If you love pizza and quesadillas, then you’re in for a treat with this Air Fryer Pizza Quesadilla recipe! Combining two of my favorite comfort foods into one crispy, cheesy masterpiece, it’s the perfect dish for when you’re craving something savory and indulgent but don’t have a ton of time. The air fryer makes the quesadilla perfectly crisp without the mess of traditional frying, and you can customize the fillings to your liking. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, a quick dinner, or a fun appetizer for friends, this recipe is sure to become a go-to.
What I love about this Air Fryer Pizza Quesadilla is how simple it is to prepare and how incredibly satisfying it is. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a delicious pizza-inspired quesadilla ready in minutes. The best part? You don’t need any pizza dough, just tortillas, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings! Ready to make this crispy, cheesy, and gooey treat? Let’s get started.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Flour Tortillas: These serve as the base for our quesadilla, offering a soft and slightly chewy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the crispy outside once it’s air-fried. You can use regular flour tortillas or opt for whole wheat if you prefer a healthier alternative.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show when it comes to pizza! This cheese melts beautifully, creating that gooey, stretchy texture we all know and love. Fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella works best for this recipe.
Pizza Sauce: Think of this as the pizza base for your quesadilla. It adds that classic tomato flavor and gives the quesadilla that authentic pizza taste. You can use store-bought pizza sauce or even make your own if you prefer a homemade touch.
Pepperoni (optional): If you’re a fan of classic pizza toppings, pepperoni is a must! It adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the melty cheese and tangy sauce. You can also use other toppings like sausage, veggies, or mushrooms if you prefer.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding a little parmesan on top of the mozzarella gives the quesadilla an extra savory kick. The sharpness of the parmesan complements the mild mozzarella beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning (think basil, oregano, and thyme) elevates the flavor and gives the quesadilla that pizza flavor we crave. It’s the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients list
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 10-12 slices of pepperoni (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray or olive oil for air frying
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Quesadilla
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and have them ready. This will make assembling the quesadilla quicker and easier. Shred the mozzarella cheese if you’re using a block, slice the pepperoni, and have your pizza sauce ready.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadilla
Start by laying one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce evenly across the surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add your pepperoni slices (if using), followed by a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Place the second tortilla on top, pressing down gently to seal it.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
While assembling the quesadilla, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the quesadilla cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Quesadilla
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the assembled quesadilla in the basket and air fry for 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip the quesadilla carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the quesadilla is perfectly crisp, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute. Slice it into wedges and serve with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Pizza Quesadilla!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use a non-stick air fryer basket: To prevent sticking, opt for a non-stick basket or use a parchment paper liner in the air fryer.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Try adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for a more personalized pizza experience.
- Adjust the crispiness: If you like your quesadilla extra crispy, cook it for an additional minute or two, but be careful not to burn the edges.
- Make it kid-friendly: For picky eaters, skip the pepperoni and stick with cheese for a simple cheese quesadilla pizza.
- Use thin tortillas: Thin tortillas will crisp up better in the air fryer, giving you that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can! Corn tortillas will work well, though they may not be as soft as flour tortillas. Be sure to monitor the cooking time closely to prevent over-crisping.
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can substitute with cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Can I make this quesadilla ahead of time?
While it’s best to eat the quesadilla fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just assemble the quesadilla before air frying.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, wrap the quesadilla in foil or parchment paper and refrigerate it. To reheat, simply air fry for a few minutes until it’s hot and crispy again.
Can I add more protein to the quesadilla?
Yes! Feel free to add grilled chicken, sausage, or even bacon for an extra protein boost.