Air-Fryer Tostadas: Corn Tortillas Made Easy And Quick

Tostadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal prep time and ingredients. All you need are corn tortillas, oil or cooking spray, and your favourite toppings. The process is simple: brush or spray the tortillas with oil, add salt if desired, and air fry for a few minutes until crispy. You can then load up your tostadas with toppings like refried beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and more. They're a great option for a quick, tasty, and crispy snack or meal that can be customised to suit gluten-free or vegan diets.

Air fryer settings and timings

The air fryer is a great way to make tostadas, as it requires minimal prep time and yields crispy results without the excess calories of deep-frying. The settings and timings you use will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the number of tortillas you are cooking, and your desired level of crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried tostada shells:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes. This step is not mentioned in all recipes but can help ensure even cooking.
• Prepare the tortillas: Brush both sides of the corn tortillas with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. Alternatively, you can spray the tortillas with cooking spray. Some recipes suggest sprinkling a little salt on the tortillas for extra flavour.
• Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket: Most recipes recommend cooking one tortilla at a time to ensure even crisping. However, if your air fryer has a rack, you can place one tortilla on the bottom of the basket and another on the rack above. If your air fryer doesn't have a lid, cover the top of the basket with aluminium foil to prevent the tortillas from swirling and touching the heating element.
• Air fry the tortillas: Cook the tortillas for 3 minutes, then flip them over and air fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the tortillas during this process, as they can brown very quickly. The total cooking time will be around 5 to 6 minutes for a batch of tortillas.
• Check for doneness: Gently press the middle of a tortilla. If it is still flexible, it may need a little more time. The tortillas are done when they are hard and golden brown.
• Add toppings: Once your tortillas have reached the desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and add your favourite toppings. You can also air fry the tortillas with refried beans and cheese for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese.
• Serve and enjoy: Tostadas are best served fresh out of the air fryer. If you have any leftovers, store them in a dry, airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Oil and seasoning

Oil is an important ingredient in making tostadas from corn tortillas in an air fryer. It helps to crisp up the tortillas and give them a crunchy texture. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. The amount of oil needed is minimal, and you can either brush it on both sides of the tortillas or use a spray oil for a lighter coating.

When it comes to seasoning, salt is the most commonly used ingredient to enhance the flavour of the tostada shells. You can use fine salt or finishing salt, depending on your preference. Sprinkle a small amount of salt on the tortillas after applying the oil. Some recipes also suggest sprinkling smoked paprika or chipotle powder on the tortillas for a smoky flavour.

In addition to salt, you can squeeze fresh lime juice on top of the tortillas before air frying to add a tangy flavour. This combination of oil, salt, and lime juice will create a delicious base for your tostadas.

When applying the oil, it is important to ensure that the tortillas are evenly coated. This will help them crisp up evenly in the air fryer. You can also place a small cup or dish on top of the tortillas to prevent air pockets from forming during the cooking process.

The cooking time and temperature will depend on your air fryer and the brand of tortillas you are using. On average, air fry the tortillas for 3-7 minutes at around 350-400°F, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Keep a close eye on the tortillas to prevent them from burning.

Topping ideas

Tostadas are a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for toppings to elevate your air-fried tostadas:

Vegetarian and Vegan Toppings

• Refried beans (pinto or black beans)
• Avocado slices or guacamole
• Shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
• Shredded purple cabbage
• Vegan cheese sauce
• Vegan sour cream
• Cooked plantain bananas
• Vegan ceviche with avocado and heart of palm
• Tofu scramble
• Braised chipotle tofu sofritas
• Pico de gallo or salsa
• Green tomatillo salsa
• Hot sauce

Meat Toppings

• Cooked chicken or steak
• Ground beef or turkey
• Shredded chicken breasts
• Shredded oyster mushroom "chicken"
• Soy curl "chicken" salad

Other Toppings

• Air-fried bell peppers
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Cheese
• Hot ingredients like homemade refried beans
• Taco meat
• Lime juice

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own unique tostada combinations!

Storing and reheating

Storing Tostadas:

Firstly, it's important to note that tostadas are best served fresh and crispy straight from the air fryer. However, if you do have leftovers, there are ways to store them to maintain their texture and taste.

• Store your tostada shells at room temperature: Keep them in a dry, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Use an airtight container or plastic bag to prevent them from getting soft.
• Avoid the fridge: Storing tostada shells in the refrigerator will make them soft.
• Storage duration: Properly stored, tostada shells can last for about 5 days.

Reheating Tostadas:

If you want to reheat your tostadas, there are a few methods to choose from:

• Air fryer: You can reheat your tostadas in the air fryer for 30-90 seconds. This is a good option to crisp them up again.
• Oven: Place the tostadas on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Toaster: You can also use a toaster to reheat your tostadas, but this method may work better for flour tortillas.
• Microwave: While you can use the microwave, it's not ideal for corn tortillas as it can make them mealy and affect their texture.

Tips for Storing and Reheating:

• Freeze tortillas, not tostadas: Freezing tostada shells will make them soggy. However, you can freeze corn tortillas and then air fry them when needed.
• Keep tortillas warm: If you're cooking in batches, wrap the warm tortillas in aluminium foil to keep them soft and warm until serving.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your tostadas stay crisp and delicious, whether you're serving them fresh or reheating them for later!

Alternative methods

If you don't have an air fryer, there are a few other ways to cook tostadas. You can bake them in the oven or fry them on the stove. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:

Oven-Baked Tostadas:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Place the corn tortillas on a cookie sheet or metal baking pan in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Bake them for 10-15 minutes. Check them at the 10-minute mark, and if they're still soft or bendable, bake for a couple more minutes.
• Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as they may cook faster or slower depending on your oven, the type of pan you're using, and the brand of tortillas.
• They're done when they're hard and golden brown.

Stove-Fried Tostadas:

• Heat a large pan over medium heat.
• Cook the tortillas for about 45 seconds on each side.
• You can also add a bit of oil to the pan to fry the tortillas and make them crispier.

Other Tips:

• If you want to make mini tostadas, use smaller tortillas or cut large tortillas into smaller circles.
• To make salted tostada shells, brush a thin layer of water on top of the tortilla and sprinkle with salt before cooking.
• For chili lime tostada shells, squeeze some lime juice on the tostada after cooking and sprinkle with Tajín or chili lime seasoning.
• Don't overlap your tortillas when cooking, as this will prevent them from getting crispy.
• Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.

Frequently asked questions