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Air Fryer Queso Pinwheels (Easy Recipe)

Try these delicious Air Fryer Queso Pinwheels, made with flour tortillas and creamy queso dip, for a quick and cheesy snack. Perfectly crispy and customizable with your favorite add-ins, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Side angle of cream cheese tortilla bites with green onions on top.

I’ve got a fun and tasty recipe that you need to try: Air Fryer Queso Pinwheels! 

These little bites are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a party, a snack, or just because you’re craving something cheesy and delicious.They’re sure to be a hit with everyone.

Not to mention, they make the perfect easy appetizer!

If you love air fryer recipes you may also want to try my Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes or my Crispy Buffalo Tofu.

Top down view of a plate full of quest pinwheels around a small plate with ranch dressing in the middle of the plate.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE AIR FRYER QUESO PINWHEELS

  • Super Cheesy: Loaded with creamy queso, these pinwheels are a cheese lover’s dream.
  • Crispy and Delicious: The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping the inside gooey and melty.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for a last-minute snack or appetizer.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like jalapeños, bacon, or green onions to make them your own.

Top down view of a bag of tortillas and queso dip from Costco.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CHEESE PINWHEELS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this easy recipe (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Flour tortillas – can also use corn tortillas but won’t be as tasty.
  • Queso dip – I love the Costco brand but anything with cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese, or any kind of grated cheese will do.
  • Optional – ranch seasoning, italian seasoning, bagel seasoning, buffalo sauce, green pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, hot sauce, deli ham, etc.

Top down shot of a tortilla on a white plate with a thin layer of queso on top.

HOW TO MAKE

  1. Lay out your flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of queso dip evenly over each tortilla. If you want to add a little kick, sprinkle some diced jalapeños, cooked bacon bits, or chopped green onions over the queso.
  2. Roll each tortilla up tightly into a log. The tighter, the better—it keeps all that cheesy goodness inside.
  3. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled tortillas into 1-inch pinwheels. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for a few minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the pinwheels in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each one.
  6. Air fry the pinwheels for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
  7. Let the pinwheels cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the queso set a bit so they’re easier to handle.
  8. Serve these pinwheels with ranch dressing, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Top down view of quest pinwheels on air fryer tray ready to get cooked.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Tight Rolls: Make sure to roll the tortillas tightly to keep the filling inside while they cook.
  • Uniform Slices: Slice the pinwheels evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Watch Closely: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your pinwheels to prevent burning.

STORING THE LEFTOVER BITE-SIZED APPETIZERS

If you have any leftover Air Fryer Queso Pinwheels, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. 

To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. Perfect for a quick snack anytime!

Side angle of air fryer pinwheels with green onion and ranch.

FAQS

CAN I USE PUFF PASTRY INSTEAD OF TORTILLAS?

Yes, puff pastry works great and will give you a flaky, buttery texture. Just roll it out on a lightly floured surface before adding the queso.

SHOULD I USE PARCHMENT PAPER?

Using parchment paper in the air fryer basket can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, but it’s not essential.

CAN I ADD SLICES OF HAM OR DELI MEATS TO THE PINWHEELS?

Absolutely! Adding slices of ham makes for a delicious variation and adds a bit of protein.

DO DIFFERENT AIR FRYER AFFECT COOKING TIME?

Yes, different air fryers may cook at slightly different rates, so keep an eye on your pinwheels and adjust the cooking time as needed.

CAN I ADD MY FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPINGS?

Of course! Try adding pepperoni, bell pepper, or olives for a pizza-inspired twist.

HOW DO I MAKE SURE THEY COOK EVENLY IN A BASKET STYLE AIR FRYER?

Place the pinwheels in a single layer with some space between them to ensure even cooking.

CAN I BAKE THESE IN A REGULAR OVEN TOO?

Yes, you can absolutely bake these queso pinwheels in a regular oven! Follow the same directions and bake at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes.

Other Air Fryer Appetizers You May Enjoy Trying!

Yield: 4 servings

Air Fryer Queso Pinwheels (Easy Recipe)

Side angle of cream cheese tortilla bites with green onions on top.

Try these delicious Air Fryer Queso Pinwheels, made with flour tortillas and creamy queso dip, for a quick and cheesy snack. Perfectly crispy and customizable with your favorite add-ins, they're sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup queso

Instructions

  1. Lay out your flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of queso dip evenly over each tortilla. If you want to add a little kick, sprinkle some diced jalapeños, cooked bacon bits, or chopped green onions over the queso.
  2. Roll each tortilla up tightly into a log. The tighter, the better—it keeps all that cheesy goodness inside.
  3. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled tortillas into 1-inch pinwheels. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for a few minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the pinwheels in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each one.
  6. Air fry the pinwheels for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
  7. Let the pinwheels cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the queso set a bit so they’re easier to handle.
  8. Serve these pinwheels with ranch dressing, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 301Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 1027mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 12g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED THIS TASTY APPETIZER PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS AFTER-SCHOOL SNACK ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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