell pepper, finely chopped 
• Corn
• Oil
• Ground pepper, Onion and Garlic Powder
• Cheese

Quesadilla

• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro

Instructions

Quesadillas are delicious and customizable dishes that can be tailored to your taste. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, steak, or seafood or enjoy the unique flavors of corn tortillas over flour, there’s a quesadilla recipe for everyone. You can create the perfect quesadilla every time by sealing the edges properly and experimenting with different fillings and toppings. This recipe is designed to cater to your preferences.

• Heat the oil over medium heat.
• 2. Sauté the onions and peppers: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• 3. Cook the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• 4. Brown the beef.
• 5. Season the beef: Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the ground beef. Stir well to combine. If using tomato sauce or salsa, stir it in now and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
• 6. Drain (if necessary): If there’s excess grease, drain it off before using the beef filling in the quesadilla.
• Assembling and Cooking the Quesadilla:
• Prepare the Tortillas: Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface.
• Add the Filling: Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese on each tortilla. Top with a little more cheese,
• Heat the Skillet:
• Cook the Quesadillas: Carefully place one or two quesadillas in the skillet, depending on the size of your pan. Cook for 2-3
• Repeat: Remove the cooked quesadillas from the skillet and keep warm.

How do you Easy Air Fryer Ground Beef Quesadillas

Cooking Quesadilla is quick and easy.

• Cook the Filling
• Put the tortilla flat on the air fryer basket
• Fill half of the tortilla to one side and top it with cheese.
• Fold and cover the air fryer.
• Put the air fryer setting button and set the timer to six minutes.

What is the Best Meat for Quesadillas?

The best meat for quesadillas largely depends on your personal preference and the flavor profile you want to achieve. Here are some popular options:

1. Ground Beef: Versatile and flavorful, ground beef is easy to season and cooks quickly.
2. Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken, shredded and seasoned, is a classic and delicious choice.
3. Steak: Thinly sliced steak, like flank or skirt steak, provides a rich, beefy flavor.
4. Pork: Pulled pork or thinly sliced pork loin adds a tasty twist.
5. Seafood: Shrimp or fish can be used for a lighter, coastal-inspired quesadilla.

How to Seal the Edges of a Quesadilla?

Sealing the edges of a quesadilla helps keep the filling inside and makes flipping easier. Here’s how to do it:

• Cheese as Glue: Place a small amount of cheese along the edges of the tortilla. As it melts, it will act as a glue to hold the quesadilla together.
• Press Down: Use a spatula to press the edges of the tortilla firmly after folding or when cooking. This ensures the edges stick together.
• Cooking Method: Cook on medium heat. A sandwich press or quesadilla maker can also help seal the edges perfectly.

What is Good in a Quesadilla?

Quesadillas are highly versatile, and you can fill them with various ingredients. Here are some popular and delicious options:

1. Cheese is essential for binding the quesadilla together. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are popular choices.
2. Meat: Ground beef, shredded chicken, steak, pulled pork, or shrimp.
3. Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
4. Beans: Black beans or refried beans add protein and texture.
5. Extras: Avocado, corn, olives, or roasted peppers.
6. Seasonings: Garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, cilantro, and lime juice to enhance flavor.
7. Toppings: For added flavor and freshness, add sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, or hot sauce.

How to Store

Although quesadillas are delicious and a crowd-pleaser, they are not good with leftovers. They tend to become hard and stretchy, so advise cooking just enough for everyone and cooking them fresh as you go. But if, indeed, there are leftovers, store them in the fridge in a sealed container and reheat them in the microwave until the cheese is melted.