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Air Fryer Beef Mince Quesadilla
- Category: Dinner |
If I’m having friends over, I love to make these quick quesadillas. You can have a number of dips with them from guacamole to sour cream. Serve with some nachos and you’re onto a winner.
SERVES
4
CALORIES
497
DIFFICULTY
simple
Can you cook a quesadilla in the air fryer?
The air fryer is perfect for cooking quesadillas because it makes them crispy and golden without extra oil. It’s quicker than using a pan or oven and keeps your fakeaway light and healthy.
How long does it take to cook a quesadilla in the air fryer?
It usually takes 6–8 minutes at 180°C (350°F) in the air fryer. Flip halfway through for an even, crispy finish.
What is the best cheese for quesadillas?
The best cheese for quesadillas is one that melts well, like cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend. A mix of cheeses gives the best flavour and gooey texture.
Can I use beef mince in a quesadilla?
Beef mince is an excellent choice for quesadillas because it adds flavour and protein. Just make sure to cook and season the mince first before adding it to the tortilla.
Do I need to cook the beef mince before air frying the quesadilla?
Yes. Always brown the mince and drain any excess fat before using it in your quesadilla. This ensures the filling is safe to eat and prevents soggy tortillas.
Can I make an air fryer quesadilla ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the quesadilla and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Or freeze it for up to 3 months, then air fry straight from frozen (add 2–3 extra minutes to cooking time).
Is this beef mince quesadilla a healthy fakeaway option?
Yes. When cooked in the air fryer, you use minimal oil, making it lighter than pan-frying. You can also use lean beef mince, wholemeal tortillas, and reduced-fat cheese for an even healthier fakeaway.
What can I serve with a beef mince quesadilla?
Pair your quesadilla with air fryer chips, a fresh salad, or dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a complete fakeaway experience.
This is a recipe I wrote for Healthy Fakeaways, but it didn’t make the cut. If you want to pre order, you can here! But not to worry – I have more fakeaway recipes like this over on my website:
Method
Step 1
Heat a large frying pan with olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions to a pan, then add your mince, taco seasoning, and 1 tbsp tomato purée. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked.
Step 2
For a quick salsa, mix chopped tomatoes, coriander, and a squeeze of lime.
Step 3
Fill one-half of each tortilla with taco mince, cheese, and salsa. Fold to close.
Step 4
Place quesadillas in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve with your favourite dips, I love guacamole and sour cream.
Ingredients
For beef taco mince:
500g beef mince
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 white onion, finely diced
30g taco seasoning (supermarket sachet)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 lime, juiced
4-6 medium flour tortillas
120g reduced fat cheese, grated
60g cherry tomatoes, chopped
Handful of fresh coriander
If you want to make your own taco seasoning:
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper
