These crispy Air Fryer Tostadas deliver restaurant-worthy Mexican flavors with a fraction of the oil and effort. Perfectly crunchy corn tortillas create an irresistible base for protein-packed toppings, making it a satisfying weeknight dinner in just 24 minutes.
At only 219 calories per serving, you can indulge in these healthier tostadas without any guilt. The air fryer transforms ordinary tortillas into golden, crunchy shells that rival deep-fried versions – but with just 8 grams of fat per serving.
Fresh & Crispy Air Fryer Tostadas
- Tortillas (4): Either flour or corn, choose your favorite style
- Black Beans (1 cup): Pre-cooked, drained and ready to use
- Fresh Lettuce (1 cup): Shredded for extra crunch
- Black Olives (½ cup): Neatly sliced for even distribution
- Tomatoes (½ cup): Fresh diced for best flavor
- Cheese (½ cup): Your favorite shredded variety
- Toppings: Optional guacamole and sour cream for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Base Preparation: Place tortilla in air fryer basket with a trivet on top, air fry at 390°F for 4 minutes, flipping halfway
- Add First Layer: Top with ¼ portion of beans and cheese, then air fry 1-2 minutes until cheese melts
- Fresh Toppings: Add your portions of crisp lettuce, olives, and fresh tomatoes
- Complete the Batch: Repeat the process with remaining tortillas
- Serve: Enjoy while warm, garnish with guacamole and sour cream if desired
Air Fryer Tips
Hey there! Getting crispy tostadas in your air fryer is super easy. A little trick: the weight on top stops the tortilla from flying around and helps it crisp evenly. If you don’t have a trivet, you can use a metal rack or even a heat-safe plate that fits in your air fryer. Keep an eye on the tortillas during the last minute – they can go from perfectly golden to too brown pretty quick!
Easy Swaps
Mix up your tostadas any way you like! Try pinto beans instead of black beans, or go for refried beans for extra creaminess. Not a fan of olives? Skip them or add some corn or diced onions instead. Pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick, while Cotija cheese gives you that authentic Mexican flavor. Both flour and corn tortillas work great – corn tortillas give you that traditional crunch!
Serving Ideas
Make taco night extra fun by setting up a tostada bar! Put out bowls of toppings and let everyone build their own. Some yummy extras: diced avocado, hot sauce, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or pickled jalapeños. These tostadas go great with Mexican rice or a simple side salad. And don’t forget the guacamole and sour cream – they make everything better!
Storage Tips
Once you’ve crisped up your tortillas, they’ll stay crunchy for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Keep the toppings separate and stored in the fridge – this way you can warm up the crispy shells and add fresh toppings whenever you’re ready to eat. Leftover beans? They freeze really well for next time!
Air Fryer Tostadas
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Trivet
Ingredients
- 4 tortillas flour or corn
- 1 cup black beans cooked
- 1 cup lettuce
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1/2 cup tomatoes diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Guacamole for garnish, optional
- Sour cream for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Put one tortilla at a time into the air fryer. Weight it down with a trivet or other weight and air fry at 390 degrees F (198 degrees C) for 4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add ¼ of the beans and ¼ of the cheese. Air fry another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Carefully remove tortilla and top with lettuce, olives, and tomatoes.
- Repeat process for all tortillas. Serve warm and enjoy!
