Fried Quesadillas
Fried quesadillas are a beloved Mexican dish made from masa pockets stuffed with cheese and fillings, then fried to a golden crisp!
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 25 min
- Yield
- 8 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water, (plus more as needed)
- Vegetable oil, (for frying)
- 1 cup shredded Chihuahua cheese
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- Shredded lettuce, Mexican crema, and your favorite salsa, (for serving)
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Stir in the water and oil until a dough forms.
- 2
Using your hands, knead the dough until it fully comes together and all the water is absorbed about 3 minutes. To make sure it’s ready, grab a small piece and roll it into a ball. Press down on it with a finger. If the edges of the dough crack, the dough is too dry. If the dough sticks to your skin, it’s too wet. Add more water or masa harina as necessary.
- 3
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, then roll each into a ball. Cover them with a clean damp cloth or plastic wrap to keep the dough moist while you press and cook the dough.
- 4
Press and flatten each ball of dough into a circle using a tortilla press. Fill each with 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons of shredded chicken. Fold one side over and press the edges together to secure it shut.
- 5
Pour enough oil into the bottom of a deep skillet or frying pan so that the oil reaches halfway up the taquitos. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F. To test, drop a small piece of tortilla in the oil. If it sizzles, it's ready.
- 6
Cooking in batches of 2, fry for about 1½ -2 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on both sides. Transfer them to a large baking sheet lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
- 7
Serve immediately with shredded lettuce, Mexican crema or sour cream, and your favorite salsa.