How to Reheat Quesadillas 3 Easy-to-Follow Methods

If you want to know how to reheat quesadillas, you’ve come to the right casa, amigos! Below you’ll find some simple, fast, and easy-to-follow instructions for reheating this quintessential Mexican treat the right way.

Did you know that the word quesadilla literally means “little cheesy thing” in Spanish? Talk about perfect—even the name itself makes you hungry! And who doesn’t love them? A thin, soft tortilla wrapped around an ooey-gooey filling and grilled on the outside to crispy, cheesy, golden perfection? Yes, please! 

(If you are a Mexican dish lover, we have a treat for you, here are simple tricks to revive leftover tamales or reheat burritos without making it soggy. )

But if you’ve made them yourself or brought home some takeout, the word “little” seems like a misnomer. I always like to grab a lot of them! Having leftover quesadillas in your fridge is a pretty great thing, especially when you know how to reheat them correctly.

The Best Ways to Reheat Quesadillas

When you want to reheat quesadillas, you have some excellent options. My favorite way to do it is in the oven, but the air fryer and stovetop work well, too. You’ll find instructions for all three of these methods below.

If you are only reheating one quesadilla, you could even use your toaster oven. However, a toaster quesadilla might get a little dark on the outside before your insides are fully hot again. And of course, I know some of you might want to reheat them in your microwave. Microwaves are speedy and convenient, but it is virtually impossible to get anything crispy again in there. Because of that, the microwave is not a good option when you reheat quesadillas. 

Nevertheless, you’ll find an easy toaster oven/microwave hack in the FAQ section that will make you look like a quesa-genius!

1. How to Reheat Quesadillas in the Oven

1. Take your leftover quesadillas out of the refrigerator and let them warm up for about 15 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
3. I love to use a wire rack/baking sheet combo for this because it allows your quesadillas to get nice and crispy again on both sides. (Every kitchen needs this terrific set by Checkered Chef!) 

If you don’t have a wire rack, a regular baking sheet will work also. But you should very lightly grease the sheet to help your quesadillas recrisp on the bottom. 

Arrange your quesadillas on the rack or sheet without overlapping.

4. Put your rack/baking sheet into the preheated oven and reheat quesadillas for about 10 minutes. When they are heated through, they are ready to enjoy once again.

2. How to Reheat Quesadillas in the Air Fryer

1. Take your leftover quesadillas out of the refrigerator and let them warm up for about 15 minutes.
2. Set your air fryer to 350ºF and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes.
3. Give your quesadillas a light spray of cooking oil on both sides. I prefer a canola oil spray for this purpose. Canola oil is very light and has a neutral taste. It won’t alter the original flavors of your quesadilla no matter what fillings are inside.

4. Place your quesadillas into the air fryer basket but do not overlap or crowd them. (If they won’t all fit, reheat in batches instead.)
5. Reheat quesadillas in the air fryer for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through once again.

3. How to Reheat Quesadilla on Stove

1. Take your leftover quesadillas out of the refrigerator and let them warm up for about 15 minutes.
2. My preferred pan to reheat quesadillas on the stovetop is a cast iron skillet. (Cast iron does a superior job of crisping and searing anything that you fry. If you don’t have one in your kitchen, you need one!) 

Preheat your cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Add a dab of a neutral vegetable oil (like canola) to the pan.

Note: If you don’t have a cast iron pan, a non-stick pan will do, but be warned. Teflon coatings tend to break down over time and can release dangerous toxins. (A better, safety-minded option for nonstick frying is a granite-coated pan like this excellent one by Carote. You should have one of these, too!)

3. Add your quesadillas to the preheated pan. Don’t overlap or crowd them. (If they don’t all fit, do them in batches instead.) Cook for about a minute on each side, or until the tortilla is crispy and your filling is hot and melted once again.

The Origin of Quesadillas

The fact of the matter is, American and Mexican cultures have been mingling in the kitchen for ages. Staple foods that were once only found south of the border are now an integral part of our diets. Or in short, we love Mexican food! But did you know that many of the foods we typically associate with Mexico were actually invented in the United States? 

Chimichangas, fajitas, chile con queso, margaritas… Yup! All are technically American. And that thing Taco Bell calls a chalupa? It’s a Frankenstein monster of American misappropriation, even if it is still darned delicious! We tend to adopt, adapt, and appropriate many different ethnically-inspired foods here in the States. We are still a melting pot, and that could not be any truer when it comes to food! So, it’s enough to make you wonder, where are quesadillas from? 

I’m happy to report that, yes, quesadillas are an authentic Mexican dish. Back in the 1500s, Spanish settlers created them in colonial Mexico. Needless to say, they were a huge hit! They spread like wildfire, not just throughout Mexico but coast to coast in the U.S. and around the world, too. Fast forward another 500 years, and there’s a leftover quesadilla or two in your fridge right now, right? And speaking of which, let’s get to it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reheat quesadillas in microwave?

I don’t recommend it because your tortilla will be soggy. However, here’s a great hack for using it to reheat just one or two, but you’ll need a toaster oven as well: Put your quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate and warm it up on medium power (50%) for 30 seconds. Then, put it directly on the rack of your toaster oven and toast it for a minute or two. It’s a little messy, but you’ll have a crispy tortilla on the outside and melty insides just the way we love them!

Can I reheat frozen quesadillas in air fryer?

No, for best results you should thaw them first. Once thawed, simply follow the air fryer instructions listed above.

How long can I keep leftover quesadillas in the fridge before I have to eat them?

Please don’t keep them for more than 3 days. After that, harmful bacteria may be building up that can cause food poisoning. (If you don’t get to them, freeze them instead! They’ll keep up to 3 months in your freezer.)

Will these instructions work for reheating quesadillas from Taco Bell?

Yes, but I have an even better option for you! Check out my tutorial on how to reheat quesadillas from Taco Bell right here.

Conclusion

So there you have it, quesadilla warriors! No more sad, soggy tortillas or cheese that forgot its gooey charm. Armed with these three easy methods, you can revive leftover quesadillas into crispy, melty masterpieces. Remember:

• Skillet mastery delivers classic perfection: For even heating and control, the skillet is your go-to. Don’t forget a touch of oil for that irresistible crispness.
• Oven magic for large batches: Need to reheat a crowd-pleasing amount? The oven offers consistent heat and minimal fuss, perfect for big gatherings.
• Microwave: Quick fix with caution: While the microwave provides speedy results, use minimal power and short bursts to avoid a rubbery disaster.

No matter your preferred method, prioritize even heating and ensure the cheese reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption. And remember, toppings are your friend! Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate your reheated quesadillas to a whole new level of deliciousness.

So say goodbye to quesadilla disappointment! With these techniques, you can transform leftovers into melty, crispy bites that rival their freshly made counterparts. Now go forth, experiment, and enjoy the magic of revived quesadillas!