These Air Fryer Chicken Tostadas are everything you want in a quick, flavorful dinner: crispy tortillas, seasoned chicken, creamy queso fresco, and a tangy cilantro lime sauce to bring it all together. And best of all? The air fryer makes the whole thing faster and less messy than the oven.
Tostadas are the kind of meal that look impressive but are actually really simple to throw together. You’re starting with cooked chicken (a great way to use leftovers), tossing it in seasoning and salsa, and layering it over lightly crisped tortillas with smashed black beans and fresh toppings.
They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a build-your-own tostada bar for guests.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 oz cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup salsa
- ½ teaspoon fajita seasoning
For the cilantro lime sauce:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
For assembling:
- 6 small corn tortillas
- ¼ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup queso fresco (or crumbled feta)
- ¼ red onion, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine cooked chicken, oil, salt, salsa, and fajita seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the air fryer basket and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until golden and slightly crispy at the edges.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the cilantro lime sauce: In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- In another bowl, gently mash the black beans with the back of a spoon or fork to break their skins slightly.
- Assemble each tostada:
- Spread a layer of mashed black beans over each tortilla.
- Top with cooked chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle over queso fresco, red onion, tomato, and chopped cilantro.
- Finish with a drizzle of the cilantro lime sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Add sliced avocado or a squeeze of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Pair with a simple cucumber salad or tortilla chips and guacamole.
- Let everyone build their own tostadas for a fun family-style meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Chicken: Store extra cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Sauce: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Assembly Tip: Store all components separately. Assemble just before serving to keep tortillas crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, this is a perfect recipe to use up shredded rotisserie chicken—just mix with the salsa and seasonings as directed.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
You can, but they’ll be softer and less crisp. If using flour, air fry them briefly (1–2 minutes) before assembling.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not really—it depends on your salsa. Use mild, medium, or hot based on your preference.
What’s a good queso fresco substitute?
Crumbled feta, grated Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well here.