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I didn’t plan to fall this hard for air fryer tostadas. It just… happened. One busy Tuesday, I stared into my fridge, spotted a lonely can of refried beans, and thought, “What if I crisp tortillas in the air fryer instead of dealing with oil splatters?” Ten minutes later, I stood at the counter, crunching into the crispiest tostada I’d ever made at home. No greasy fingers. No stove babysitting. Just crunchy bliss.

If you love easy air fryer recipes, crave crispy tostadas, and want dinner that feels fun without wrecking your kitchen, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through exactly how I make air fryer tostadas with refried beans, plus the little tricks I’ve learned the hard way (burnt tortilla edges, anyone?). IMO, this recipe belongs in everyone’s weekly rotation. 🙂

Why I Keep Coming Back to Air Fryer Tostadas

Ever notice how some recipes just stick? This one sticks because it checks all my boxes.

They’re Ridiculously Easy

I press a button, flip once, and boom—crispy tortillas. The air fryer does the heavy lifting while I prep toppings or scroll my phone for five minutes. FYI, that’s my favorite cooking pace.

They Feel Indulgent Without Being Heavy

Traditional tostadas swim in oil. These don’t. You still get that crunch, but your stomach doesn’t feel like it needs a nap afterward.

They Work for Everyone

Vegetarian? Perfect. Feeding picky eaters? Let them choose toppings. Cooking for one? These reheat like a champ.

Honestly, I make these more than tacos now. Did I just admit that? Yeah, I did.

The Air Fryer I Swear By (And Why It Matters)

I’ve tested this recipe in a couple of air fryers, and size plus airflow actually matter here. I currently use the COSORI Pro II Air Fryer 5.8QT, and it’s been rock solid for tortillas.

You can check it out here:
👉 COSORI Pro II Air Fryer 5.8Q

Why I like it:

Even airflow crisps tortillas edge to edge
Wide basket fits full-size corn tortillas without folding
Fast preheat, which means less waiting (always a win)

Could you use another air fryer? Absolutely. Just keep an eye on cook time since smaller models cook faster.

Ingredients That Actually Matter (And Why)

Let’s not overcomplicate this. Tostadas shine when ingredients stay simple.

What I Use Every Time

Corn tortillas – Flour works, but corn delivers that classic crunch.
Refried beans – Homemade or canned. I usually grab canned because life.
Oil spray – Avocado oil spray works best for even browning.
Salt – Just a pinch brings the tortilla to life.

My Go-To Toppings

This is where creativity kicks in:

Shredded lettuce or cabbage
Diced tomatoes
Avocado or guacamole
Shredded cheese (cotija, cheddar, or a Mexican blend)
Sour cream or crema
Hot sauce or salsa

Ever thrown a fried egg on top? Try it once. You’ll thank me later.

How I Make Crispy Tostadas in the Air Fryer

This method took me a couple of attempts to nail, so save yourself the trial and error.

Step 1: Prep the Tortillas

I lightly spray both sides of each tortilla with oil. Don’t drench them. Too much oil makes them stiff instead of crispy. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt on one side.

Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

I place tortillas in a single layer in the basket.

Temperature: 375°F
Time: 4 minutes, flip, then 3–4 more minutes

I check them early because air fryers vary. They should look golden and feel firm when you tap them.

Step 3: Warm the Refried Beans

While tortillas crisp, I warm refried beans in a saucepan or microwave. I stir in:

A splash of water or broth
A pinch of cumin or garlic powder

This keeps the beans creamy instead of thick and gluey.

Assembling the Ultimate Air Fryer Tostada

Here’s my personal order. It matters more than you think.

Warm refried beans first – They stick better to the shell.
Cheese next – The warmth helps it melt slightly.
Fresh toppings last – Lettuce, tomato, avocado.
Sauce on top – Drizzle, don’t drown.

Ever piled everything on at once and watched it slide off? Yeah… we’ve all been there.

Tips & Tricks I Learned the Hard Way

Don’t Skip the Flip

I tried cooking tortillas without flipping. One side burned, the other stayed pale. Flip them. Trust me.

Use the Right Tortilla Size

Smaller tortillas crisp faster. Large ones need a bit more time. If they overlap, they steam instead of crisp.

Serve Immediately

Tostadas wait for no one. Assemble right before eating for max crunch.

Batch Cooking Works

I crisp tortillas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Re-crisp for 1 minute before serving.

Flavor Variations I Rotate All the Time

I get bored easily, so I switch things up.

Protein Boost

Shredded rotisserie chicken
Spiced ground beef
Air fryer shrimp

Vegan Twist

Black beans + refried beans combo
Cashew crema instead of sour cream

Breakfast Tostadas

Refried beans
Scrambled eggs
Salsa
Avocado

Breakfast tostadas feel illegal in the best way.

Why This Recipe Beats Traditional Tostadas (IMO)

Traditional tostadas taste amazing, but they come with:

Hot oil
Extra calories
More cleanup

These air fryer tostadas deliver the same crunch with less mess and more control. Plus, I don’t smell like fried food afterward. That’s a big win in my book.

Kitchen Tools That Make This Easier

Besides the air fryer, I rely on:

Oil sprayer for even coating
Silicone tongs for easy flipping
Wide spatula for assembling

If you’re shopping anyway, that COSORI air fryer link above stays my top recommendation for consistent results.

Frequently Asked Questions I Get

Can I use flour tortillas?
Yes, but they crisp differently and turn more cracker-like.

Do these reheat well?
The shells do. Reheat at 350°F for 1–2 minutes.

Can I freeze tostada shells?
I don’t recommend it. They lose that fresh crunch.

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