Air-Fryer Tostadas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer tostadas are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be made in a variety of ways. You can use either flour or corn tortillas to make the tostada shells, and there are different methods for preparing them. One method is to heat up the tortilla before adding toppings, resulting in a crispy shell. The other method is to add a layer of beans and meat to the tortilla before heating it in the air fryer, creating a softer texture.

Regardless of the method chosen, grapeseed oil spray or avocado oil is typically used to coat the tortilla before placing it in the air fryer basket. The air fryer temperature is usually set between 350°F and 375°F, and the cooking time ranges from 4 to 8 minutes.

Once the tortilla is cooked, it can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as refried beans, cheese, lettuce, salsa, avocado, sour cream, and meat. Air fryer tostadas offer a convenient and delicious option for those seeking a crispy, Mexican-inspired treat.

How to make tostadas in an air fryer

Tostadas are a delicious and versatile Mexican dish that can be easily made in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create crispy and tasty tostadas at home.

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas (white or yellow)
• Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray
• Salt (optional)
• Refried beans (optional)
• Cheese (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. lettuce, salsa, sour cream, avocado, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Prepare your corn tortillas by spraying or brushing both sides with oil. This step is important to ensure your tortillas don't become dry and brittle. You can also sprinkle a little salt on the tortillas if desired.
• Place the oiled tortillas in the air fryer basket. If you want to avoid air pockets, place a small cup or dish on top of the tortilla.
• Air fry at 350°F-375°F for 3-7 minutes. Keep an eye on the tortillas to prevent burning, and consider flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
• If you want to add refried beans and cheese, spread the beans on the crispy tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Return the tortilla to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Remove the tortilla from the air fryer and add your desired toppings. You can add hot toppings like refried beans or taco meat, or cold toppings like lettuce, salsa, or sour cream.
• Enjoy your delicious air-fried tostada!

Tips:

• It's best to cook one tortilla at a time in the air fryer to ensure they crisp up properly.
• If your tortillas are curling up, place something heat-safe on top to weigh them down, like a metal rack.
• All air fryers cook differently, so watch your tortillas carefully to avoid burning.
• You can also make your own flour tortillas from scratch and use them for taco and tostada shells.

Enjoy the convenience and delicious results of making tostadas in your air fryer!

Oil and seasoning

Oil is an important component when making tostadas in an air fryer. While it is possible to make them without oil, adding a small amount of oil to the tortillas will ensure they become crispy. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or regular bottled oil, or spray oil. Brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with oil and rub it into the surface. You can also add a thin layer of water to the tortillas and sprinkle with salt before baking or air frying to make salted tostada shells.

If you want to make chili lime tostada shells, squeeze some lime juice over the tostadas when they come out of the air fryer and sprinkle with Tajín or chili lime seasoning.

For the seasoning, you can use fajita seasoning, Mexican seasoning, or a packet of taco seasoning. You can also add cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and lime to season shredded jackfruit, or onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to season oyster mushrooms.

Topping ideas

Tostadas are a great option for a fun, customisable meal with a variety of toppings. The traditional toppings for tostadas are refried beans, cheese, salsa, avocado, and lettuce, but you can add whatever you like! Here are some ideas for toppings to add to your tostadas:

Beans

Refried beans are a classic topping for tostadas, and you can make them yourself or buy them in a can. If you're making them yourself, you can add bacon fat or a slice of cheddar cheese for extra flavour. You can also use whole beans instead of refried beans, but be sure to add lots of cheese to help them stick to the tortilla.

Cheese

Cotija or queso fresco are traditional Mexican cheeses used in tostadas, but you can use any type of shredded cheese you like. If you want to add a bit of spice, try using a chilli cheddar or pepper jack cheese.

Vegetables

Lettuce, avocado, and salsa are common toppings for tostadas, but you can also add sliced onions, olives, jalapenos, or tomatoes. If you want something a little different, try using shredded purple cabbage instead of lettuce for a beautiful pop of colour and a nice crunch.

Meat

Tostadas are often made with shredded chicken or meat, but you can also use ground beef, cooked shredded chicken, shredded beef, or pork. If you're looking for a seafood option, try using shrimp, tilapia, or ceviche.

Sauces

Sour cream and guacamole are great options for adding a creamy element to your tostada. You can also add hot sauce, such as valentina or cholula, or squeeze some fresh lime juice over your tostada for a bit of extra flavour.

Gluten-free and vegan options

Tostadas are a gluten-free dish, as they are usually made with corn tortillas. Corn tortillas are also the best option for vegans, as store-bought tostada shells are typically fried in vegetable oil. However, some restaurants may use animal fat, so it is worth checking.

When making gluten-free and vegan tostadas in an air fryer, it is best to use the thinnest corn tortillas you can find. These will air fry the fastest and will be crunchy yet tender. You can also use gluten-free soft taco tortillas, which are now available in most grocery stores.

Brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with oil and rub it in. You can also sprinkle with salt, if desired. Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 350°F/180°C for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For a vegan tostada, top with refried beans and cheese and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. For gluten-free tostadas, you can also add taco meat.

Other vegan topping ideas include:

• Avocado
• Lettuce
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Onion
• Olives
• Jalapeno slices
• Tomato
• Vegan cheese sauce
• Vegan sour cream

Storing and reheating

Tostadas are best eaten fresh, but you can store the components separately and reheat them when needed.

Storing Tostadas

Tostada shells should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay crunchy for at least 7 days.

Chicken, beef, or pork should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado can be stored in separate airtight containers or plastic bags for up to 3 days. Guacamole and avocado crema will only keep their colour for up to a day.

Reheating Tostadas

To reheat tostada shells, preheat the oven to 350°F and spread the shells out on a baking sheet. Heat for 3-4 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Meat fillings can be gently warmed in a skillet with a splash of water.

Beans can be heated in a skillet until smooth.

Frequently asked questions