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

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.

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.

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

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• 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

More dinner recipes you will love:

FAQ

📖 Recipe

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.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

1x2x3x

Course Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8

Equipment

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

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

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

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