This Air Fryer Breakfast Quesadilla has a crisp tortilla with bacon, Gouda, feta, bell pepper, and fresh basil tucked inside. I like the mix of the salty bacon and two cheeses with the fresh pepper and basil, especially once the tortilla gets that golden crunch from the air fryer.
If you enjoy a quick air fryer quesadilla recipe for breakfast like this, you should also try my Air Fryer Egg Salad Toast, with its creamy egg filling, melted cheese, and crisp toasted bread. Keep reading to see how layering the cheese and fillings helps keep this healthy breakfast quesadilla crisp rather than soggy.
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Video Tutorial
Try This Air Fryer Breakfast Quesadilla
I really like the combination of crispy tortilla, melted Gouda, salty feta, and crispy bacon here. The bell pepper adds a little freshness and crunch, while the basil keeps the filling from being too much in these air fryer quesadillas.
The crisp outside is probably my favorite part. You still get that warm, bacon cheese quesadilla middle with your favorite toppings, but the air fryer gives the tortillas a proper crunch without needing to fry them in a pan.
Why You’ll Love It
- Crispy outside: A light coating of olive oil or cooking spray helps the tortillas turn crisp without making them greasy.
- Cheesy middle: Gouda and feta give you two different cheese flavors in the filling.
- Quick to cook: The first layer cooks for 2 minutes before the remaining filling is added for another 3 minutes.
- Easy to change: Bacon, cheese, vegetables, and even the type of tortilla can be adjusted using the suggested variations, plus kids love them.
Ingredients
- Mini Quesadillas: I like the smaller tortillas here because they fit neatly into the air fryer basket and make a good-sized breakfast quesadilla. I only use a light coating of olive oil because too much can make them soggy. Corn tortillas or flour tortillas work well.
- Bacon: The bacon gives the filling that salty, savory flavor that works so well with the cheese. Cooked sausage can also be used as one of the suggested filling variations.
- Gouda cheese: I like putting Gouda directly against the tortilla because the melted cheese creates a barrier between the tortilla and the other fillings. Cheddar or mozzarella can also be used.
- Feta cheese: The small amount of crumbled feta adds another layer of salty cheese flavor without overwhelming the Gouda, bacon, pepper, and basil.
How to Make Air Fryer Breakfast Quesadilla
1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Place 2 mini tortillas at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Lightly coat the surface of the tortillas with olive oil using a culinary spray, then deftly flip them over.
3. On one tortilla, layer a slice of Gouda cheese and some bacon. Air fry for 2 minutes.
4. After 2 minutes, add several bell pepper slices, crumbled feta cheese, and torn basil leaves to the tortilla. Place another slice of Gouda melty cheese on top and cover with the second mini tortilla.
5. Continue air frying for an additional 3 minutes until they are golden brown. Watch the sides of the quesadilla as they tend to burn easily. If desired, increase the cooking time for a crispier texture.
6. Slice the tortilla into halves or quarters and serve with your favorite sauce, vegetables, and morning beverage.
Recipe Tips
- Use only a light, even coating of olive oil because too much can make the tortilla soggy.
- Put a slice of cheese against the bottom tortilla before adding the other fillings.
- Spread the fillings evenly so they aren’t all concentrated in one part of the quesadilla.
- Check the quesadilla as it cooks because air fryers can run at slightly different temperatures.
- For an extra-crispy tortilla, increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- The best thing about these are that they are customizable. You can add additional toppings like scrambled eggs, guacamole, jalapenos, bell peppers, onion, veggies, or even meat like beef, chicken, or shrimp.
- You can store any leftovers in an airtight container or zip top bag in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze quesadillas, wrap each quesadilla tightly in a single layer with plastic wrap or a layer of aluminum foil. Place into freezer safe bags in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 months
What Can You Serve With This?
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Avocado salsa
- Fresh fruit salad
- Greek yogurt with berries
- Sour Cream
- Lemon wedges
FAQs
You can increase the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C), but keep a close eye on the tortilla so it doesn’t burn.
To keep tortillas flat in an air fryer, ensure they sit evenly without overlap. Using a light spray of olive oil can also help weigh them down slightly. If they have a tendency to puff up, you can use a heat-proof item like a trivet to gently weigh them down.
To roll breakfast tortillas, start by placing your fillings in the center. Then, fold in the sides of the tortilla, followed by the top and bottom. Roll tightly from the bottom upwards, ensuring the contents remain inside.
Yes. Leave out the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for the suggested vegetarian version.
Recipe
Air Fryer Breakfast Quesadilla
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Kitchen tongs
- 1 Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2 mini tortillas
- 2 slices bacon
- sliced gouda cheese
- 1 tablespoon feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon bell pepper sliced
- fresh basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon olive oil for spraying
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Place 2 mini tortillas at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Lightly coat the surface of the tortillas with olive oil using a culinary spray, then deftly flip them over.
- On one tortilla, layer a slice of Gouda cheese and some bacon. Air fry for 2 minutes.
- After 2 minutes, add several bell pepper slices, crumbled feta cheese, and torn basil leaves to the tortilla. Place another slice of Gouda cheese on top and cover with the second mini tortilla.
- Continue air frying for an additional 3 minutes. If desired, just the cooking time for a crispier texture.
- Slice the tortilla into halves or quarters and serve with your favorite sauce, vegetables, and morning beverage.
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C), cook the first layer for 2 minutes, then cook the assembled quesadilla for another 3 minutes.Taste & Texture
Crispy on the outside with melted cheese, salty bacon and feta, fresh bell pepper, and basil inside.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not specified.
- Reheat: Air fry at about 320°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes to help the tortilla stay crisp.
Serving Recommendations
- I like serving this with pico de gallo or avocado salsa because the fresh topping works nicely with the warm bacon and cheese filling.
- Add fresh fruit or Greek yogurt with berries when you want something simple alongside the quesadilla.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Replace the bacon with cooked sausage or add scrambled eggs.
- Use cheddar, mozzarella, or another favorite cheese slice instead of Gouda.
- Leave out the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Add sliced jalapeños or chili powder for more heat.
- Use a low-carb tortilla if preferred.
Proper Storage Tips
- Store leftover quesadilla in an airtight container.
- Keep it refrigerated.
- Use it within 2 days.
Pro Tips
- Spray the tortillas lightly and evenly with olive oil rather than soaking them.
- Start with Gouda against the tortilla to help protect it from moisture in the other fillings.
- Spread the fillings evenly before adding the second tortilla.
- Keep an eye on the quesadilla while it cooks because air fryers can vary.
Video
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