Air-Fryer Flour Tortillas: Baking Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, homemade tortilla chips. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, though corn tortillas tend to turn out crispier. The process is simple: cut tortillas into triangles, brush or spray with oil, season, and air fry for a few minutes. You can also make tortilla bowls in an air fryer by heating a tortilla, placing it in a souffle dish, and then frying until golden brown.

Flour tortillas vs corn tortillas

Flour tortillas and corn tortillas are two of the most popular variations of this Mexican staple. They differ in their primary ingredient, which leads to a considerably different product.

History

Corn tortillas have been a part of Central and Mexican cuisine for thousands of years. Pre-Columbian civilisations like the Aztecs used corn extensively in their diets. Corn is also a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Flour tortillas, on the other hand, were introduced to the Americas by the Spaniards when they brought wheat flour to the region.

Ingredients and Preparation

Corn tortillas are made from corn, calcium hydroxide (lime), and water. The process of mixing lime with corn flour is called nixtamalization, which makes the tortilla more nutritious by releasing essential vitamins such as B vitamins.

Flour tortillas are made from wheat flour, water, and a pinch of salt. They are incredibly simple to prepare at home with a tortilla press.

Taste and Texture

The choice between corn and flour tortillas often comes down to taste and texture. Corn tortillas are smaller, more fragile, and have a more complex taste and texture. They are also gluten-free and made from whole grains, with fewer calories, sodium, and carbs but more fibre than flour tortillas. However, they can be dry and break easily, which is why they are commonly used for tacos instead of burritos.

Flour tortillas are usually white and larger, making them sturdier and more suitable for holding onto burrito fillings. They are also fluffier and hold up better under lots of toppings. However, they have almost twice the calories and fat content as corn tortillas and should be eaten in moderation.

Health

Corn tortillas are generally considered the more nutritious option due to their higher vitamin content and whole grain carbs. They are also lower in carbs and higher in fibre.

Flour tortillas, on the other hand, have more iron and calcium. However, they have higher fat content and lack fibre, so they should be consumed in moderation. Whole wheat tortillas are a healthier alternative to plain flour tortillas.

Use Cases

The type of tortilla you choose will depend on the dish you are preparing. Corn tortillas are more suitable for simple, authentic tacos and are commonly used in traditional Mexican and Central American cuisine. They are also a good choice for enchiladas as they resist sogginess.

Flour tortillas are more suitable for burritos as they are larger and more elastic, making them better at carrying loads of filling. They are also preferred for quesadillas as corn tortillas are usually too small.

Oil types

When making tortilla chips in an air fryer, olive oil or avocado oil is recommended because they are high smoke point oils, which means they won't burn at high temperatures. Other high smoke point oils can also be used.

If you are making tortillas from scratch, olive oil is recommended as it offers more flavour and is a healthier option than vegetable oil.

Seasoning options

When it comes to seasoning your flour tortillas for the air fryer, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spicy Lime Tortilla Chips:

Before cooking, brush or spray the tortillas with oil and sprinkle on some taco seasoning. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice after cooking for an extra zesty kick. This option is perfect for those who like their snacks with a kick.

Zesty Ranch Tortilla Chips:

For a creamy, tangy flavour, brush or spray the tortillas with oil and sprinkle with ranch seasoning before cooking. This option adds a delicious tanginess to your tortillas.

Sweet Dessert Tortilla Chips:

If you have a sweet tooth, brush the tortillas with oil, drizzle on some maple syrup, and sprinkle with cinnamon. You can even serve these with a cream cheese dip for an extra indulgent treat.

Cajun Seasoning:

For a slightly spicy kick, brush your tortillas with oil and sprinkle on some cajun seasoning. This option will give your tortillas a nice golden colour and a spicy flavour.

Salt and Paprika:

For a simple, classic flavour, brush your tortillas with oil and sprinkle with salt and a touch of paprika. This option is perfect if you want a subtle seasoning that lets the flavour of the tortillas shine through.

Chilli Powder or Cayenne Pepper:

If you want to add some heat to your tortillas, brush them with oil and sprinkle on some chilli powder or cayenne pepper. These options will give your tortillas a nice red colour and a spicy kick.

No matter which seasoning option you choose, your flour tortillas will come out of the air fryer crispy and delicious!

Storage

Storing your flour tortillas correctly is essential to ensure they remain fresh and tasty. Here are some detailed instructions for storing your flour tortillas, whether they're store-bought or freshly made in an air fryer:

Storing Store-Bought Flour Tortillas:

• Original Packaging: It's best to keep the tortillas in their original box or bag. The dividers in the packaging are designed to prevent the tortillas from sticking together due to their weight and pressure.
• Room Temperature: Store-bought flour tortillas are typically shipped and stored at ambient/shelf-stable temperatures. This means they're ready to use straight from the box or bag. However, Mission Foods recommends bringing refrigerated tortillas to room temperature by letting them stand in the bag for 4-6 hours before use.
• Avoid Stacking: If you need to remove the tortillas from their original packaging, avoid stacking the bags more than four bags high. Overstacking can cause the tortillas to stick and crack, especially at the bottom of the stack.
• Seal After Opening: Once you've opened the bag, ensure you cover or seal it to prevent the tortillas from drying out and cracking.
• Cool and Dry Location: Always store your tortillas in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them near any heat sources, which could affect their freshness.

Storing Homemade Flour Tortilla Chips:

• Cooling: If you've made your own tortilla chips in the air fryer, let them cool completely before storing.
• Air-Tight Container: Store the chips in an airtight container or bag at room temperature.
• Consume Within 10 Days: Homemade tortilla chips can be safely stored and consumed within 10 days. However, they may start to become stale after about a day, so it's best to eat them fresh.

Storing Air-Fried Flour Tortilla Bowls:

While I couldn't find specific storage instructions for air-fried flour tortilla bowls, you can likely store them similarly to regular flour tortillas. Place them in an airtight container or bag and store them in a cool, dry place. Consume them within a few days for the best freshness.

Remember, proper storage will help maintain the quality and freshness of your flour tortillas, whether they're store-bought or homemade!

Cutting methods

There are several ways to cut flour tortillas for air frying. Here are some methods:

Using a Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter

Stack the tortillas and cut them into triangles or chip-sized pieces. This method ensures even cutting and uniform cooking. You can also cut the tortillas into sixths or eighths to create a classic chip shape.

Using a Cookie Cutter

If you want to create specific shapes for your tortilla chips, you can use a cookie cutter. Simply press the cookie cutter into the tortilla to cut out the desired shape. This method is ideal for creating fun shapes for parties or gatherings.

Using a Kitchen Scissors

For a quick and easy cutting method, you can use kitchen scissors to cut the tortillas into strips or triangles. This method may not result in perfectly uniform pieces, but it is a time-saving option.

Pre-Cut Tortillas

If you want to save time, you can purchase pre-cut tortillas specifically designed for making chips. These tortillas are already cut into triangle or chip-shaped pieces, so you can simply separate them and place them in the air fryer.

Tortilla Chip Maker

Invest in a tortilla chip maker, which is a kitchen tool designed specifically for cutting tortillas into chip shapes. This method ensures uniformity and saves preparation time.

Perforated Cutting Tool

Use a perforated cutting tool, such as a rotary cutter or a tortilla press with a cutting attachment. These tools cut the tortillas into strips or chips while also creating perforations that allow for even cooking and crispiness.

When cutting flour tortillas for air frying, it is important to ensure even sizes to achieve uniform cooking. Experiment with different cutting methods and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions