Air-Fryer Tostada Shells: Quick, Easy, And Crunchy!

Making tostada shells in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to create a versatile meal that can be adapted to suit vegan and gluten-free diets. The process is simple and only requires corn tortillas and an air fryer. Oil is optional, but it is recommended to prevent the tortillas from becoming dry and brittle. You can also make your own flour tortillas from scratch and freeze them to use later.

To make the shells, place the tortillas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for around 6 minutes at 350-375°F. Flip the tortillas halfway through to ensure even cooking. You can also add a layer of refried beans and meat before cooking for a softer taco-like texture. Once the tortillas are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and add your desired toppings.

Choosing your ingredients

Next, you'll want to choose your toppings. Refried beans are a classic choice and go well with cheese, lettuce or slaw, salsa, and sour cream or guacamole. You can also add in some spiced meat, such as shredded chicken or ground beef. If you're making a vegetarian or vegan tostada, try using avocado, cilantro, sliced onions, olives, jalapenos, or vegan cheese and tofu. For an extra crunch, you can also top your tostada with air-fried bell peppers.

Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own twist to your tostada! You can use any leftovers from another Mexican meal, or raid your fridge for ingredients. Get creative, and enjoy your delicious, crispy tostada straight from your air fryer!

Placing the tortillas in the air fryer

Firstly, it is important to note that you should place the tortillas in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. This is to prevent them from steaming and becoming soggy instead of crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to fit around four to six tortillas in one layer. If you're using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the tortillas in batches.

Before placing the tortillas in the air fryer, it is recommended to spray them with cooking spray or brush them with oil. This will help to prevent sticking and ensure an even crisp. You can use a variety of oils, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil. If you want to add a bit of flavour to your tostada shells, you can also sprinkle the tortillas with salt before placing them in the air fryer.

Once your tortillas are prepared, carefully place them in the air fryer basket. If you're concerned about the tortillas flying around or curling up during the cooking process, you can place a small cup or dish on top of each tortilla to weigh them down. This will also help to prevent air pockets from forming.

With your tortillas securely in the air fryer, you can now set the temperature and cooking time. Most recipes recommend cooking the tortillas at around 350-375°F (180-200°C) for 3-6 minutes. However, it's important to note that air fryers can vary, so you should keep a close eye on your tortillas to ensure they don't burn.

After the initial cooking time, you'll need to flip the tortillas and cook them for an additional 3-6 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the brand of tortillas you're using, so it's important to monitor them closely. You'll know they're done when they're hard and golden brown.

Air frying the tortillas

Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas

Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. If you're using corn tortillas, opt for the thinnest ones available as they will crisp up nicely without becoming too hard.

Step 2: Apply Oil

Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with oil. Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil are all good choices. Oil helps the tortillas crisp up and gives them a nice golden colour. It also prevents them from drying out and becoming brittle.

Step 3: Cook the Tortillas

Set the air fryer to 350-375°F (depending on your air fryer model) and cook the tortillas for 3-4 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, flip the tortillas, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. The tortillas are done when they are hard and golden brown.

Step 4: Weigh Down (Optional)

Sometimes, tortillas may curl up slightly during cooking. To prevent this, you can place a small, heat-safe dish or cup on top of the tortilla to weigh it down. Alternatively, you can use the metal rack from an Instant Pot as a weight.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Gently press the middle of the tortilla. If it is still flexible, it needs a little more time. If it is hard and no longer bends, it is done.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Once the tortillas are crispy and golden, it's time to add your favourite toppings. You can add refried beans, cheese, salsa, avocado, lettuce, or any other toppings you desire. If you want to melt the cheese, put the tortilla back in the air fryer for a minute or until the cheese is melted to your liking.

Tips:

• All air fryers are different, so cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on your tortillas to ensure they don't burn.
• If you want to make your own flour tortillas, mix 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Then, add ¾ cup of olive oil and 1 cup of water, and knead the dough. Divide the dough into 16 portions, roll them into balls, and flatten them. Let the raw tortillas rest for 15 minutes to 2 hours, then cook them in a pan for about 45 seconds on each side.
• If you're making a large batch, cook the tortillas one at a time to ensure they crisp up properly.
• If you want to store leftover tostada shells, keep them in a dry, airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 5 days.

Air frying tortillas is a quick and easy way to make delicious, crispy tostada shells. With these simple steps, you'll be enjoying tasty tostadas in no time!

Adding toppings

Now that you have your crunchy tostada shells ready, it's time to add toppings and turn them into a delicious meal!

There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing toppings for your tostada shells. You can go with traditional Mexican toppings or get creative and experiment with different flavours and ingredients. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Beans and Cheese:

Spread refried beans on top of your tostada shell and sprinkle with shredded cheese. You can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar, chili cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked cheese. Put the tostada back in the air fryer for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Lettuce or Slaw:

Add some shredded lettuce or slaw on top of the beans and cheese. This will give your tostada a nice crunch and a fresh taste.

Salsa or Tomatoes:

Chopped tomatoes or salsa will add a juicy, tangy flavour to your tostada. If you want something with more heat, you can also add some chopped jalapeños.

Sour Cream or Guacamole:

A dollop of sour cream or guacamole will give your tostada a creamy texture and a tangy taste. You can also add some sliced avocado instead of or in addition to the guacamole.

Other Toppings:

Feel free to add other toppings such as cilantro (fresh coriander), diced onions, olive slices, or hot sauce. You can also get creative and add ingredients such as cooked chicken or steak, air-fried bell peppers, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Remember, the beauty of tostadas is their versatility, so don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of toppings. You can also make your tostadas vegan or vegetarian by using ingredients like vegan cheese, tofu, or plant-based meats. Enjoy your crunchy, delicious, and fully-loaded tostadas!

Serving suggestions

Tostadas are incredibly versatile and can be topped with a wide variety of ingredients. Here are some ideas for how to serve your air-fried tostada shells:

• Beans and Cheese: Spread refried beans on your tostada shell and top with cheese. You can also add some fajita or taco seasoning to your beans for extra flavour.
• Meat: Add some taco meat, such as shredded chicken, ground turkey, or ground beef cooked with taco seasoning.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Try refried beans, avocado, shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, or vegan cheese and tofu.
• Other Toppings: Get creative with toppings like cilantro, onions, avocado slices, olives, jalapeno slices, or anything else you desire!
• Dips and Sides: Serve your tostadas with dips like tomato salsa, guacamole, or cheese dip. You can also pair them with Mexican-inspired side dishes like black beans and rice, or shredded chicken.
• Crunch Wrap: Create your own Taco Bell-style crunch wrap by adding your tostada shell, taco meat, and favourite toppings to a large burrito wrap. Heat it up in a pan until golden brown.
• Breakfast Tostadas: Try a breakfast version with toppings like tofu scramble, avocado, and beans.

Remember, the beauty of tostadas is their customizability, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions