air fryer recipes

Name: Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder; 2 teaspoons of jalapeño juice; 2 teaspoons of jalapeños, minced; 1/3 cup of mayonnaise; 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon of paprika; 1/4 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 teaspoon of sugar; 1/2 teaspoon of cumin; 1 lb of cooked roasted chicken breast, sliced, divided; 3 slices of american cheese; 5 burrito-size flour tortillas; 2 1/2 cups of Cheddar & Monterey Jack shredded cheese, divided

Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla

July 3, 2025 by Rachel Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla, you’re not alone. And the good news is, you can now make it at home! This recipe brings all the bold, cheesy, slightly spicy flavor of the fast food favorite right to your own kitchen. With juicy seasoned chicken, melty cheese, and that signature creamy jalapeño sauce, this copycat quesadilla is surprisingly easy to make and totally satisfying. Whether you’re recreating a late-night snack or feeding the whole family, this is one recipe that’s sure to hit the spot.

Sure, there’s something nostalgic about a late-night Taco Bell drive-thru run. But let’s be honest, sometimes the craving hits and you really don’t want to change out of your pajamas, let alone leave the house. That’s where this Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla recipe comes in clutch. It’s quick, easy, and tastes just like the real thing. Maybe even better. Plus, you can make a whole batch for a fraction of the cost. Bonus? No one will judge you for eating two.

What you’ll need to make Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadillas

To make these Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadillas, you’ll need a few pantry staples, a couple fresh ingredients, and about an hour of your time. The real star of the show is the creamy jalapeño sauce. It’s a simple mix of mayo, spices, and minced jalapeños that brings that signature Taco Bell flavor to life. Add in roasted chicken breast, a blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a few slices of American cheese for that gooey, melty center. Wrap it all up in burrito-sized flour tortillas and cook them to crispy perfection in the air fryer. These quesadillas are shockingly easy to make and deliver that familiar, cheesy goodness without ever leaving your kitchen.

Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Yield: 5

Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
2 teaspoons of jalapeño juice
2 teaspoons of jalapeños, minced
1/3 cup of mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of cumin
1 lb of cooked roasted chicken breast, sliced, divided
3 slices of american cheese
5 burrito-size flour tortillas
2 1/2 cups of Cheddar & Monterey Jack shredded cheese, divided

Instructions

INGREDIENTS:

Mix the mayonnaise, jalapeño, jalapeño juice, and spices together in a mixing bowl until sauce is combined.
Lay open one tortilla on a flat surface. Place half a cheese slice on one half of the tortilla long ways. Cover same side with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
Place 5-6 slices of chicken on cheese.
Spread 1 tablespoon of sauce on opposite side of tortilla.
Fold tortilla closed and cut in half.
Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil and place halved quesadilla in basket. Lightly spray quesadilla with oil and cook on 370 for 3 mins, flip and cook for 2 minutes.
Repeat steps 2-5 per tortilla.
ENJOY!

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Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

November 20, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Tornado potatoes are a fun, flavorful, and visually striking snack that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for something crispy and delicious. With their spiral shape and golden, crunchy texture, they’re like a cross between French fries and potato chips—perfect for serving at parties, as an appetizer, or even as a side dish. Best of all, making these tasty tornado potatoes at home is simpler than you might think! In this post, we’ll guide you through a quick and easy recipe that will have you twisting up your own batch in no time. Get ready to elevate your potato game with this irresistible treat! These air fryer Tornado Potatoes are sure to become a family favorite.

Why you should consider getting an air fryer

Using an air fryer to make recipes at home is a game-changer for busy families. It cooks food faster than traditional methods. Thus, saving you time in the kitchen. While also using less oil, making meals healthier without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer’s versatility means you can easily prepare everything from crispy snacks to juicy chicken and even baked goods, all with minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in cooking. It offers a safer and more efficient way to enjoy homemade meals together.

We have two air fryers. My personal favorite is this dual-cook air fryer from Ninja. The Ninja Foodi allows two different temperature settings and cook settings, so you can make two different items at the same time.

What you’ll need to make this tasty dish

Making Tornado Potatoes in the air fryer is incredibly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients! All you’ll need are russet or golden potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, along with a couple of kabob skewers to create that signature spiral shape. Parsley is entirely optional, but really helps bring out the final flavors. The air fryer does all the work, delivering crispy, golden potatoes in no time without the mess of deep frying. It’s a fun, hassle-free way to enjoy this delicious snack or side dish right at home!

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes Recipe

Yield: 6

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 1 minute

Total Time 31 minutes

Ingredients

4-5 medium sized russet or golden potatoes
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of pepper
Kabob skewers
parsley, optional as garnish

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

Place potatoes in the microwave for 1-1.5 minutes. This softens the potatoes for skewering.
Stick skewers through the center of the potato’s long ways. Place potatoes in the center of the skewer.
With a knife, make an angled cut in a corkscrew rotation from one edge to the other cutting clear to the skewer.
To separate, loosen the ringlets and pull outwards. Keep in mind the size of your air fryer basket. You might need to cut away excess skewer.
Brush potatoes with oil inside and out and season with spices.
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400° for 15-18 minutes. (This step may need repeated based on the size of your air fryer baskets).
Remove and let cool.
Repeat as needed until all potatoes are cooked to perfection.
ENJOY!

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Easy Sausage Corn Dog Bites

November 7, 2023 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Well it’s officially Fall. And our schedules aren’t any less busy than they were a few months ago. Heck, at this point, I am certain our schedules will never be less busy. Well, not at least until these kiddos are grown. So for now we will do all of the easy meals. These easy sausage corn dog bites check all of the boxes for our busy (and picky!) family.

Why use an air fryer?

The two greatest culinary inventions (well, at least for busy parents) are the Instant Pot and the air fryer. I know some folks will disagree and say that the crockpot or slow cooker reigns supreme, but a slow cooker can’t make dinner in minutes. And that’s why these two cooking gadgets win the prize.

Time is a hot commodity for everyone. I would argue that it’s especially true for parents. Between working, school work, extracurriculars, and whatever else families have going on, they need dinner as quickly as possible.

What you’ll need

My alternate title to this recipe would be “Four Ingredient Kid-Friendly Dinner.” This super easy, super delicious recipe consists of four simple ingredients. All you’ll need is the following:

2 boxes of jiffy cornbread mix
2 eggs
1 cup of milk
1 – 13 ounce package of sausage: andouille or kielbasa

That’s it. Easy peasy. And truly an ‘in-a-pinch’ recipe you can throw together on a busy weeknight.

Easy Sausage Corn Dog Bites Recipe

Yield: 12

Sausage Corn Dog Bites

Prep Time 3 hours 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 boxes of jiffy cornbread mix
2 eggs
1 cup of milk
1 - 13 ounce package of sausage: andouille or kielbasa

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

In a mixing bowl, add the jiffy mix, eggs, and milk. Mix well until the batter is smooth.

While the box mix lists 1/3 cup milk per box, I like to add a little extra as it creates a less dense result.
Slice the sausage into 1” pieces.
Place each sausage piece into a cupcake liner.
Pour cornbread mix into the liner until sausage is just barely covered.
Place liners in air fryer basket and cook at 325°f for 10 minutes.
Remove and let cool before serving.
ENJOY!

If you’re looking for more easy recipes, head to my “easy recipes” tab. Kid-approved, mom on a time crunch friendly, and ALL are delicious.

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Caramel Apple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza

September 12, 2023 by Rachel 1 Comment

Summer has flown by. Before we know it, Autumn will be here. Truthfully, Autumn has always been my favorite season. I love the crisp air, the turning leaves, and most of all, the delicious apple foods! But this caramel apple air fryer dessert pizza is perfect for any season. It’s crispy, gooey, and oh-so-flavorful!

Why the air fryer?

As someone who creates a lot of Instant Pot and air fryer meals, I get this question a lot. Honestly, both of these kitchen gadgets have been a game changer for me. Not only are they easy to use, but they create less mess, and a faster cook time. And I know busy parents can relate to that! These gadgets are truly a lifesaver. And that’s why I use the air fryer for this recipe.

What you’ll need

Listen, this recipe is lengthy. Both as far as ingredients and steps. But I need to tell you — give it a shot. It’s much, much easier than you would expect. With homemade pizza crust, you’ll need the following ingredients:

warm water
sugar
dry yeast
all-purpose flour
olive oil
salt
cornmeal

The pizza dough crust ingredients are so simple. The caramelized apples and cream cheese frosting are even more simple. Here’s what else you’ll need to have on hand:

salted butter
brown sugar
water
2 large apples
ground cinnamon
cream cheese
powdered sugar
vanilla

Pro tip: The apples you get should be of the tart variety. Tart apple varieties include Pink Lady, McIntosh, and Cortland apples!

Caramel Apple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza Recipe

Yield: 4

Caramel Apple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 43 minutes

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

1 ½ cups of warm water (110 degrees F)
2 teaspoons of sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons of dry yeast
3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 teaspoons of salt
1/2 cup of cornmeal

Caramelized Apples

2 tablespoons of salted butter
⅓ cup of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of water
2 large apples
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Pizza Assembly

Caramelized apples
3 tablespoons of butter softened
1/4 cup of brown sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces of cream cheese softened
6 tablespoons of butter, softened
1 cup of powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla

Instructions

Ingredients:

Pizza Dough

In a large bowl, add your warm water and yeast. Stir and mix. Allow your yeast to proof for about five minutes.
After five minutes, add in your sugar, flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated.
If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about five minutes on medium speed. If using your hands, transfer the dough ball to a lightly floured flat surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
Transfer your dough ball to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel for 1 hour, or until it's doubled in size.

Caramelizing Onions

Peel and dice the apples into small pieces.
In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium high heat.
When the butter is melted, add the sugar, water, and apples. Stir and cook until the sugar is melted. 3 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium-low and consistently stir while cooking for 8 minutes.
Add the cinnamon and cook/stir for 1 minute.
Remove from heat and let cool for 20 minutes. Place in a jar and cool for 1 hour.

Pizza Assembly

Preheat your air fryer to 380°
Once your dough has doubled in size, remove your dough ball to a lightly floured surface.
Divide your ball into 4 sections.
Roll your dough using a rolling pin until it is 8 inches in diameter.
Dust the air fryer pan with the cornmeal and transfer your pizza dough to your pan. Press to flatten down on the bottom of the pan.
Once your air fryer is heated, cook your dough for 4 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, add and mix the caramelized apples, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
Remove the cooked dough and then top it with 1/4 of the caramel apple sauce from the mixing bowl. Cook for another 4 minutes.
Repeat the steps for each pizza.
While the pizza is cooking, add the frosting ingredients to a bowl and mix to combine.
Once the pizza is cooked and cooled, pipe or drizzle the frosting onto the pizzas.
Serve and enjoy! Use any extra frosting as a dipping sauce.

Truly this recipe is so easy. If you’re looking for other Fall recipes, check out these adorable Mummy Jalapeño Poppers!

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Unicorn Pop Tart Recipe

March 27, 2023 by Rachel 6 Comments

As we get further into this school year, our mornings have become increasingly chaotic. Between bathing, clothing, and feeding all three kids, we are often barely to school on time. I try to get my kids to eat something — anything! — before school starts. Some days are easier than others. One of the problems we have run into is that my kids just don’t really like traditional Pop Tarts. Enter the Unicorn Pop Tart Recipe. My kids are obsessed! And I think your kids will be, too!

What You’ll Need

In my opinion, traditional pop tarts really lack because of the dry pastry crust. Thankfully these unicorn pop tarts do not have that problem. I make these using refrigerated pie crusts, like these Pillsbury crusts. The other trick to creating these delicious, flaky pop tarts, is to use your air fryer. YES! Pop tarts in the air fryer will cook these to perfection.

Here’s what else you’ll need:

15 ounces of pie crusts (equivalent to 2 crusts), store bought or homemade
blue food coloring
pink food coloring
any flavor of jelly preserves
powdered sugar
milk
an egg
a heart cookie cutter
and sprinkles!

Be sure to play around with different jelly preserves, food coloring, and sprinkles!

Unicorn Pop Tart Recipe

Unicorn Pop Tarts

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes

Total Time 26 minutes

Ingredients

15 oz of pie crusts (equivalent to 2 crusts), store bought or homemade
3 drops blue food coloring
5 ounces jelly preserves total, any flavor (I used strawberry)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 TBSP milk (you may add more if you like your icing to be a thinner consistency)
2 drops pink food coloring
1 egg, whisked
4 tablespoons mixture of pink and purple sprinkles
1 heart cookie cutter

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

On one of the heart-shaped crust, take 1 tablespoon of your jelly preserves, and place it in the middle. Spread it out evenly on the heart shape. Make sure to leave room around the edges.

Taking your finger, dip it in the egg wash, and evenly spread the egg wash around the edges surrounding the jelly.

Place another heart shaped pie crust on top of the other heart with the jelly on it. Using a fork press down the edges creating a seal.

Using a kitchen brush, dip it in the egg wash and top the rest of your heart shape with the egg wash.

Using a fork, or toothpick, poke about 6 to 8 holes in the top of your top layer pastry.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, place as many pastry hearts in your air fryer that will fit without interfering with the shape of the pastry.

Cook your pop tart at 370° for 7 minutes. Once the timer is done, open your air fryer, and flip your pop tarts. Continue to cook at 370° for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is reached a soft brown color.

Remove from the air fryer, and transfer to a cooling rack.

While your pastries are cooling, mix together your powdered sugar, milk, and pink food coloring (you can add more or less depending on the color of food coloring you prefer). You can choose to add more powdered sugar if you like your icing thicker, or more milk if you like your icing thinner.

Drizzle your icing over your pop tart and add your sprinkles while your frosting is still wet.

Allow them to cool and the frosting to harden, and then enjoy!

© Rachel

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Air Fryer Turkey Breast

March 7, 2023 by Rachel 6 Comments

Delicious meals don’t have to be difficult. In fact, they shouldn’t be. Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe is a great way to cook a smaller amount of turkey that turns out perfectly tender and moist in just 45 minutes — without the hassle of the oven.

Why use an air fryer?

As noted above, the primary reason for using an air fryer is that you won’t have to heat up the whole oven. Additionally, the air fryer is just plain ol’ efficient. If you’re still in the market for an air fryer, my two favorites are this one and this one.

What You’ll Need

There are just six simple ingredients with this recipe. You’ll need only the following:

2 pounds turkey breast (with skin)

4 Tablespoons of butter, melted

1 Tablespoon of sea salt

1 Tablespoons of fresh peppercorn, ground well

2 Tablespoon of garlic, minced

4 sprigs thyme, remove from stem

I would add that the ‘optional’ ingredients would be things to enhance your turkey breast. Whether that be a good turkey gravy or cranberry sauce, you won’t be disappointed!

If you are looking for a post-turkey dessert, be sure to check out this Instant Pot Peach Cobbler.

The Full Recipe

Yield: 3-4
Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

2 pounds turkey breast (with skin)

4 Tablespoons of butter, melted

1 Tablespoon of sea salt

1 Tablespoons of fresh peppercorn, ground well

2 Tablespoon of garlic, minced

4 sprigs thyme, remove from stem

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -
Melt your butter in the microwave or on a double broiler on the stove.
Once melted, add in the sea salt, peppercorn, garlic, and thyme. Mix.
Using a basting brush, brush your butter mix on the top and bottom of the turkey breast.
Place the turkey breast in your air fryer.
Set your Air Fryer to 375 degrees F for 45 minutes.
At the halfway mark of about 22/23 minutes, flip the breast with tongs. Continue to cook.
Once the air fryer has finished cooking, cut and serve!
Top with cranberry sauce, gravy, or eat as is! Enjoy!

© Rachel