If you’re anything like me and love a fun twist on classic comfort food, this Quesadilla Cones (Baked or Air Fried!) Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Picture perfectly crispy tortilla cones filled with spicy, cheesy chicken, peppers, and onions all mingling with zesty salsa—each bite bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you bake them in the oven or pop them into the air fryer, these cones are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and satisfyingly cheesy inside. It’s a crowd-pleasing snack or meal that’s easy to make and impossible not to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Quesadilla Cones (Baked or Air Fried!) Recipe lies in its simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, contributing layers of flavor, color, and texture that make every bite exciting and delicious.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle is perfect for sautéing and adds a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a pop of color and gentle sweetness that softens beautifully when cooked.
- Peppers: Thinly sliced then halved to balance freshness with a slight crunch, plus a hint of natural sweetness.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: The protein base, tender and ready to soak up those delicious fajita spices.
- Fajita Seasoning: This spice blend brings warmth and zest, tying all the filling ingredients together.
- Hot Doritos Salsa: Adds that unmistakable tangy, spicy kick that elevates the entire filling—feel free to swap with your favorite salsa.
- Flour Tortilla Wraps: The perfect vessel for holding all the tasty ingredients; easily shaped into cones.
- Freshly Grated Cheddar: Melts perfectly inside each cone, creating that gooey, comforting cheese pull you dream of.
- Oil Spray: Helps the cones achieve that golden, crispy exterior during baking or air frying.
- Sour Cream and Fresh Coriander: Optional but highly recommended toppings that add a cool, fresh contrast to the spicy filling.
How to Make Quesadilla Cones (Baked or Air Fried!) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven or Air Fryer
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) if baking, or get your air fryer ready to the same temperature. This sets the perfect environment for crisping the quesadilla cones evenly and bringing out their full flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan over high heat, add just a drizzle of olive oil, then toss in your thinly sliced red onion and peppers. Cook until they soften and develop a light char for that smoky touch. This step enhances their sweetness and adds complexity to the filling.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a big mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with fajita seasoning, giving it a good toss so every piece is nicely coated. Then stir in the sautéed onions, peppers, and your chosen salsa until everything is just blended—no need to overmix.
Step 4: Shape the Tortilla Cones
Take your stack of flour tortillas and, using a sharp knife, cut each one in half. Shape each half carefully into a cone, securing the seam with a toothpick to hold its shape while cooking. This step is key to getting that classic cone look and handy handle for eating.
Step 5: Fill the Cones
Sprinkle some grated cheddar inside each cone first, then spoon your flavorful chicken mixture in, packing it slightly for a nice compact filling. Finish by adding more cheese on top and gently pressing it down so it melts and seals the cone’s opening during cooking.
Step 6: Air Fry or Bake Your Cones
For air frying, line your basket with baking paper and space out the cones so air can circulate. Lightly spray them with oil and cook at 180°C (350°F) for about eight minutes until golden and crunchy. If baking, arrange the cones on a baking tray with baking paper, lightly spray with oil, and bake for around 12 minutes until crispy and bubbling.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
After cooking, carefully remove the toothpicks, and serve your quesadilla cones immediately while hot. Don’t forget to have some napkins or kitchen roll handy to catch the delicious melted cheese and any drips. Top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle fresh coriander for that final fresh zing.
How to Serve Quesadilla Cones (Baked or Air Fried!) Recipe
Garnishes
Topping these quesadilla cones with sour cream brings a creamy coolness that beautifully balances the spicy filling. A sprinkle of finely diced fresh coriander adds an herbaceous brightness that lifts every mouthful, making the experience even more vibrant and enjoyable.
Side Dishes
These cones pair wonderfully with simple sides like crisp tortilla chips and guacamole or a fresh salad tossed with lime and chili flakes. The contrast of crunchy, creamy, and fresh side dishes complements the warm, cheesy cones perfectly for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve your quesadilla cones standing upright in a tall glass or mason jar with plenty of napkins on the side. You can even set up a DIY toppings bar where everyone can customize theirs with salsas, sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado slices. It makes the experience interactive and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any quesadilla cones left, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to two days. Keep in mind that they are best enjoyed fresh for that perfectly crispy exterior.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cones after shaping and filling them. Wrap each cone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, bake or air fry straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, use your oven or air fryer to restore that beautiful crispness. Heat at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-8 minutes or until warmed through and crunchy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the cones from going soggy.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While you can try corn tortillas, they are less pliable and more likely to crack when shaped into cones. Flour tortillas offer the perfect balance of flexibility and sturdiness needed for this recipe.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
Feel free to use cooked shredded beef, pork, or even a plant-based protein like jackfruit or textured vegetable protein to suit dietary preferences or mix things up.
Is fajita seasoning necessary?
Fajita seasoning adds a wonderful depth of flavor with its blend of spices, but you can substitute with taco seasoning or your own mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if preferred.
Can I make these cones gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour tortillas, widely available in stores, to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing taste or texture.
How crisp do the cones get when air fried versus baked?
Air frying tends to produce a slightly crisper, more evenly browned exterior quickly thanks to the circulating hot air. Baking yields a delicious crisp as well but can take a few extra minutes and might be less uniformly browned.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you have as much fun making and eating this Quesadilla Cones (Baked or Air Fried!) Recipe as I do. It’s such a delightful way to enjoy familiar flavors in a new hand-held form that’s perfect for sharing or a casual dinner. Give it a try, and watch these cones disappear fast—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Quesadilla Cones (Baked or Air Fried!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 cones (5 tortillas halved)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
Delicious and fun Quesadilla Cones filled with seasoned chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese. These handheld cones are crispy on the outside and gooey inside, perfect for a snack or party dish. They can be baked or air fried for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Peppers, thinly sliced then halved
- Finely diced Fresh Coriander/Cilantro, to serve
Protein & Dairy
- 400g / 14oz Shredded Cooked Chicken
- 300g / 3 cups freshly grated Cheddar Cheese
- Sour Cream, to serve
Pantry & Seasonings
- Drizzle of Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Fajita Seasoning
- 1x 300g/10.5oz jar of Hot Doritos Salsa (or preferred salsa)
- 5x 23-25cm/9-10″ Flour Tortilla Wraps
- Oil Spray, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven (if baking): If you are baking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for cooking the quesadilla cones.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and peppers, frying them until they soften and develop a slight char. Remove from heat once done.
- Prepare Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the fajita seasoning. Stir in the sautéed peppers and onions along with the salsa until the mixture is well combined.
- Form Quesadilla Cones: Stack the flour tortillas and cut each in half using a sharp knife. Fold each half into a cone shape, securing the seam with a toothpick to hold the shape.
- Assemble Cones: Sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese inside each cone, add a compact spoonful of the chicken mixture, then top with more cheese. Press down gently so the cheese sticks and helps seal the filling.
- Air Fry Method: Line the air fryer base with baking paper and space out the quesadilla cones. Lightly spray the cones with oil. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 8 minutes until the cones are crispy on the outside and heated through.
- Bake Method: Line a baking tray with baking paper and space out the cones. Lightly spray with oil and bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 12 minutes, or until crisp outside and hot inside.
- Serve: Carefully remove the toothpicks from the cones. Serve immediately with sour cream and freshly diced coriander on top, along with napkins or kitchen roll to catch any excess oil. Enjoy your tasty quesadilla cones!
Notes
- Use cooked chicken for filling; leftover roast chicken works great.
- Fajita seasoning can be store-bought or homemade.
- The salsa can be substituted with your favorite kind if you prefer less spice.
- Be careful when folding tortillas and use toothpicks to secure them properly for ease of cooking.
- For a crispier cones, air frying is quicker, while baking is an easy alternative.
- Serve with sour cream and fresh coriander for added flavor and freshness.
