Bean and Cheese Air Fryer Quesadillas

Bean and cheese quesadillas cook up so easily in the air fryer! This is a quick and easy recipe that makes crispy quesadillas for a delicious lunch or dinner. These air fryer quesadillas are vegetarian, though you can always add meat if you like!

I love meals that can cook up fast and are so easy. And even better if I can customize to tastes! Because let's be honest... my kids don't always like what I do. These air fryer bean and cheese quesadillas tick all those boxes.

Sure, you can make quesadillas on the stove, like these easy breakfast quesadillas. But quesadillas in the air fryer don't require any flipping and I like them even better than the kind I'd make in a pan.

Also, these are a great way to use up leftovers! Leftover steak? Cut it up and throw it in! Leftover veggies? Toss those in too! Just know that some stuff you may want to preheat before adding to your quesadilla.

Why cook quesadillas in the air fryer?

• These quesadillas are so quick and easy to make.
• I personally think they are more delicious than the stovetop version.
• Kid-friendly and fun to make.
• No flipping required!

Customization ideas:

The quesadillas I made were black bean and cheese, but these can be customized with so many flavors! Here's a few ideas:

• Swap out the beans for some steak, chicken, or even pulled pork.
• Add cooked veggies like diced peppers and onions, or add raw veggies like tomatoes and spinach.
• Use refried beans instead of whole beans (I do this all the time, and it's DELICIOUS). Don't want to use black beans? Check out these substitutes for black beans.

Cooking tips:

• I like to do one tortilla per quesadilla and fold it in half, rather than doing two tortillas per quesadilla. See what I mean in the instructions below! I have found that helps minimize filling coming out of the quesadilla while it cooks.
• You will likely need to place something on top of the tortilla for the first several minutes of cooking, otherwise the top of the tortilla will fly up due to the air flow in the air fryer. You can place any oven-safe item on top of your quesadilla or even use toothpicks to hold it together.
• If you want a slightly crispier quesadilla (like me), brush a bit of oil onto the outside of your tortilla before cooking. If you want to keep your quesadilla on the softer side, don't use oil.
• All air fryers cook differently! Always check your quesadilla to make sure it's done to your liking.

Freezing and refrigerating

These quesadillas can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container after the quesadillas have cooled off. Thaw in the microwave, oven, refrigerator, or simply at room temperature.

You can place any leftover quesadillas in the refrigerator. Eat within 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave, oven, air fryer, or stove over medium-low heat.

How to make:

First, brush one side of the tortilla with a bit of oil (for crispy quesadillas). Then, take your tortillas (oil side down) and place your cheese and beans on half of each tortilla. I prefer to add cheese, then beans, and then sprinkle a little more cheese on before folding over the tortillas.

Fold over the tortillas and place into the air fryer basket.

Place something on the top of the tortillas so they don't fly open in the air fryer. I used the metal trivet from my Instant Pot for this!

Air fry for 4 minutes at 400 degrees. Check frequently for doneness. Depending on your air fryer and tortillas, you may need more or less time. I like to let mine sit in the air fryer for a minute before removing.

Next, remove quesadillas from the air fryer and let rest on a cutting board for a couple of minutes before slicing with a knife or pizza cutter. Serve with your favorite salsa and/or lime wedges for squeezing over the quesadillas. HIGHLY recommend the lime! So good!

Looking for more air fryer recipes?

• Air Fryer Tortilla Pizzas
• Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
• Air Fryer Cherry Tomatoes
• Air Fryer Yellow Squash