Air Fryer Tostadas: Crunchy, Delicious, and Perfectly Customizable!

Air fryer tostadas are a delicious, crunchy Mexican dish that combines crispy tortillas with savory toppings.

Traditionally, tostadas are deep-fried, but using an air fryer makes them a healthier, quicker, and equally crispy option.

The best part? You can customize your tostadas with all your favorite toppings, from classic beans and cheese to fresh vegetables and proteins.

Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full meal, air fryer tostadas offer a perfect combination of crunch and flavor without the added guilt of frying.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to achieve the perfect tostada crunch with minimal oil and effort.

What You Need to Make Air Fryer Tostadas

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather everything you need to create these irresistible air fryer tostadas.

Ingredients

To make the base of your air fryer tostadas, you’ll need a few simple ingredients.

• Corn tortillas – These form the crispy base of your tostadas. Opt for traditional corn tortillas for authentic flavor and texture.
• Oil spray or brush – A light coating of oil is key to getting that perfect crunch in the air fryer. You can use olive oil or avocado oil for a subtle flavor.
• Salt – A sprinkle of salt after air frying enhances the flavor of the crispy tortilla.

Optional Toppings:

• Refried beans – This adds a creamy texture and acts as a base for additional toppings.
• Shredded cheese – Choose your favorite cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend) for that melty, savory finish.
• Lettuce and tomatoes – Fresh toppings bring a refreshing crunch and balance the richness of the other ingredients.
• Sour cream and salsa – These condiments add a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory layers.
• Protein (chicken, beef, or shrimp) – Add cooked and seasoned meat for a heartier tostada.

Equipment

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s go over the essential equipment you’ll need to make these tostadas:

• Air fryer – The heart of this recipe. Most air fryers work well for making tostadas, but a basket-style air fryer gives the most even cooking.
• Tongs – A good pair of tongs will make it easy to flip the tortillas while they cook.
• Oil spray or brush – To evenly distribute the oil on your tortillas, either use a cooking spray or a pastry brush.
• Cutting board and knife – To chop and prepare any toppings or vegetables you’d like to add to your tostadas.
• Small bowl – For any seasonings or additional ingredients you want to mix together before adding them to the tostadas.

With all these ingredients and tools on hand, you’ll be ready to start making the most crispy and flavorful air fryer tostadas!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Tostadas

Step 1: Preparing the Tortillas

Start by preparing your corn tortillas for the air fryer.

To ensure they crisp up perfectly, brush each tortilla lightly with oil on both sides. You can use a pastry brush or spray the oil evenly for a light coat.

This will help achieve that golden-brown, crispy texture you’re after.

Optionally, you can season the tortillas with a pinch of salt, chili powder, or garlic powder for an added flavor boost.

If you like your tostadas a bit more robust in flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices.

Step 2: Air Frying the Tortillas

Once the tortillas are prepped, place them in your air fryer basket. Be sure to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring that they don’t overlap, so they cook evenly. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes.

Check halfway through to ensure they’re not overcooking, as different air fryers may vary in intensity.

If you want extra crunch, you can flip the tortillas halfway through cooking to ensure both sides become evenly crispy.

Once they’re golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and set them aside to cool.

You’ll notice they’ll crisp up even more as they cool.

Step 3: Assembling Your Tostadas

Now comes the fun part—building your tostadas! Start by spreading a thin layer of refried beans over each crispy tortilla.

This adds a creamy base for all your other toppings.

Then, layer on your choice of toppings—shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and any proteins like seasoned chicken, beef, or shrimp.

For the finishing touches, drizzle sour cream, salsa, or guacamole over the top.

Add a sprinkle of cilantro or sliced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.

Serve immediately for the perfect crispy crunch!

Serving Suggestions

Creative Topping Ideas

One of the best things about tostadas is their versatility—almost anything can go on top! Here are some creative topping ideas to customize your air fryer tostadas:

• BBQ Chicken Tostadas: Top your crispy tortillas with shredded BBQ chicken, a drizzle of ranch dressing, and a sprinkle of green onions. The smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the crunch of the tostada.
• Vegetarian Tostadas: Go meatless by piling on refried black beans, roasted vegetables like peppers, corn, and zucchini, and a dollop of creamy avocado or guacamole. Top with vegan cheese if desired for a fully plant-based meal.
• Shrimp Tostadas: For a seafood twist, top your tostadas with seasoned shrimp, avocado slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. A tangy salsa verde will complete the dish.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Tostadas

Tostadas are filling on their own, but they can be even better with a side. Here are some dishes that complement the tostadas perfectly:

• Mexican Rice: A warm, flavorful side of Mexican rice adds a great balance to the crispy tostadas.
• Guacamole & Chips: No Mexican meal is complete without guacamole! Pair your tostadas with crispy tortilla chips and a generous serving of fresh guacamole.
• Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad with corn, tomatoes, and a tangy lime dressing makes a great light side dish that pairs well with the richness of the tostadas.

With these creative topping ideas and sides, your air fryer tostadas can be customized for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Tostadas

Avoiding Soggy Tortillas

One of the most common issues with tostadas is ending up with a soggy base. To avoid this, make sure you’re applying a light coating of oil to the tortillas and air frying them at the right temperature. Overcrowding the basket can also cause uneven cooking, so be sure to leave enough space for air to circulate around the tortillas. If needed, air fry them in batches for the best results.

How to Make Them Extra Crispy

For an extra crispy texture, flip the tortillas halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure both sides cook evenly and get that perfect crunch. If you prefer a darker, more golden-brown color, add another 1-2 minutes to the cook time, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Seasoning the Tortillas

While the tortillas are neutral, a simple sprinkle of seasoning before air frying can make a huge difference. Try adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for added depth of flavor. You can also use flavored oils like chili oil or lime-infused oil for an exciting twist.

Reheating Leftover Tostadas

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—your air fryer is your best friend for reheating tostadas. Simply place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-4 minutes to bring back that crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the tortillas lose their crunch.

Make Ahead Tips

If you want to save time, you can prepare the tortillas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container once cooled. When you’re ready to serve, just top them with your desired toppings and enjoy! You can also prepare toppings in advance for a quicker assembly.

Conclusion

Air fryer tostadas are the perfect solution for anyone craving a crispy, customizable meal in a fraction of the time it would take to deep fry. The air fryer brings a golden crunch with much less oil, making it a healthier alternative to the traditional method. With endless possibilities for toppings and sides, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re making a quick snack or preparing dinner for the whole family, air fryer tostadas are sure to impress. Enjoy your creation and have fun experimenting with new flavors and toppings!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas in place of corn tortillas. However, keep in mind that flour tortillas might not achieve the same level of crunchiness as corn tortillas. For a crispier texture, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

2. How can I make these tostadas gluten-free?

To make your tostadas gluten-free, simply use gluten-free corn tortillas. These are widely available in most grocery stores and work just as well as traditional corn tortillas.

3. Can I cook multiple tortillas at once?

Yes, you can cook multiple tortillas at once in the air fryer. However, make sure they don’t overlap. If they do, they won’t crisp up evenly. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

4. How do I store leftover tostadas?

Store leftover tostadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them crispy, it’s best to store the tortillas separately from the toppings. You can also reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.

5. Can I make the tortillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tortillas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container once they have cooled. When you’re ready to eat, simply add your toppings and serve. The tortillas will stay crisp if stored properly.