Air Fryer Sopes
Air Fryer Sopes are a healthier and faster version of the traditional Mexican dish, made with crispy masa discs topped with a variety of ingredients like refried beans, cheese, meats, and salsa. The air fryer helps achieve a perfectly crispy exterior with a tender interior, all while using less oil than traditional frying methods. Whether you’re serving them as a quick meal or a fun dish for a party, these air fryer sopes are customizable and delicious!
Equipment
- Air Fryer – 1 unit
- Mixing Bowl (1 unit)
- Spoon or Hands (For mixing and shaping the masa)
- Small Knife (For cutting toppings like veggies or meats)
- Spatula (For flipping sopes, optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Masa harina corn flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Warm water adjust as needed
- 1/2 cup Refried beans or whole beans
- 1/2 cup Shredded cheese Oaxaca, cotija, or mozzarella
- 1/2 cup Cooked meat optional, shredded beef, chicken, or pork
- 1/2 cup Lettuce or cabbage shredded
- 1/4 cup Salsa red or green
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Masa:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Slowly add the warm water, stirring continuously until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and pliable. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water. Divide the dough into 4 portions and shape each portion into a small ball.
Form the Sopes:
- Using your hands or a flat surface, press each dough ball into a thick disc about 1/2 inch in thickness. Gently press the edges to form a raised border around the outside of each disc. This helps hold the toppings.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Air Fry the Sopes:
- Place the shaped masa discs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The sopes should be golden and crispy around the edges but soft on the inside.
Assemble the Sopes:
- Once the sopes are air fried, remove them from the basket. Spread a layer of refried beans over each sope. Top with shredded cheese, cooked meat (if using), lettuce or cabbage, and salsa. Finish with a drizzle of Mexican crema and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Optional: Crisp the Edges:
- If you prefer extra crispy edges, place the assembled sopes back in the air fryer for an additional 2–3 minutes to crisp up the toppings.
Serve:
- Serve the sopes immediately with your favorite sides or enjoy them as they are!
Notes
- Topping Variations: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add avocado slices, pickled onions, or different meats like chorizo, carnitas, or grilled vegetables for a unique twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Sopes Thickness: If you prefer thicker sopes, use slightly more dough for each ball, but note that cooking times may vary.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the masa in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking.