Steak Quesadillas: Deliciously Crispy on the Blackstone or in the Air Fryer (+Video)

Marci Loehner

If you’re craving a quick and flavorful meal, these steak quesadillas are a must-try! With perfectly seasoned steak, melted cheese, and savory vegetables, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you cook it on a Blackstone griddle or in an air fryer, you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!

3 steak queadillas cut stacked on top to show melty cheese and bites of steak

Can I use other proteins instead of steak? Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or even black beans are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

What can I serve with quesadillas? Quesadillas pair perfectly with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad.

Can I prepare these ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just assemble and cook when you're ready to eat!

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

What type of steak is best for quesadillas?

  • Best steak types: Flank steak and skirt steak are both great options for quesadillas due to their flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. Ribeye and sirloin can also be used if you prefer a richer or more tender cut.
  • Leftover steak: Yes, leftover steak can work well. Just chop it into small pieces, and it’ll heat up quickly in the quesadilla.

How do I fold the quesadilla?

  • Folding method: A classic way is to place the filling on one half of the tortilla and then fold the other half over. This method keeps the cheese and steak inside while cooking. For larger fillings, you might prefer to place them evenly across the entire surface of the tortilla, folding it in half to seal.
  • Staying together: Press the quesadilla gently with a spatula after folding to help seal it. Cooking it on medium heat also helps the cheese melt and act as a glue.

How do I cut the quesadilla?

  • Cutting method: A pizza cutter works great for making clean slices, especially if you’re cutting into wedges. You can also use a sharp knife, cutting into quarters or halves, depending on how large you want the portions.
  • Serving size: Cutting into triangles or wedges is ideal for easy serving, but it’s also fine to cut into halves for a more substantial portion.
steak quesadillas stacked on top of one another to show steak and cheese

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the steak and load your quesadilla with extra veggies like grilled onions, mushroom, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
  • Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra layer of heat.
  • Herbed Flavor: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
  • Flavor-Packed: The cajun seasoning elevates the steak, giving it a delicious kick that pairs beautifully with the melty cheese and sautéed veggies.
  • Crispy Perfection: The Blackstone griddle gives the tortillas a crispy texture that enhances the overall experience, but the air fryer is a fantastic alternative for quick cooking.
  • Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand!
ingredients for steak quesadillas

Ingredients

  • 1 flour tortilla
  • 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning (or your favorite steak seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons mushrooms, diced
  • 2 tablespoons onion, diced

Instructions

seasoned steak in air fryer before cooking

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

  1. Sprinkle cajun seasoning on both sides of the steak.
  2. Place the seasoned steak in a greased air fryer basket at 350°F or on a preheated Blackstone griddle.
  3. Cook for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare or 8-10 minutes for well done.
  4. Once cooked to your liking, let the steak rest for 5 minutes. This step helps seal in the juices for a tender bite.
bite sized steak resting in bowl

Tip: While you can cut the steak into bite-sized pieces before cooking, cooking it whole helps retain moisture. Cutting it too early can lead to a drier texture.

steak quesadilla cooked on blackstone

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadilla

  1. Spread butter evenly over one side of the flour tortilla. This will help the cajun seasoning adhere and give a beautiful golden color when cooked.
  2. Sprinkle cajun seasoning over the buttered side and place it butter-side down on the Blackstone or griddle.
  3. On the unbuttered side, layer an even amount of your preferred cheese. Mexican blend, mozzarella, and cheddar all work wonderfully.
  4. Top the cheese with the diced mushrooms, onions, and bite-sized pieces of steak (or any other ingredients you’re using).
  5. Fold the tortilla in half by flipping the cheese-only side over onto the filling. Let it cook for a minute or two, allowing the cheese to melt.
steak quesadillas topped with freshly chopped cilantro on white plate

Cooking in the Air Fryer

You can easily make these quesadillas in the air fryer! Here’s how:

  1. Cook the steak as directed.
  2. Layer the quesadilla with cheese first, followed by the steak and any additional ingredients.
  3. Top with more cheese to keep everything in place.
  4. Place in a greased air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 6-10 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking.

These steak quesadillas are sure to become a favorite in your household! Enjoy the bold flavors and crispy texture, and don’t hesitate to customize them to suit your taste. Happy cooking!

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