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. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried tostadas without compromising on taste and texture. You can use either flour or corn tortillas, and top them with a variety of ingredients like refried beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and more.

Choosing your ingredients and toppings

The beauty of tostadas is that they are so versatile. You can top them with almost anything you like, making them a great way to use up leftovers. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Tortillas:

The traditional choice is corn tortillas, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. Look for the thinnest tortillas you can find, as they will be crunchier. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own tortillas from scratch!

Refried beans:

Creamy, spiced refried beans are a classic choice for tostadas. You can use canned refried beans or make your own. If you're using whole beans, be sure to add lots of cheese and some taco seasoning for extra flavour.

Cheese:

A must-have for any tostada! Try a chilli cheddar or smoked cheese for something a little different. Monterey Jack is another popular choice, especially if you like it spicy.

Lettuce:

Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce adds a nice crunch to your tostada. Leftover slaw also works well.

Salsa:

Finely chop some tomatoes, or use your favourite store-bought salsa.

Sour cream:

For a cooling effect, add a dollop of sour cream. Guacamole is also a great choice.

Other toppings:

The options are endless! Try cilantro (fresh coriander), onions, avocado slices, olives, jalapeno slices, ground beef, chicken, steak, or even vegan alternatives like tofu or vegan cheese.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for air-frying tostadas depend on the type of tortilla and the toppings you are using. Here is a detailed guide:

Air Frying Corn Tortillas:

• Brush both sides of the tortillas with oil. You can also spray oil on both sides and then rub it in.
• If desired, sprinkle salt on the tortillas.
• Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 6-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• If you are not adding any toppings, air fry for 5-6 minutes straight through.
• If your tortillas are curling up, you can place something heat-safe on top to weigh them down.
• Depending on your air fryer and the brand of tortillas, the cooking time may vary. Keep an eye on the tortillas during the cooking process to ensure they don't burn.

Air Frying Flour Tortillas:

• Spray the tortillas with cooking spray on both sides before placing them in the air fryer basket.
• Place a small cup or dish on top of the tortilla to avoid air pockets from forming during cooking.
• Air fry at 300°F for 6 minutes.
• If your tortillas need more time to crisp up, you can air fry for additional 30-second to one-minute intervals, being careful not to burn them.
• For flour tortillas, it is important to cook one tortilla at a time; otherwise, they won't crisp up properly.

Adding Toppings:

• After air frying the tortillas, remove them from the air fryer and add your desired toppings.
• For refried beans and cheese, spread the beans on top of the tortillas, and then sprinkle cheese.
• Air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until the cheese is melted to your liking.
• If you are adding cold toppings like lettuce, avocado, or salsa, do so after the tostadas are removed from the air fryer to prevent overcooking or sogginess.

Troubleshooting:

• If your tortillas are flying around in the air fryer, try using a heavier dish or weight to keep them in place.
• If the edges of your tostada shells are burning but the middle is not crispy, reduce the heat by 25 degrees (e.g., from 375°F to 350°F).
• To prevent your tortillas from curling up, place a heat-safe item on top to weigh them down during cooking.

Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, the brand of tortillas, and the toppings you choose. Always keep an eye on your tostadas during the cooking process to ensure they don't burn and adjust the timing and temperature as needed.

How to prevent curling

To prevent your tortillas from curling up while cooking, you can place something heat-safe on top of them to weigh them down. For example, you could use the metal rack from an Instant Pot. However, this may not be necessary, as the curling usually doesn't cause any issues.

Additionally, you can prick the tortillas with a fork several times before placing them in the air fryer. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the shells from puffing up too much.

If your tortillas are curling up, it may also be because they are not lying flat in the air fryer. Make sure that they are in a single layer and not overlapping, with a little space between each shell to allow for proper airflow.

Oil and seasoning

The first step to making tostadas in an air fryer is to prepare the tortilla shells. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. If using corn tortillas, look for the thinnest ones available, as they will air fry faster and be crunchier yet tender. For flour tortillas, you can make them from scratch or use store-bought ones.

Once you have your tortillas, it's time to add some oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a cooking spray. Brush both sides of the tortillas generously with oil or spray them with cooking spray. This step is important, as it will ensure that your tortillas don't become dry and brittle.

After adding the oil, you can season your tortillas. Sprinkle a little salt on each tortilla, or brush the tortillas with a thin layer of water and then sprinkle with salt. You can also add other seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, or cumin to give your tostadas an extra kick of flavor.

If you want to make chili lime tostada shells, squeeze a little lime juice over the tortillas after air frying, and then sprinkle with Tajín or chili lime seasoning.

Now that your tortillas are oiled and seasoned, it's time to place them in the air fryer. Cook them at around 350-400°F for about 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Once they're nice and crispy, you can move on to the next step of assembling your tostadas!

Serving suggestions

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

Toppings

You can top your tostadas with a variety of ingredients. Here are some suggestions:

• Beans (refried, black, or pinto)
• Cheese (shredded cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Munster, Cotija, or queso fresco)
• Lettuce (shredded iceberg or romaine)
• Avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Tomato (diced)
• Jalapenos (fresh or canned)
• Olives (black)
• Chicken (shredded or leftover)
• Ground beef
• Tofu
• Steak (diced)
• Hot sauce
• Cilantro (fresh coriander)
• Onions (finely diced or sliced)

Dips

You can also serve your tostadas with dips such as:

• Guacamole
• Tomato salsa
• Cheese dip
• Sour cream

Sides

For a more fulfilling meal, you can serve your tostadas with Mexican-inspired side dishes such as:

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

Crunch Wrap

You can also use your tostada shells to create a Taco Bell-style crunch wrap. Add your tostada shell, taco meat, and favorite toppings (such as shredded lettuce, melty cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, homemade refried beans, and diced tomatoes) to a large burrito wrap. Wrap it up and heat it in a large pan over medium heat until golden brown.

Frequently asked questions