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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Mexican Cuisine

    Healthy Air Fryer Tostadas Mexicanas (with Homemade or Canned Refried Beans)

    📋 Modified: Aug 14, 2022 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    These Healthy Air Fryer Tostadas Mexicanas with Homemade or Canned Refried Beans are hands-down one of my favorite easy go-to meals of all time. I don't know what it is about Mexican food that we love so much in our household, but homemade frijoles refritos are a highly preferred low-budget staple for us. We always have a freezer batch ready to thaw and they are super delicious, and make a healthy 10-minute meal.

    healthy air fryer tostadas mexicanas with canned or homemade refried beans close up on cutting board
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • More Recipes
    • FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Food Safety
    tostada street corn tortillas brushed with olive oil
    refried beans, tomato, lettuce, cheese, and olive oil in measured quantities

    Ingredients

    • Tortillas- We used the Mission Street Taco Corn Tortillas
    • Refried beans (frijoles refritos) - We make them homemade, but the canned refried beans would also work well!
    • Cheese - I prefer the spicy flavor of Monterey Jack cheese
    • Lettuce - Iceberg lettuce was used in this recipe.
    • Tomato - We typically use Roma tomatoes.
    • Jalapeno - Fresh jalapenos or canned/jar varieties will do.
    • Black olives - We like the Lindsay olives in Mexican dishes.
    • Olive oil
    • Salt
    • Pepper

    Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

    air fried tostadas mexicanas tortilla shells on air fryer rack
    Step 2
    close up of tostadas mexicanas assembled on cutting board
    Step 4

    Instructions

    Step 1: Prepare the Homemade or Canned Refried Beans

    Homemade Refried Beans

    Fill some water in a crockpot about ¾ of the way to the rim. Rinse three cups of pinto beans and toss them into the slow cooker with ½ an onion and 6 bouillon cubes. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beans are completely soft. Drain water (reserving just a little), remove the onion, and add one stick of butter. Using a hand blender, blend all ingredients to a smooth consistency.

    Canned Refried Beans

    Scoop the beans out of the can. Melt butter in a frying pan on low heat, then add refried beans and stir until warmed through. You can also heat them in the microwave.

    Step 2: Prepare the Tortilla Shells
    Lightly brush street taco tortilla shells with olive oil and a little salt. Place them in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. If the tortillas need more time to crisp up, turn them over and air fry at 30 sec to one-minute intervals, being careful not to burn.

    Step 3: Prepare the Ingredients
    Dice up the tomato and olives, then shred the lettuce. Grate the Monterey Jack cheese and prepare any other toppings.

    Step 4: Assemble the Tostadas Mexicanas
    Starting with the refried beans, begin layering all ingredients. Serve immediately.

    Substitutions

    • Beans - Pinto beans can be substituted for black beans.
    • Spice - Monterey Jack can be substituted for a less spicy cheese.

    Variations

    • Add-ins - Try jalapeno peppers, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and any other toppings you prefer.
    • Protein - Ground beef can be added for extra protein.

    Equipment

    This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    • Crockpot
    • Air fryer
    • Stick blender
    • Knife
    • Cheese grater
    • Frying pan

    Storage

    Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

    This dish is freezer friendly.

    More Recipes

    Have leftover ingredients?

    • Leftover tomatoes could be used in this delicious Tomato and Avocado Side Salad
    • Excess homemade or canned refried beans taste great when added to tacos or in this 7 Layer Mexican Dip.

    In the mood for a similar dish?

    Try these other Mexican Recipe ideas:

    • Sheet Pan Nachos
    • Guacamole
    • 3 Ingredient Cheese Quesadilla

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      Bay Scallops with Pasta and Lemon Garlic Sauce
    • Greek Style Lemon Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
    • Filet Mignon close up with broccoli
      Sous Vide (Medium Rare) Filet Mignon with Butter and Garlic

    FAQ

    What is the difference between a chalupa and a tostada?

    The main difference has to do with the shell. A tostada is a corn tortilla that is typically fried in oil so it is crispy and flat, while a chalupa is a softer flour tortilla.

    How can I make canned refried beans taste better?

    Simple! Heat canned refried beans up in the microwave or on the stove, then stir in a little sour cream or butter. Top them off with you favorite Mexican cheese and/or hot sauce.

    How long do canned refried beans last in the refrigerator after opening?

    Once opened, canned refried beans will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

    📖 Recipe

    healthy air fryer tostadas mexicanas with canned or homemade refried beans close up on cutting board

    Healthy Air Fryer Tostadas Mexicanas (with Homemade or Canned Refried Beans)

    Jami Powell
    These Healthy Air Fryer Tostadas Mexicanas with Homemade or Canned Refried Beans are hands-down one of my favorite easy go-to meals of all time. I don't know what it is about Mexican food that we love so much in our household, but homemade frijoles refritos are a highly preferred low-budget staple for us. We always have a freezer batch ready to thaw and they are super delicious, and make a healthy 10-minute meal.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8

    Equipment

    • Crockpot
    • Air Fryer
    • Stick blender
    • Knife
    • Cheese grater
    • Frying pan

    Ingredients
      

    Canned Refried Beans

    • 1 16oz. Can of Refried Beans
    • 1 tablespoon Butter

    Homemade Refried Beans (Optional)

    • 3 cups Refried beans
    • 6 cups Water
    • ½ lg Onion
    • 6 qty Chicken Bouillon Cubes
    • 1 stick Butter

    Tostadas Mexicanas

    • 8 qty Street corn tortillas
    • 1 cup Refried beans (about 2 tablespoon per shell)
    • 2 cup Monterrey Jack cheese
    • 1 cup Shredded lettuce
    • 2 qty Roma tomato
    • 24 qty Olives
    • 1 qty Jalapeno
    • 2 tablespoon Olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon Salt (or more to taste)

    Instructions
     

    Canned Refried Beans

    • Melt butter in a frying pan on low heat, then add refried beans and stir until warmed through.

    Refried Beans (Optional)

    • Fill water in a crockpot about ¾ of the way to the rim.
    • Rinse three cups of pinto beans and toss them into the slow cooker with ½ an onion and 6 bouillon cubes.
    • Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beans are completely soft.
    • Drain water (reserving just a little), remove onion, and add one stick of butter.
    • Using a hand blender, blend all ingredients to a smooth consistency.

    Tostadas Mexicanas

    • Lightly brush street taco tortilla shells with olive oil and a little salt.
    • Place them in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
    • If the tortillas need more time to crisp up, turn them over and air fry at 30 sec to one-minute intervals, being careful not to burn.
    • Dice up the tomato and olives, then shred the lettuce. Grate the Monterey Jack cheese and prepare any other toppings.
    • Starting with the refried beans, begin layering all ingredients. Serve immediately.
    Keyword air fryer, canned refried beans, easy, frijoles, mexicana, refritos, tostadas
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

    Food Safety

    • Wash hands and create a clean work area.
    • Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
    • Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
    • Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov

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    Welcome to Powell Family Cooking! Our family enjoys creating delicious meals with healthy ingredients that can be shared by many. Our goal is to provide simple, elegant dish ideas for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Many of the recipes on our website have been passed down from family and friends. We hope you are inspired to do the same.

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