Air Fryer Tortillas: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Option?

Air fryers are a great way to make tortilla chips at home. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, and the chips can be seasoned to your liking. The process is simple: cut the tortillas into triangles, place them in the air fryer, and cook at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or until they reach your desired crispness. Air fryer tortilla chips are healthier, cheaper, and quicker to make than their store-bought counterparts, and they taste better too!

Flour or corn tortillas?

Both flour and corn tortillas can be used in an air fryer, and the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. Corn tortillas are made from ground corn and are naturally gluten-free and vegan, while flour tortillas are made with lard or some other type of fat and can be high in sodium.

Corn tortillas are said to turn out crispier in the air fryer, making them ideal for those who prefer a crunchier texture. On the other hand, flour tortillas can be a good option if you're looking for a flavour that's closer to pita chips.

When using corn tortillas, it is recommended to heat them first so they don't crack. You can do this by wrapping them in a towel and microwaving them for about a minute, or heating them in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side until they become soft and pliable.

For flour tortillas, it is also beneficial to warm them before placing them in the air fryer to ensure they are soft and pliable. However, the warming step may not be as crucial as it is for corn tortillas to prevent cracking.

In terms of cooking time and temperature, corn tortillas may require slightly less time in the air fryer compared to flour tortillas. This can vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your tortillas while they're cooking to prevent overcooking.

Overall, both flour and corn tortillas are versatile options for air frying, and you can experiment with both to see which one better suits your taste preferences and cooking needs.

Oil or no oil?

The answer to this question depends on the type of tortilla chips you want to make. If you want to make tortilla chips that are healthier, cheaper, and taste better than store-bought ones, you can choose to use oil or not.

Using Oil

If you want to use oil, you can choose from a variety of options, including olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. Using oil will give your tortilla chips a crispier texture and a more even cook. It is important to note that only a light layer or spritzing of oil is needed to achieve the desired crispness. Using too much oil can make the chips greasy and less crispy.

Not Using Oil

If you prefer not to use oil, you can simply place the tortillas directly into the air fryer without any additional preparation. However, it is important to note that the final taste and texture of the tortilla chips will be affected. The chips may not be as crispy as those made with oil, and the flavour may be slightly different.

Tips for Best Results

• Use an oil spray or a brush to ensure an even coating of oil on the tortillas.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by arranging the tortillas in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and reduce the cook time.
• Experiment with different types of tortillas, such as corn or flour tortillas, to find your preferred taste and texture.
• Season the tortillas with salt, paprika, or other spices to add flavour to your chips.

Whether you choose to use oil or not, making tortilla chips in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy a delicious snack at home.

How to cut tortillas

Yes, you can put tortillas in the air fryer! In fact, making tortilla chips in the air fryer is a popular choice, as it is healthier than frying them in oil and is also quicker and easier.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut tortillas:

Step 1: Gather Your Tortillas and Choose a Method

The first step is to gather your tortillas and decide on a cutting method. You can cut tortillas by hand with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, or you can use a pizza cutter for a quicker and easier option.

Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area

Before you begin cutting, it is important to prepare your work area. This includes cleaning and drying your work surface, gathering any necessary tools (such as a cutting board or a plate, as mentioned below), and ensuring that your tortillas are at room temperature.

Step 3: Cutting the Tortillas by Hand

If you are cutting the tortillas by hand, start by placing a tortilla on a flat surface, such as a cutting board or a large plate. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the tortilla into your desired shape and size. For example, you may want to cut it into triangles to make tortilla chips, or you may want to cut it into smaller circles for making enchiladas or taquitos.

Step 4: Using a Pizza Cutter

If you are using a pizza cutter, place the tortilla on a flat surface and press down firmly with the cutter, rolling it across the tortilla to create a clean cut. This method is especially useful if you need to cut multiple tortillas quickly, as it is faster and creates less mess than cutting by hand.

Step 5: Trimming Tortillas to a Smaller Size

In some cases, you may have large tortillas but need smaller ones for a particular recipe. Instead of cutting the tortilla into triangles or smaller circles, you can use a small plate as a guide to trim the tortilla down to the desired size. Place the small plate face down on top of the tortilla and use a knife to carefully trim around the plate, pressing firmly to cut through the tortilla.

Step 6: Storing Cut Tortillas

If you are not using the cut tortillas immediately, it is important to store them properly to prevent them from drying out. Place the cut tortillas in an airtight container or a reusable plastic bag. They should stay fresh for a few days at room temperature, or you can refrigerate them for longer-term storage.

By following these steps, you can easily cut tortillas at home to suit your desired shape and size. Whether you are making tortilla chips, trimming them for a recipe, or simply cutting them into triangles for a snack, these methods will help you achieve the perfect cut every time.

Air fryer temperature

For corn tortillas, a temperature of 350°F is recommended, and the frying time is typically around 3 minutes on each side. This results in a crispy and golden-brown texture.

Flour tortillas, on the other hand, may require a slightly higher temperature of 375°F to 400°F. The cooking time for flour tortillas is usually around 4 to 5 minutes or 6 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary from brand to brand, and some may require pre-heating while others don't. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your tortillas during the cooking process and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

Additionally, the shape of your tortillas can also impact the cooking time. If you're making tortilla chips, slicing the tortillas into triangles or chip-sized pieces will influence how long they need to be in the air fryer. For example, tortilla chips made from corn tortillas may only need 4 to 5 minutes in the air fryer, while flour tortilla chips could take 5 to 6 minutes.

By adjusting the temperature and timing based on the type of tortilla and your desired outcome, you can ensure that your tortillas come out perfectly crispy and golden every time.

Air fryer basket arrangement

When making tortilla chips in an air fryer, it is important to arrange the basket properly to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to arrange the air fryer basket for making perfect tortilla chips:

• Prepare the Tortillas: Start by applying a light coating of oil to the tortillas. You can use a brush or a spray to evenly distribute the oil. Then, sprinkle the tortillas with salt or your desired seasoning. You can season both sides or just one side, according to your preference.
• Cut the Tortillas: Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or kitchen scissors, cut the tortillas into wedges or triangles. For even cooking, it is recommended to cut the tortillas into 6-8 pieces, depending on their size. Stack multiple tortillas and cut them together to save time.
• Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned and cut tortillas into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping the tortillas if possible, as this can affect cooking. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the tortillas in batches.
• Air Fry: Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 350°F (176.6°C). Cook the tortillas for 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
• Flip and Cook Again: Open the air fryer and flip the tortillas. Give them another light spray of oil or cooking spray, and add more seasoning if desired. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the tortillas are browned and crisp.
• Remove and Cool: Take the tortillas out of the air fryer and let them cool. They will continue to crisp as they cool down.
• Serve or Store: You can serve the tortilla chips immediately with your favorite dips, or let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag.

By following these steps and properly arranging the air fryer basket, you can ensure that your tortilla chips turn out crispy and delicious every time!

Frequently asked questions