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

Tostadas are a versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal prep time and ingredients. The process involves frying or baking tortillas until crunchy, and then topping them with a variety of ingredients. While traditionally deep-fried, air fryers offer a healthier alternative by reducing the amount of oil needed to achieve a similar result. This method is also quicker and less messy.

Choosing your ingredients and toppings

The fun part about making tostadas is choosing your toppings. You can go for a classic combination of refried beans and cheese, or get creative with different ingredients. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Tortillas

• Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for tostadas, but you can also use flour tortillas if that's what you have on hand. Look for the thinnest ones you can find, as they will air fry faster and give you a crunchier shell.
• If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own flour tortillas from scratch by mixing flour, salt, baking powder, olive oil, and water.

Beans

• Refried beans are a classic choice for tostadas and can be made with pinto or black beans. You can make your own or use store-bought.
• If you prefer whole beans, go for it! Just be sure to add extra cheese for creaminess and some taco seasoning for flavour.

Cheese

When it comes to cheese, the options are endless. A classic choice is cheddar, but you can also try something like chili cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked cheese.

Vegetables

• Lettuce is a common choice for tostadas, but you can also use slaw or shredded purple cabbage for a fun twist.
• Other vegetable options include avocado, salsa or chopped tomatoes, onions, olives, and jalapeños.

Dairy

Sour cream is a classic topping for tostadas, but you can also use guacamole or vegan sour cream for a dairy-free option.

Meat

• If you're looking for a heartier option, you can add cooked chicken, steak, ground beef or turkey, or shredded chicken breasts.
• For a vegan option, try tofu or soy curls.

Remember, the beauty of tostadas is that you can get creative and use whatever ingredients you have on hand. So raid your fridge, get creative, and enjoy your delicious air-fried tostadas!

How to make tostada shells

Tostadas are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish. The word "tostada" means "toasted" in Spanish, and the dish is typically made with a corn tortilla that has been fried or baked until crunchy. You can make tostada shells in an air fryer with just a few simple steps!

Ingredients and Tools:

You will need:

• Corn tortillas (store-bought or homemade)
• Oil (olive, avocado, or grapeseed)
• Air fryer
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Place the corn tortillas in a single layer in your air fryer basket. For store-bought tortillas, look for the thinnest ones available, as they will cook faster and be crunchier. If you are using homemade tortillas, roll them out as thin as possible.
• Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with oil. This step is important, as it will help the tortillas crisp up without becoming dry and brittle. You can also sprinkle a little salt on the tortillas if desired.
• Set your air fryer to 350-375°F and air fry the tortillas for 3-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as air fryers can vary in temperature.
• Remove the tortillas from the air fryer once they are hard and golden brown. If they are still soft or bendable, cook them for an additional minute or two.
• Let the tortillas cool down before serving or storing.

Tips:

• If your tortillas are curling up during cooking, place something heat-safe on top to weigh them down.
• Store leftover tostada shells in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 5 days.
• You can freeze cooked tortillas but not tostada shells, as freezing will make them soggy.

Now you have your crunchy tostada shells ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients!

Air fryer settings

The ideal air fryer temperature for making tostadas is somewhere between 350°F and 400°F. At this temperature, the tortillas will cook and crisp up nicely without burning.

Most recipes recommend air-frying for around 3 minutes at 375°F, flipping the tortilla, and then air-frying for another 3 minutes at the same temperature. However, some recipes suggest a slightly lower temperature of 350°F and a longer cooking time of 6-7 minutes, flipping the tortilla halfway through.

If you are making tostadas with beans and cheese, you can air-fry the tortilla first and then add the toppings. Spread the beans on the tortilla and return it to the air fryer for another 3-4 minutes. Finally, sprinkle cheese on top and air-fry for an additional 1-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted to your liking.

If you are using store-bought tostada shells that have already been cooked, you can simply heat them in the air fryer. Heat them for about 2-3 minutes at 360°F to warm them up before adding your desired toppings.

It's important to note that all air fryers cook differently, so it's crucial to keep an eye on your tostadas during the cooking process to ensure they don't burn. Additionally, make sure to use cooking spray or oil to prevent the tortillas from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Adding toppings

Once you have your crispy tostada shell, it's time for the fun part: adding toppings! The beauty of tostadas is that they are highly customisable, so you can get creative and choose your favourite ingredients. Here are some ideas for toppings:

Beans

Refried beans are a classic choice for tostadas. You can spread them on top of the tostada shell and heat them up in the air fryer. If you prefer, you can also use whole beans. Just be sure to add plenty of cheese for flavour and to help them stick to the shell. You can also season your beans with some taco or fajita seasoning.

Cheese

Cheese is a must-have topping for many tostada lovers. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, and you can even find varieties with added chilli or smoked flavour for an extra kick. Sprinkle the cheese on top of your beans and air fry until melted to perfection.

Vegetables

Lettuce, or slaw if you prefer, adds a nice crunchy texture to your tostada. You can also add diced tomatoes, sliced avocado or guacamole, sliced onions, olives, and jalapenos for a spicy kick. If you want to get really creative, you can also air fry some bell peppers to go on top.

Proteins

If you want to add some protein to your tostada, try cooked chicken or steak. For a vegetarian option, you can use tofu.

Sauces and Seasonings

Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce are all great choices for adding some extra flavour and moisture to your tostada. Don't forget to season your tostada with salt, and you can also add some fresh lime juice for a tangy finish.

Serving suggestions

Tostadas are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As a main course: Serve one or two tostadas per person, depending on their size and your appetite. Accompany them with a side of rice and beans, or a simple green salad.
• As a starter or appetiser: Make mini tostadas using smaller tortillas. They can be served as a starter or appetiser, or even as party food.
• As a snack: Tostadas also make a great snack, and because they are so quick and easy to make in the air fryer, they are perfect for when you are craving something tasty and satisfying.
• As part of a Mexican feast: If you are hosting a Mexican-themed dinner or party, tostadas are a great option. Serve them with other Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, fajitas, or chilli con carne.
• As a side dish: Tostada shells can be broken into pieces and served as tortilla chips, with dips such as salsa, guacamole, or cheese dip.
• As a crunchy wrap: Create your own version of a Taco Bell crunch wrap by adding your tostada shell, along with taco meat and your favourite toppings, to a large burrito wrap. Heat it in a pan until golden brown and enjoy!
• As a salad topping: Break the tostada shells into pieces and use them to add crunch to a Mexican-inspired salad. Try a combination of lettuce, tomato, avocado, black beans, and corn, with a tangy lime dressing.
• As a sharing platter: Set out a platter of tostadas with a variety of toppings and let everyone help themselves. This is a great option for informal gatherings or as a fun weekend lunch with family and friends.

Frequently asked questions