Air Fryer Tostadas
Air fryer tostadas are a quick and healthy alternative to traditional deep-fried tostadas. Using minimal oil, these crispy tortillas are topped with your choice of flavorful ingredients like refried beans, cheese, lettuce, and seasoned proteins. Perfect for a light meal or snack, these tostadas come together in just a few minutes and are fully customizable based on your preferences.
Equipment
- Air fryer: 1 unit (basket-style recommended)
- Tongs: 1 pair
- Pastry brush or oil spray: 1 unit
- Cutting Board: 1 unit
- Knife: 1 unit
- Small bowl: 1 unit
Ingredients
- Corn tortillas: 4-6 tortillas depending on size
- Olive oil or cooking spray: 1-2 tbsp for brushing or spraying
- Salt: 1/4 tsp optional
- Refried beans: 1 cup
- Shredded cheese: 1 cup cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
- Lettuce: 1/2 cup shredded
- Tomatoes: 1/2 cup diced
- Sour cream: 1/4 cup optional
- Salsa: 1/4 cup optional
- Protein optional: 1 cup (chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetarian option like black beans)
- Avocado: 1 optional, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the tortillas: Brush both sides of each tortilla with a light coat of oil or spray. Season with a pinch of salt or any other spices (such as garlic powder or chili powder) for extra flavor.
- Air fry the tortillas: Arrange the tortillas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the tostadas: Once the tortillas are crispy, spread a layer of refried beans over each tortilla. Then, add your choice of toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your chosen protein. Drizzle with sour cream or salsa if desired, and top with avocado slices for added freshness.
- Serve immediately: Serve your air fryer tostadas with a side of guacamole or Mexican rice if desired.
Notes
- Crispiness: Ensure the tortillas aren’t overlapping in the air fryer to achieve the perfect crisp.
- Toppings: Customize the toppings based on your preference. For a vegan option, skip the cheese and use black beans instead of refried beans.
- Protein: If using chicken, beef, or shrimp, ensure it is pre-cooked and seasoned for quick assembly.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the tortillas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container once cooled. Reheat in the air fryer before adding toppings.