Crispy and Healthy Air Fryer Sopes: A Quick Mexican Delight!

Sopes are a beloved Mexican dish that offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Traditionally made by frying small, thick discs of masa (corn dough) and topping them with various ingredients like beans, cheese, meats, and salsas, sopes are a perfect comfort food.

While traditionally fried, using an air fryer to prepare sopes brings a modern twist to this classic dish, providing a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.

The air fryer allows you to achieve that perfect crispiness, all while reducing the amount of oil used, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy sopes in a more convenient, less greasy way.

In this post, we’ll dive into how to make Air Fryer Sopes that are both crispy and full of flavor, plus explore the benefits of air frying them versus traditional frying.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe simple and easy to follow.

What Are Sopes?

Sopes are small, thick Mexican tortillas, typically made from masa, that have a raised edge around the perimeter.

This lip, or border, helps contain the toppings and fillings, making them perfect for a variety of ingredients.

Sopes are incredibly versatile, and you can top them with a wide array of ingredients—ranging from traditional refried beans, meats, cheese, lettuce, salsa, and crema to even more modern variations.

The masa itself is a dough made from corn flour, water, and salt, giving the sopes a slightly dense and chewy texture. After cooking, the masa becomes soft on the inside while developing a crisp exterior when fried or air fried.

Though often served as street food, sopes are equally popular in home kitchens across Mexico and have a wide regional variation.

Whether you make them with beef, chicken, or simply beans, sopes are a staple in Mexican cuisine that can easily be personalized to suit any taste.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Sopes?

While the traditional method of frying sopes requires oil and a deep pan, using an air fryer simplifies the process by eliminating much of the mess and the need for excess oil.

This means you can still achieve the crispy, golden-brown exterior while cutting down on calories and fat.

The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the sopes, allowing them to crisp up while maintaining that deliciously soft interior.

Moreover, air frying makes the entire cooking process faster. Preheating an air fryer takes less time than heating oil in a pan, and the cooking time for sopes is also reduced.

For busy weeknights or quick meals, the air fryer makes preparing sopes more convenient while maintaining the authenticity of the dish. Not only will your sopes be healthier, but they’ll also be perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside—without needing to flip them halfway through cooking.

Ultimately, using an air fryer to make sopes allows for a hassle-free, healthier, and faster version of this delicious Mexican classic. It’s a win-win for those who want to indulge in tasty food with a fraction of the effort.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sopes

To make Air Fryer Sopes, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create the delicious base and toppings of this classic dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Masa:

• 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour) – The base for your sopes. Masa harina is specifically used for making Mexican tortillas and sopes.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt – For flavor.
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup of warm water – This will help bring the dough together, making it soft and pliable.

For the Toppings:

• Refried beans (or whole beans) – Beans are a classic topping for sopes, providing creaminess and richness.
• Shredded cheese – A mild cheese like Oaxaca, cotija, or mozzarella works best.
• Cooked meat (optional) – Beef, chicken, or pork are commonly used, but you can use your favorite protein.
• Lettuce or cabbage – For a fresh, crunchy contrast.
• Salsa – A tangy or spicy salsa, either red or green, adds flavor and zest.
• Mexican crema or sour cream – For a creamy finish.
• Fresh cilantro – Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness.

These ingredients can be adjusted depending on your personal taste and the specific variation of sopes you prefer. You can even add avocado slices or pickled onions to elevate the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Sopes

1. Prepare the Masa

Start by placing the masa harina and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the warm water, stirring continuously until the dough comes together.

It should be soft but not too sticky. If needed, add a little more water to achieve the right consistency.

Once the dough is ready, divide it into small portions, about the size of a golf ball.

Use your palms to flatten each portion into a thick disc, about 1/2 inch thick. Press the edges gently to create a small lip around the outside of each disc—this will hold your toppings later.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the sopes cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.

3. Air Fry the Sopes

Place the masa discs in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The sopes should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges, with a soft center.

4. Assemble the Sopes

Once the sopes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Start by spreading a thin layer of refried beans on each sope. Add your choice of protein (if using), then sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Top with lettuce or cabbage, a dollop of salsa, and a drizzle of crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra touch of flavor and color.

5. Optional: Crisp the Edges

If you want extra crispy edges, return the assembled sopes to the air fryer for an additional 2–3 minutes. This will help crisp up the toppings and edges without overcooking the masa.

Variations of Air Fryer Sopes

While the classic sope is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize your air fryer sopes to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas for creative variations:

Vegetarian Sopes

For a meatless option, skip the meat and opt for more vegetables. Consider using grilled mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted sweet potatoes. You can also add a spoonful of guacamole or sautéed peppers and onions for extra flavor.

Breakfast Sopes

Start your day with a breakfast version of sopes by adding a fried egg on top. Pair with crispy bacon, avocado slices, and a salsa of your choice. The combination of a runny egg with all the toppings is a delicious twist on the classic.

Dessert Sopes

Sopes don’t just have to be savory! For a sweet variation, replace the refried beans with a spread of Nutella, dulce de leche, or peanut butter. Top with fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or peaches, and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a fun dessert version.

Spicy Sopes

If you love heat, top your sopes with spicy chorizo or add extra chili to your salsa. A drizzle of hot sauce or a handful of pickled jalapeños can also add the perfect kick.

Each variation allows you to get creative with your toppings while keeping the core flavors of the masa and crispy texture intact.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Sopes

Air Fryer Sopes are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to complement different meals or occasions. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

1. Pair with Traditional Sides

Sopes are often served alongside classic Mexican sides like Mexican rice and refried beans. These sides enhance the sopes’ flavor and provide a hearty meal. You can also serve a side of guacamole or pico de gallo for a fresh, tangy balance.

2. Serve with a Light Salad

A refreshing Mexican-style salad made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and cilantro offers a crisp contrast to the richness of the sopes. For extra flavor, drizzle with a lime vinaigrette or a tangy dressing.

3. Pair with Beverages

Sopes are great with a cold, refreshing drink. Serve them with a traditional horchata or agua fresca (fruit-infused water) for a refreshing combination. Mexican beers or a chilled margarita are also excellent choices if you’re serving sopes for a party or casual get-together.

4. Perfect for Entertaining

Since sopes can be easily customized, they’re ideal for a casual dinner or party. Set up a toppings bar with different fillings like shredded meats, cheese, salsas, and veggies, and let everyone build their own personalized sopes. This is a fun and interactive way to serve them.

5. Make It a Snack

If you’re looking for a snack or appetizer, serve smaller, bite-sized versions of sopes. You can top them with a variety of mini toppings like spicy salsa, crema, or cheese for a quick, flavorful snack that’s perfect for sharing.

Conclusion

Making Air Fryer Sopes is a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy a traditional Mexican dish. By swapping the deep fryer for the air fryer, you’re able to create crispy, golden sopes with minimal oil, while still achieving the authentic taste and texture you love. Whether you enjoy them as a quick weeknight meal or a fun dish to serve at a gathering, sopes are versatile enough to be topped with your favorite ingredients.

From classic refried beans and cheese to creative variations like vegetarian or breakfast sopes, the possibilities are endless. The air fryer makes the process faster and less messy, so you can enjoy sopes without the hassle of traditional frying. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and share your own sopes creations with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make sopes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the masa and shape the sopes in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, simply air fry them according to the instructions and add your toppings.

2. Can I freeze sopes?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked masa discs. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to cook, just air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I use store-bought masa dough for sopes?

Yes, you can use store-bought masa dough (often labeled as “masa para tortillas”) to make your sopes. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for consistency, as some pre-made masa may require a bit more water or salt.

4. How do I reheat leftover sopes?

To reheat sopes, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–5 minutes to regain their crispy texture. You can also warm the toppings separately and assemble them on the reheated sopes.

5. Can I make sopes without an air fryer?

Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can fry the sopes in a pan with a small amount of oil. Heat a skillet over medium heat and fry the sopes until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.