Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla with Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe
This Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla recipe features crispy, cheesy quesadillas filled with tender cooked chicken and a blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Paired with a copycat Taco Bell quesadilla sauce, this dish elevates a classic favorite with an easy air fryer cooking method for a quick, melty, and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 5 quesadillas (10 halves)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
For the Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons minced jalapeños
- 2 teaspoons jalapeño juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Chicken Quesadilla
- 1 pound cooked chicken (roasted, grilled, or shredded)
- 5 burrito flour tortillas
- 3 slices American cheese
- 2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar & Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Quesadilla Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced jalapeños, jalapeño juice, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, sugar, cumin, and salt. Stir well until fully blended and set aside.
- Assemble the Quesadilla: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a surface. Place half a slice of American cheese lengthwise on one half of the tortilla. Top that with ½ cup of the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add the Chicken: Evenly distribute cooked chicken over the cheese layer.
- Spread the Sauce: On the opposite half of the tortilla, thinly spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the prepared quesadilla sauce.
- Fold and Prepare to Cook: Fold the tortilla over to close and cut in half. Lightly spray both sides of the quesadilla with olive oil spray to ensure crispiness while air frying. If needed, use an air-fryer-safe weight or toothpicks to keep the quesadilla intact during cooking.
- Air Fry the Quesadilla: Place the quesadilla in the air fryer at 370°F. Cook for 3 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is crispy.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the assembly and cooking process for any remaining quesadillas. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa for dipping.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for using leftover cooked chicken, whether grilled, roasted, shredded, or from a rotisserie.
- Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you do not have an air fryer, you can cook the quesadillas in a large skillet over medium heat, pressing them down with a weight or spatula until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden brown.
