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

Air fryer tostadas are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be made in under 10 minutes. They are versatile and can be made to suit a gluten-free or vegan diet. The best part? You only need one ingredient: corn tortillas! From there, you can get creative and top your tostadas with refried beans, cheese, salsa, avocado, and more. Air frying your tostadas is a healthier alternative to frying, as it reduces the oil content. It's also less messy and just as crispy and delicious. So, if you're looking for a fun and simple recipe to spice up your dinner routine, give air fryer tostadas a try!

Choosing your ingredients and toppings

The base of your tostada is the tortilla, and for this, you've got options. Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can also use flour tortillas, or even pre-made tostada shells. If you're making your own, you can use a corn or flour tortilla, and brush with oil and a little salt before air-frying.

Now for the toppings. Refried beans are a classic choice, and you can use canned or homemade. You can also use whole beans, but be sure to add lots of cheese for flavour and texture. If you're using refried beans, spread them on the tortilla and pop the tostada back in the air fryer to heat them up. You can also add spices like fajita or taco seasoning.

Cheese is a must for many, and there are lots of options to choose from. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a smoked cheese all work well. You could even try a chilli cheddar blend for an extra kick.

Next, you'll want to add something fresh. Lettuce is a popular choice, or you could use slaw or shredded purple cabbage for a colourful crunch.

Salsa is a great way to add some extra flavour and texture. You can use shop-bought salsa, or chop up some fresh tomato. If you like things spicy, add some jalapeño slices or hot sauce.

Finally, add your choice of toppings. Sour cream, guacamole, avocado slices, olives, coriander, onions, and lime juice are all popular choices. You can also add some protein like ground beef, chicken, or tofu.

Now you've chosen your ingredients, it's time to assemble and enjoy your tostada!

How to make tostada shells

Tostadas are a Mexican dish that uses a tortilla that has been fried or baked until crunchy as its base. The tortilla is then topped with a variety of ingredients such as beans, meat, seafood, cheese, lettuce, salsa, avocado, and sour cream.

Tostada shells are typically made from corn tortillas and are similar in taste to tortilla chips. They can be made in an air fryer or baked in the oven.

Air Fryer Method:

Place your tortillas in a single layer in your air fryer basket—do not overlap them. Brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with oil and sprinkle with salt if desired. Air fry at 350-375°F for 3-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tortillas are done when they are hard and golden brown.

Oven-Baked Method:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the tortillas on a cookie sheet or metal baking pan in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Bake for 10-15 minutes, checking after 10 minutes, and bake for longer if they are still soft. The tortillas are done when they are hard and golden brown.

Tips:

• Look for the thinnest corn tortillas you can find, as they will air fry faster and be crunchier.
• If your tortillas are curling up during cooking, place something heat-safe on top to weigh them down.
• If your tortillas are flying around in the air fryer, try a different brand, or use a heavier dish to weigh them down.
• To make salted tostada shells, brush the tortillas with a thin layer of water and sprinkle with salt before baking or air frying.
• For chili lime tostada shells, squeeze some lime juice on the tostadas after cooking and sprinkle with Tajín or chili lime seasoning.
• Tostada shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature but are best enjoyed fresh.

Air fryer settings

The settings you use for your air fryer tostadas will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the ingredients you are cooking, and your personal preferences. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results:

• Prepare your air fryer basket: If you are cooking more than one tostada at a time, make sure they are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with no overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overlapping.
• Spray or brush the tortillas: Before placing the tortillas in the air fryer, spray or brush both sides with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a cooking spray. This will help to crisp up the tortillas and prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.
• Add toppings: If you are cooking the beans and cheese directly on the tortilla, add them before cooking. This saves time and washing up!
• Air fry: The cooking time and temperature will depend on your air fryer and the ingredients you are using. As a guide, cook the tortillas at between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. If you are cooking the beans and cheese at the same time, add them after 4 minutes and cook for a further 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Flip the tortillas: To ensure even cooking, you may need to flip the tortillas halfway through the cooking time.
• Check for doneness: Keep a close eye on your tostadas during the cooking time, as air fryers can vary, and you don't want your tortillas to burn. They are done when they are hard and golden brown.
• Add cold toppings: Once your tostadas are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and add any cold toppings such as lettuce, salsa, sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.
• Serve immediately: Tostadas are best served straight away, as they can become soggy if left for too long.
• Storing leftovers: If you have any leftover tostadas, it is best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for about 5 days.

Troubleshooting

If your tortillas are curling up during cooking, try placing something heat-safe on top to weigh them down, such as a metal rack. If the edges are burning but the middle is not crisp enough, try reducing the heat by 25 degrees.

Happy cooking!

Adding toppings

Once your tostada shells are ready, it's time to add toppings. You can add a variety of toppings of your choice. Here are some ideas:

Beans

Refried beans are a popular choice for tostadas. You can use canned refried beans or make your own. If using canned beans, heat them in a frying pan or the microwave before adding them to your tostada. You can also use whole beans instead of refried beans if you prefer.

Cheese

Cheese is another common topping for tostadas. Try Monterey Jack, chilli cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked cheese. You can also use vegan cheese for a plant-based option.

Vegetables

Add some shredded lettuce, sliced avocado or guacamole, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, sliced jalapenos, or shredded purple cabbage for a colourful and crunchy addition.

Proteins

If you want to add some protein to your tostada, try shredded chicken, ground beef or turkey cooked with taco seasoning, or soy curl "chicken." You can also add ground beef, chicken, or steak.

Sauces and Seasonings

Finish off your tostada with some salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, or lime juice. You can also season your refried beans with chilli powder, garlic powder, cumin, or taco seasoning.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried tostadas. Here are some suggestions:

Toppings

Tostadas can be topped with a variety of ingredients. Common toppings include:

• Beans (refried, black, or pinto)
• Cheese (shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Cotija)
• Lettuce (shredded iceberg or romaine)
• Tomatoes (diced or salsa)
• Sour cream
• Avocado or guacamole
• Olives
• Jalapenos
• Chicken
• Beef
• Tofu
• Hot sauce
• Lime juice
• Cilantro
• Onions

Sides

Tostada shells can also be used as tortilla chips to dip in salsa, guacamole, or cheese dip. They can be served with Mexican-inspired side dishes such as:

• Black beans and rice
• Refried beans
• Shredded chicken
• Beef enchiladas
• Black bean soup

Main Course

For a more fulfilling and hearty meal, tostadas can be served with:

• Beef enchiladas
• Black bean soup
• Taco Bell-style crunch wrap: place the tostada shell, taco meat, and toppings such as shredded lettuce, cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, and homemade refried beans in a large burrito wrap. Heat in a pan until golden brown.

Frequently asked questions