How to Make Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Tostadas

Skip the stovetop splatter and make perfectly crispy air fryer tostadas in minutes! These homemade tostada shells are quick and easy to make and healthier than deep-fried versions. With just a light brush or spray of oil, you can create a perfectly crunchy base for a variety of your favorite toppings.

These air fryer tostadas provide the crunchy base for some of my favorite recipes, including: easy breakfast tostadas, hibiscus tostadas with black beans, tostadas de picadillo, and chicken tinga tostadas.

I also love to serve them alongside dips like guacamole and frijoles refritos, like they do at some of the restaurants I’ve visited in Oaxaca. Since these tostadas are essentially baked until crispy (aka they don’t require you to deep fry them), you can enjoy them guilt-free.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

It doesn’t get any easier than this! All you need to make these crispy tostadas in the air fryer is:

• Corn tortillas
• Spray oil or regular cooking oil
• Salt (optional) – I prefer Crystal Diamond Kosher Salt to top my tostadas and homemade chips.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Brush or spray oil

• Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) in air fry mode.
• Apply a light spray or coat of cooking oil to both sides of tortillas. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.
• Spread tortillas out in a single layer on the air fryer basket tray.

2. Air fry and enjoy

• Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
• Let them sit for a minute to crisp up fully.
• Load up with refried beans and any of your favorite toppings and enjoy!

RECOMMENDED BY LOLA FOR THIS RECIPE

XL Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven

I got this air fryer at Costco several years ago (they always have some version of this one) and really love it. It’s very user-friendly and big enough to roast a whole chicken or bake salmon and veggies. VIEW PRODUCT

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TOSTADAS

In Oaxaca, oftentimes you’ll find that restaurants serve tostadas instead of tortilla chips as an appetizer. They’re accompanied by a delicious spread of salsas and guacamole. Here I’m sharing a few of my favorite salsas, guacamoles, and other ideas for your air fryer tostadas.

• Salsas and spice: Salsa Amarilla, Red Salsa with Chile Japonés, Tangy Tomatillo Salsa, Guacamole Salsa, Classic Guacamole, Green Cooked Tomatillo Salsa, Salsa de Mango
• Tostada inspiration: Breakfast Tostadas, How to Build a DIY Tostada Bar, Hibiscus and Black Bean Tostadas, Tostadas de Picadillo
• Toppings: Refried Beans, Carnitas de Cerdo, Beef Barbacoa, Papas con Chorizo, Chorizo y Huevo

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