Tuna Melt Quesadillas in the Air Fryer

This Tuna Melt Quesadilla in the air fryer is a great way to make a tasty yet easy meal in less than 15 minutes. If you are newer to using the air fryer, this is a great recipe to start with.

You can add as many seasonings as you like to the mayo sauce used with the tuna and make it your own! 

Make sure to have your oil sprayer ready as it helps the tortilla crisps up perfectly in the air fryer.

Ingredients and Supplies You’ll Need to Make Tuna Melt in the Air Fryer:

Ingredients:

• Sour cream, light or regular
• Mayonnaise, light or regular
• Finely chopped cilantro
• Finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce OR 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder (see note)
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt, I use coarse, kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Zest of 1/2 lime, about 1/2 teaspoon
• Canned tuna, well drained (I prefer albacore tuna packed in water)
• Flour tortillas (see note)
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend

Supplies:

• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Wire rack or toothpicks
• Oil sprayer
• Air fryer (Cosori Pro II)

Can you use anything else instead of tuna?

Yes! If you either do not have tuna or do not have any, canned chicken or even rotisserie chicken will work great too!

Is the sauce spicy? 

I do not think the sauce is spicy but, you can always alter the ingredients in the sauce to fit your personal preferences. 

If you do not love spice at all, I would cut back the amount of chopped chipotle peppers used and test the sauce as you go, and then add more as you please.

How to Make Tuna Melt in the Air Fryer:

Step 1: Mix up the spiced mayo

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayo, cilantro, chipotle peppers or chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and lime zest.

Add the tuna and mix until evenly combined. Add additional salt to taste, if needed.

Step 2: Build the quesadilla 

Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese (or more, depending on how cheesy you want them) evenly on a tortilla. Top with spoonfuls of the tuna mixture, spreading into a somewhat even layer (it doesn’t have to be perfect).

Sprinkle with a little more cheese and top with another tortilla. Repeat with remaining tortillas. I get about three quesadillas total.

Step 3: Fry the quesadillas

Place the quesadilla in a lightly sprayed air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top with oil and keep the quesadilla down with an air fryer wire rack or toothpicks.

Air fry at 360 °F or 182 °C for 4-6 minutes, or until the tortilla is crispy and the tuna and cheese is melty and cooked to your liking. 

Easy Air Fryer Meals 

We have so many more simple yet delicious meals that you can make in the air fryer that doesn’t take much time or prep work. Make sure to give them a try.

Easy Appetizer Recipes:

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner Recipe
• The Easiest 5 Ingredient Teriyaki Chicken Dinner
• Meatloaf Dinner for 1
• Teriyaki Cod and Cauliflower Rice Dinner 

Final Thoughts

What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to throw together. It will make for a great snack or even a light lunch or dinner. It is not complicated and is done in about 15 minutes.

Then just pair the tuna melt with your favorite side and enjoy!

Appetizers or sides to serve with dinner!

• Air Fryer Broccoli from Frozen

• Quick One-Hour Dinner Rolls

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• Air Fryer Acorn Squash

• Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

• Breaded Garlic & Cheese Cauliflower

• Air Fryer Mushrooms

Air fryer tips and tricks

• Air Fryer 101
• Learn these common Air Fryer Mistakes!
• All about the Best and Worst Air Fryer Accessories
• How to Clean Your Air Fryer
• How to Cook Any Recipe in the Air Fryer
• FREE Download → Air Fryer Tips & Temps
• Air Fryer Buying Guide
• Watch Fabulessly Frugal YouTube Channel for Air Fryer Recipes

Tuna Melt Quesadillas in the Air Fryer

Tuna Melt Quesadillas in the air fryer is a super simple quick and easy dinner filled with protein and packed with flavor.

4.88 / 5 ( 8 Reviews )

Print Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes minutes

Total Time: 11 minutes minutes

Serves: 3

Adjust Servings: 3

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Wire rack or toothpicks
• Oil sprayer
• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• ¼ cup Sour cream light or regular
• ¼ cup Mayonnaise light or regular
• 1 tbsp Finely chopped cilantro
• ½ tbsp Chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder
• ¼ tsp Onion powder
• ¼ tsp Garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Lime zest
• 10 oz Canned tuna Well drained, I prefer albacore tuna packed in water
• 6 Flour tortillas
• 1 ½ cups Shredded Monterey Jack cheese can also use cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayo, cilantro, chipotle peppers or chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and lime zest. Add the tuna and mix until evenly combined. Add additional salt to taste, if needed.
• Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese (or more, depending on how cheesy you want them) evenly on a tortilla. Top with spoonfuls of the tuna mixture, spreading into a somewhat even layer (it doesn’t have to be perfect). Sprinkle with a little more cheese and top with another tortilla. Repeat with remaining tortillas. I get about three quesadillas total.
• Place the quesadilla in a lightly sprayed air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top with oil and keep the quesadilla down with an air fryer wire rack or tooth picks.
• Air fry at 360 °F for 4-6 minutes, or until the tortilla is crispy and tuna and cheese is melty and cooked to your liking.

Nutrition

Calories: 646kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 40g | Sodium: 1306mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g

Recipe Adapted From: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

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