These air fryer tostadas combine crunchy corn tortillas, seasoned black beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for an easy weeknight dinner or hearty snack. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (191°C), cook the tortillas for 6 to 8 minutes total, and flip them halfway through crisping. After adding the beans and cheese, no additional flipping is needed.
Ingredients
- 4 small corn tortillas
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican-blend or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 small Roma tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 small avocado, sliced
- Sour cream, salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges for serving
How To Make It
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (191°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly brush or spray both sides of each tortilla with oil.
Arrange the tortillas in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Depending on the basket size, work in batches. Air-fry for 3 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, until lightly golden and beginning to feel crisp.
Meanwhile, place the black beans, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Mash about half the beans with a fork, leaving the rest whole for texture.
Spread the bean mixture over each crisp tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Return the tostadas to the air fryer and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, without flipping, until the cheese melts and the edges are deeply crisp.
Carefully transfer the tostadas to plates. Add lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, and any other desired toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Tips
- Keep them in one layer: Overlapping tortillas will prevent even browning and can leave soft spots.
- Watch the final minutes: Corn tortillas can go from golden to overly dark quickly.
- Prevent lifting: If your air fryer fan moves the tortillas, place a small air-fryer-safe rack over them during the initial cooking time.
- Choose thicker toppings: Drain salsa well and avoid piling on wet ingredients before air-frying.
- Customize them: Try refried beans, pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, corn, or leftover shredded chicken.
Pile on your favorite fresh toppings and enjoy these crunchy black bean tostadas while they are hot!
