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

Making tostada shells in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to create a tasty snack or appetiser. The process is simple and only requires a few ingredients. You can use either store-bought or homemade corn tortillas, brushed with oil or cooking spray, and cooked in the air fryer for a few minutes until crispy. You can then fill your tostada shell with your favourite toppings, such as refried beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, or meat.

Choosing the right tortillas

When making tostada shells in an air fryer, the type of tortillas you use is important. Corn tortillas are the most commonly used type for tostadas, but you can also use flour tortillas.

If you're using store-bought tortillas, look for the thinnest ones you can find. Thinner tortillas will crisp up the easiest and give you the crunchiest tostada shells. They will also air fry faster and be less hard to bite through. If you can find tortillas labelled "for frying", these will be thinner and have less moisture than standard tortillas.

If you're making your own tortillas, you can do so by mixing flour, salt, and baking powder, then adding olive oil and water to form a dough. Divide the dough into portions, roll into balls, and flatten with your hand. Cover the raw tortillas with a towel and let them rest for up to two hours, then cook them in a pan for about 45 seconds on each side.

Once you have your tortillas, brush or spray them with oil and place them in the air fryer. Cook them for around 3 minutes on each side, keeping a close eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

Oil or cooking spray

Before placing the tortillas in the air fryer, it is recommended to brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with oil. This ensures an even coating and helps to prevent the tortillas from sticking to the air fryer basket. If you are using cooking spray, an avocado oil-based option is a healthier choice.

The amount of oil or cooking spray used can vary depending on your preference. A light coating is usually sufficient, and you can always add more if needed. It is important not to overuse oil or cooking spray, as it can make the tortillas too greasy and affect the crispness of the tostada shells.

In addition to oil or cooking spray, some recipes suggest sprinkling a small amount of salt on the tortillas before placing them in the air fryer. This adds flavour and can enhance the overall taste of the tostada shells.

When cooking the tortillas in the air fryer, it is important to follow the recommended temperature and timing guidelines provided in the chosen recipe. This will ensure that the tortillas become crispy without burning.

By using oil or cooking spray and following the appropriate cooking instructions, you can create delicious and crispy tostada shells in your air fryer.

Air fryer temperature

The cooking temperature for the tortillas is generally agreed to be around 350–375°F (190°C). However, some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 300°F, while others go as high as 360°F. The cooking time varies, but it typically falls between 6 and 8 minutes, with some recipes suggesting as little as 4 minutes or as many as 10 minutes. It's important to monitor the tortillas closely, as they can brown and burn quickly at these high temperatures.

When cooking, it's a good idea to use a metal rack, a small cup, or a bowl to keep the tortillas weighed down and prevent them from curling up or flying around in the air fryer. Additionally, tongs or gloves are recommended for handling the hot items to avoid burns.

Finally, if you're reheating tostada shells, a lower temperature of around 320°F (160°C) is suggested, and they only need to be heated for 1 to 2 minutes.

Avoiding air pockets

To avoid air pockets when making tostada shells in an air fryer, you can place a small cup or dish on top of the tortilla. This will prevent air pockets from forming during the air frying process.

• Use corn tortillas, as they are traditionally used for tostadas and will give you an authentic flavour and texture. Look for the thinnest ones you can find, as they will air fry faster and give you a crunchier shell.
• Brush both sides of the tortillas with vegetable oil or spray them with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will help them crisp up and turn golden brown.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C for 3 minutes before adding the tortillas. This will ensure even cooking and help you achieve the desired crispiness.
• Place the tortillas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overlapping them. This is important to allow air to circulate and ensure even cooking.
• Cook the tortillas for 3 minutes on each side, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the brand of tortillas, so adjust as needed.
• If your tortillas are flying around in the air fryer, try using a basket with a lid or cover the top of the basket with aluminium foil. This will prevent the tortillas from touching the heating element and burning.
• Once the tortillas are hard and golden brown, they are ready to be removed from the air fryer. If they are still flexible, they may need a little more time.

Toppings

Now for the fun part: toppings! You can top your tostada with anything you like, but here are some classic and popular options:

Beans

Refried beans are a common base for tostadas. You can use pinto or black beans, and either make your own or use store-bought. If you're making your own, simply add a small scoop of sour cream to the beans and stir as they heat through. You can also add a slice of cheddar cheese or a tablespoon of bacon fat to the beans for extra flavour.

Meat

Tostadas are typically eaten with shredded chicken or meat, but you can also use ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground beef cooked with taco seasoning. For a vegetarian option, try using vegan cheese and tofu, or strips of cilantro lime chicken.

Cheese

Cotija or queso fresco are traditional Mexican cheeses to use, but any type of finely shredded cheese will work.

Vegetables

Add some crunch with shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine work well), or shredded purple cabbage. You could also add sliced or chopped avocado, chopped tomatoes, or chopped cilantro.

Sauces and Seasonings

Finish your tostada with a squeeze of lime, and add some hot sauce, salsa, pico de gallo, or sour cream to taste.

Frequently asked questions