Air-Fryer Tostada Shells: Quick, Crunchy, And Healthy

Making tostada shells in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-frying. The process is simple: coat corn tortillas with oil or cooking spray, place them in the air fryer, and cook for a few minutes until crispy. You can top your tostada shells with a variety of ingredients, such as beans, meat, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and more. This versatile dish can be made gluten-free and vegan, and is perfect for a tasty snack, appetizer, or main course.

How to make air fryer tostada shells

Tostadas are a delicious and versatile Mexican dish that can be easily made in an air fryer. The process is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make crispy and tasty air fryer tostada shells.

Ingredients:

To make air fryer tostada shells, you will need corn tortillas, olive oil or cooking spray, and a pinch of salt (optional). You can use either homemade or store-bought corn tortillas.

Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F or 370°F for about 3 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, brush both sides of the tortillas with oil or spray them with cooking spray. You can also add a sprinkle of salt to the tortillas, if desired.

Step 2: Air Fry the Tortillas

Place the prepared tortillas in the air fryer basket. It is recommended to use a basket with a lid. If your basket doesn't have a lid, cover the top with aluminium foil to prevent the tortillas from swirling and touching the heating element. Place one tortilla at the bottom of the basket and, if making multiple tostadas, place another tortilla on a rack above it.

Step 3: Cook the Tortillas

Cook the tortillas for 3 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the tortillas, especially when turning them, as they can brown very quickly.

Step 4: Repeat as Needed

Once the tortillas are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and repeat the process for any remaining tostada shells.

Tips:

• To prevent the tortillas from curling up during cooking, place a heat-safe dish or cup on top to weigh them down.
• If using store-bought tortillas, look for thin corn tortillas as they will air fry faster and result in a crunchy yet tender texture.
• For salted tostada shells, brush the tortillas with a thin layer of water and sprinkle with salt before air frying.
• For chili lime tostada shells, squeeze some lime juice over the cooked tortillas and sprinkle with chili lime seasoning.

Storing and Reheating Instructions:

Tostada shells can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, use the air fryer at 320°F for 1 to 2 minutes, or the oven at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes, until warm.

Enjoy your freshly made air fryer tostada shells with your favourite toppings!

The best toppings for tostadas

Tostadas are a popular dish in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. The base is a tortilla that has been fried or baked until crunchy, and this is then topped or filled with a variety of ingredients. The tortilla is usually made from corn, but flour tortillas can be used for a softer tostada.

The Base

The first layer of a tostada is usually refried beans, which spread well and help other toppings stick to the tortilla. You can use canned refried beans or make your own. For a vegetarian option, you can replace the refried beans with hummus, sour cream, or spicy guacamole.

Proteins

Tostadas can be topped with any kind of protein, including ground beef, shredded chicken, shredded beef, pork carnitas, cooked shrimp, or tilapia. For a vegetarian option, try using strips of cilantro lime chicken, or soy curls, or chickpea avocado "tuna" salad.

Dairy

Cotija or queso fresco cheese is traditionally used in tostadas, but any type of finely shredded cheese will work. You can also add sour cream or Mexican crema.

Fruits and Vegetables

Avocados or guacamole, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce are all popular toppings for tostadas. For extra crunch, you can use shredded purple cabbage instead of lettuce.

Sauces and Seasonings

Tostadas can be seasoned with hot sauce, such as valentina or cholula, or lime juice. They can also be topped with salsa, pico de gallo, or green tomatillo salsa.

Other Toppings

Other toppings include cilantro, sliced black olives, and Mexican street corn.

Sample Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 tostada shells (or regular corn tortillas)
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute cooked shredded chicken, pork, or beef)
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika and salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper
• 1/2 head lettuce, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, or queso fresco, crumbled
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup pico de gallo, or salsa
• 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Spray the corn tortillas on both sides with oil and lay them flat on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 4 minutes, then flip and bake for another 4-5 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and golden.
• Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula.
• Season the beef with garlic powder, salt, and taco seasoning.
• Add the diced onion and cook until the onion is translucent and the beef is fully cooked.
• Heat the refried beans in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a microwave until steaming hot.
• To assemble, top each tostada with refried beans, ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and pico de gallo or salsa.
• Sprinkle with cheese and cilantro and serve immediately.

How to store tostada shells

Storing tostada shells correctly is essential to keep them crispy and fresh. Here is a detailed guide on how to store tostada shells:

Allow Them to Cool:

Before storing your homemade tostada shells, ensure they have cooled down to room temperature. Placing warm tostada shells in a sealed container can cause condensation, making them soggy and stale.

Use an Airtight Container:

Once the tostada shells are cooled, place them in an airtight container or plastic bag. This will keep them fresh and crispy. You can use a zip-top bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid.

Store at Room Temperature:

The best place to store your tostada shells is at room temperature. Keeping them in a cool, dry place like a pantry or kitchen cabinet is ideal. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture can affect their texture.

Avoid Freezing:

Freezing tostada shells is not recommended, as it can make them soggy. The condensation and moisture from freezing will ruin their crispy texture. However, you can freeze the corn tortillas themselves if you wish.

Shelf Life and Re-Crisping:

Homemade tostada shells will usually stay fresh and crispy for up to 3-5 days when stored properly. If they start to lose their crispness, you can re-crisp them by placing them in a toaster oven or an oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

How to reheat tostada shells

You can reheat your tostada shells in an air fryer, toaster, or oven. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat tostada shells in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 320℉/160℃ for 3 minutes.
• Cover the top of the air fryer basket with foil to prevent the shells from swirling.
• Place the shells in the air fryer basket.
• Heat the shells for 1 to 2 minutes.

You can also reheat tostada shells in the oven. Here is how you can do it:

• Preheat the oven to 350℉/175℃.
• Put the shells on a baking tray.
• Heat for 4-5 minutes or until warm.

Other recipes to make with corn tortillas

Corn tortillas are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond tostadas. Here are some ideas for recipes to make with corn tortillas:

Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish where corn tortillas are cut into triangles and deep-fried or baked to make tortilla chips. The chips are then mixed with salsa or mole sauce and served with toppings such as eggs, chicken, or beans.

Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a popular dish where corn tortillas are soaked in a red or green sauce, filled with various ingredients such as chicken, beef, or vegetables, and then rolled up and baked in the oven. They can be made vegetarian or with meat and are a great option for feeding a crowd.

Tacos

Tacos are a well-known dish that uses corn tortillas as their base. You can fill tacos with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, beef, fish, or vegetables, and top them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Tacos are a quick and easy meal that can be customized to your taste preferences.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas are another Mexican dish that can be made with corn tortillas. Fill your quesadillas with cheese, beans, vegetables, or meat, and cook them in a pan or air fryer until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Quesadillas are a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Nachos

Nachos are a fun and easy dish to make with corn tortillas. Cut the tortillas into triangles and bake or fry them to make tortilla chips. Top the chips with cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, or any other desired toppings. Nachos are a perfect dish for sharing and can be customized to your taste.

Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup is a comforting and flavourful dish that uses corn tortillas as a thickening agent. The tortillas are cut into strips and added to a broth with various vegetables and proteins. The soup is often topped with avocado, cheese, or sour cream and can be easily customized to your taste.

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