Name: Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas: Crispy Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Oaxaca); 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or ground beef (optional); Vegetable oil for frying; Salt to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas have a special place in my heart, reminding me of vibrant street markets and the irresistible aroma of freshly fried food. I remember my first bite of these crispy Mexican quesadillas years ago – the satisfying crunch followed by ooey-gooey melted cheese was pure bliss. Since then, I’ve perfected my own homemade version, and I’m so excited to share this easy fried Mexican quesadillas recipe with you! They’re incredibly simple to whip up and taste so much better than anything store-bought. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a taqueria!

Why You’ll Love This Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas

You’re going to adore making these authentic Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas. They’re a taste of Mexico right in your own kitchen!

Incredibly easy to make, perfect for weeknights.
The satisfying crunch of these Crispy Mexican Quesadillas is addictive.
Versatile – customize with your favorite fillings like shredded chicken or ground beef.
Quick cooking time means you can enjoy them in under an hour.
They offer that authentic street food experience at home.
Achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior and melty cheese center every time.
These Crispy Mexican Quesadillas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family and friends.

Ingredients for Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas

Gathering the right Mexican crispy quesadillas ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfect crunch and flavor. These are the essentials for our authentic Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas:

8 corn tortillas – warming them makes them pliable and less likely to crack during folding.
2 cups shredded cheese – I love a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar for meltiness, but Oaxaca cheese is traditional and amazing!
1 cup cooked shredded chicken or ground beef – this is optional, but adds a hearty protein boost. Make sure it’s seasoned well!
Vegetable oil for frying – you’ll need about an inch in your skillet to get that beautiful golden-brown exterior.
Salt to taste – a little sprinkle right after frying makes all the flavors pop.

How to Make Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas

Making these Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner! They’re truly an easy fried Mexican quesadillas recipe that delivers big on flavor and texture. Follow these simple steps and get ready for a treat that tastes just like authentic Mexican street food.

Step 1: Preparing the Tortillas
Start by gently warming your corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. The goal is to make them soft and pliable so they fold easily without breaking. This prep step is crucial for beautiful fried Mexican quesadillas.
Step 2: Adding Fillings and Folding
Lay out your warmed tortillas. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle about 1/4 cup of your shredded cheese. If you’re adding a filling, place about 2-3 tablespoons of shredded chicken or ground beef on top of the cheese. Now, carefully fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a perfect half-moon shape. Gently press down along the edges to seal them together. This helps keep all that cheesy goodness inside during frying.

Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas: Crispy Bliss - Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas - additional detail

Step 3: Frying to Perfection
Now for the magic! Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when it shimmers, or a tiny piece of tortilla sizzles immediately upon contact. Carefully place 2 to 3 folded quesadillas into the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and make them greasy instead of crispy. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop that irresistible crispy texture.
Step 4: Draining and Seasoning
Once they’re perfectly golden, use a spatula or tongs to carefully remove the quesadillas from the hot oil. Transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or a plate lined with paper towels. This allows any excess oil to drain off, keeping them wonderfully crisp. While they are still hot, immediately sprinkle them with a little salt. This simple step really enhances the flavors and is key to authentic Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas.
Step 5: Serving Your Creation
Serve your glorious Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas immediately while they are hot and delightfully crunchy. They are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, with that satisfying crunch and gooey, melted center. These are truly a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Mexican snack.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Mexican Quesadillas

Want to elevate your homemade quesadillas? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make a difference in achieving that perfect crunch and flavor. These tips will help ensure your Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas are absolutely delicious every single time.

Don’t skip warming the tortillas; cold, stiff tortillas will crack when you fold them.
Use a good quality cheese that melts well, like Oaxaca or a Monterey Jack blend.
Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the quesadillas will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Drain them on a wire rack, not paper towels directly, to maintain crispiness.

What’s the secret to perfect Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas?

The real secret to perfect Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas is double-frying! After the first fry until golden, let them drain, then give them a quick second fry for an extra blast of crispiness. This is a technique you’ll find in many authentic Mexican fried quesadillas recipes. For more insights into authentic Mexican cooking techniques, you might find resources on Mexican cuisine helpful.

Can I make Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and even fold the quesadillas ahead of time. Store them flat in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper, for up to a day. Just make sure to fry them just before serving for the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Fried Mexican Quesadillas?

A common pitfall is overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy quesadillas. Also, avoid using tortillas that are too old or dry, as they won’t fold well. Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before adding them. Understanding the science behind frying can help prevent these issues; for instance, learning about the physics of deep frying can be quite illuminating.

Best Ways to Serve Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas

Once your delicious Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas are golden and crispy, serving them is the best part! They are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can really elevate the experience. Think of them as the perfect canvas for your favorite Mexican flavors.

Serve them piping hot straight from the skillet with a dollop of cool sour cream and a vibrant salsa verde.
For a more substantial meal, consider a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. These classic pairings complement the crispy texture beautifully.
Explore other Mexican fried tortilla recipes for inspiration on dips and toppings, like a fresh pico de gallo or creamy guacamole. For a refreshing drink to accompany your meal, try a mint raspberry julep.

Nutrition Facts for Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas

Here are the estimated nutritional details for one serving of these delicious Fried Mexican Quesadillas. Remember that individual results can vary based on the specific ingredients and amounts you use.

Calories: 300 kcal
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas

Even though these Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas are best enjoyed fresh, sometimes life happens, and you might have leftovers. Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your quesadillas fritas caseras. Allow any leftover quesadillas to cool completely before storing them. For the best results, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Stored this way, they should keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to reheat, the goal is to get them crispy again! The oven or an air fryer works best. For the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake the quesadillas on a baking sheet for about 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy. In an air fryer, cook them at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, checking frequently. While the microwave is the quickest, it tends to make them soft, so I usually avoid it if crispiness is a priority. For more tips on food storage, check out resources on food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Mexican Quesadillas

What are Mexican fried quesadillas?

Mexican fried quesadillas, or Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas, are a beloved street food classic. They are essentially corn tortillas filled with cheese and sometimes other ingredients like seasoned meat or vegetables, then folded in half and deep-fried until golden brown and wonderfully crispy. They are a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas?

While this recipe calls for corn tortillas for that authentic texture, you can certainly try flour tortillas. However, be aware that flour tortillas tend to puff up more when fried and might not get quite as uniformly crispy as corn. If you use them, make sure they are pliable and don’t overfill them.

What are the best cheeses for crispy Mexican quesadillas?

For the best melt and flavor in your Crispy Mexican Quesadillas, I recommend using a blend. Oaxaca cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, giving a great stretch. Monterey Jack, mild or sharp cheddar, or even a bit of Asadero cheese are also fantastic choices. The key is a cheese that melts smoothly without becoming oily.

How do I get my Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas extra crispy?

To ensure your Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas are extra crispy, make sure your frying oil is hot enough before you add the quesadillas. If the oil is too cool, they’ll absorb grease and become soggy. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan, and drain them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to allow air to circulate and maintain their crispiness. A quick second fry can also add an extra layer of crunch!

Variations of Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas, the possibilities for customization are endless! These classic Mexican fried tortillas are a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious fillings and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get your culinary creativity flowing:

Shredded chicken fried quesadillas are a popular choice, especially when the chicken is seasoned with traditional Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
For a hearty option, try ground beef fried Mexican quesadillas. Brown the beef with onions and garlic, then season it well before adding it to your quesadillas.
Sometimes, you just want pure, cheesy goodness! Simple cheese fried Mexican quesadillas, loaded with your favorite melty cheeses, are incredibly satisfying and quick to make.
If you prefer plant-based options, creating delicious vegetarian fried Mexican quesadillas is easy. Fill them with seasoned black beans, corn, sautéed peppers and onions, or even some mashed sweet potato for a unique twist.

Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas: Crispy Bliss - Quesadillas Fritas Mexicanas - main visual representation