An easy, fresh way to reinvent your leftovers!
These breakfast tostadas originally were created from leftovers, the morning after I had made one of our latest dinner obsessions…chicken rolled tacos. I truly could eat Mexican food for every meal! My teen said “I’m hungry, I don’t know what to eat.” I’m sure a lot of you parents know this line too well. haha These breakfast tostadas is what we came up with, and it was a hit!
If you’ve got leftover shredded chicken, you’re just a few steps away from these crispy, flavor-packed Easy Breakfast Tostadas. They’re golden, creamy, and layered with simple ingredients — the perfect balance of comfort and freshness.
🥑 Why You’ll Love Them
These tostadas make the most of what you already have on hand. A few crispy tortillas, a soft-yolked egg, and a spoonful of guacamole turn leftover chicken into a delicious morning meal.
They’re easy enough for a weekday breakfast but impressive enough for a laid-back weekend brunch.
🌮 Ingredients
Base recipe:
- Corn tortillas (air-fried until crisp)
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded chicken (mixed with a little Colby cheese)
- Over-easy fried eggs
- Guacamole
- Crumbled queso fresco
Optional toppings:
- Refried beans (as the base layer)
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Hot sauce for extra spice & flavor
- Sour cream, Crema, or Greek yogurt
🔆 How to Air Fry Tostadas
Getting the perfect crispy base is key to great tostadas — golden, light, and sturdy enough to hold all your favorite toppings. Here’s how to air fry them just right:
🌽 For Corn Tortillas (Traditional & Crunchy)
Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Time: 3–5 minutes per side
How to:
- Lightly brush or spray both sides with olive or avocado oil.
- Place tortillas in a single layer in your air fryer basket — no overlapping.
- Air fry for 3–4 minutes, flip, and continue for another 2–3 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Let them cool for a minute after removing — they’ll firm up beautifully as they rest.
💡 Tip: If a tortilla puffs up while cooking, gently press it down with a spatula when flipping.
🌯 For Flour Tortillas (Lighter & Flakier)
Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Time: 2–4 minutes total
How to:
- Lightly oil both sides of each tortilla.
- Air fry for 2 minutes, flip, and continue for 1–2 minutes more — watch closely as they brown fast.
- Rest for 1 minute to crisp up before topping.
💡 Tip: Flour tortillas cook more quickly and can turn brown fast, so keep an eye on them for that perfect, golden crunch.
🍳 Instructions
- Crisp the tortillas:
Follow the steps above for your preferred tortilla type. - Warm the chicken:
Reheat your leftover shredded chicken and mix in a bit of Colby cheese so it melts slightly. - Cook the eggs:
Fry eggs over-easy (or to your liking). - Assemble:
Start with guacamole or refried beans on the tostada, then add lettuce, cheesy chicken, and your fried egg. - Finish:
Sprinkle queso fresco and top with salsa, pico, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
☀️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with a side of fruit or roasted potatoes.
- Add sliced avocado or a sprinkle of cilantro for color.
- Make a “tostada bar” and let everyone build their own.
If You Love Mexican Food Like I Do…Try My Salsa Verde Baked Chicken Tacos
Easy Breakfast Tostadas (using leftover shredded chicken)
Equipment
- Air Fryer (you can also crisp tortillas in oil on a pan)
Ingredients
- 2 Corn tortillas (or flour if you prefer)
- ½ Cup Shredded chicken (salt and pepper to taste)
- ¼ Cup Colby Cheese, shredded (or your favorite Mexican blend)
- ½ Cup Iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 2 Eggs
- Guacamole (amount to your preference)
- Queso Fresco, crumbled (amount to your preference)
Optional Ingredients
- Refried beans
- Salsa or Pico de gallo
- Hot sauce
- Sour cream, Crema, or Greek yogurt
Instructions
For Corn Tortillas (Traditional) 400℉ / 200℃
- Lightly brush or spray both sides with avocado oil.
- Place corn tortillas in a single layer in your air fryer basket or tray.
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes, flip, and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Let them cool for a minute after removing. They will firm up more as they rest.
For Flour Tortillas 375℉ / 190℃
- Lightly brush or spray both sides with avocado oil.
- Place corn tortillas in a single layer in your air fryer basket or tray.
- Air fry for 2 minutes, flip, and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes more. Watch closely as they brown fast.
- Rest for 1 minute to crisp up before topping.
Instructions
- Crisp the tortillas: following the steps above for your preferred tortilla type.
- Warm the chicken: Reheat your left over shredded chicken, and mix in your Shredded Colby Cheese, so it melts slightly.
- Cook the eggs: fry eggs over-over easy (or to your preference).
- Assemble: Start with guacamole (or optional refried beans) on the tostada, then add lettuce, cheesy shredded chicken, and your fried egg.
- Finish: Sprinkle queso fresco, and if desired, top with salsa, pico de Gallo, a drizzle of hot sauce, or sour cream.
Notes
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