Air-Fried Tortillas: Quick, Easy, And Healthy?

Air fryers are a great way to make tortilla chips at home. They are easy to make, healthier than frying in oil, and tastier than store-bought alternatives. You can use corn or flour tortillas, and the chips can be seasoned to your preference. The process is simple: cut the tortillas into triangles, spray with oil, and air fry for 5-7 minutes. You can also make tortilla bowls by draping the tortillas over a bowl before air frying.

Corn vs flour tortillas

Corn and flour tortillas can both be cooked in an air fryer. They can be used to make tortilla bowls, taco chips, or salad toppers. To make them, cut tortillas into triangles, spray them with cooking spray or olive oil, and season them with salt or other spices. Then, air fry them for 5-6 minutes at 350-400°F until they are crispy.

Now, let's delve into the differences between corn and flour tortillas. At their core, both types are thin flatbreads, but they differ in appearance, size, sturdiness, and history. Corn tortillas are typically smaller and more yellowish, while flour tortillas are usually white and larger. Corn tortillas are more fragile and have been a staple in Mexican and Central American cuisine for thousands of years, whereas flour tortillas are sturdier and more recent. Corn tortillas are considered more authentic and are often preferred for traditional Mexican dishes. They are also more similar to store-bought tortillas and have slightly fewer calories.

On the other hand, flour tortillas are more versatile and can be used in various dishes without worrying about them falling apart. They are also more familiar to those who frequently consume Mexican food outside of Mexico, as they are more similar to the tortillas used in Tex-Mex cuisine. Flour tortillas may be preferred by those who want a larger tortilla or find corn tortillas too fragile for their taste.

When deciding between corn and flour tortillas, it's essential to consider the dish you're preparing and your personal preference. Both types of tortillas have their unique characteristics, and each has its place in the kitchen.

Oil vs oil-free

Air fryer tortilla chips are a healthier alternative to deep-fried tortilla chips. They are also less messy and time-consuming to make. However, the use of oil or cooking spray in air fryer tortilla chips is a matter of personal preference.

Oil-Free

Some people prefer to make tortilla chips in an air fryer without using any oil. This is a healthier option as it reduces the amount of fat and calories in the chips. It is also a good choice for those who are counting calories or watching their fat intake. Oil-free tortilla chips are also a vegan option. They are simple to make and require only one ingredient – tortillas. Corn tortillas are often preferred for this method as they result in crispier chips.

Oil

Using a small amount of oil or cooking spray can make the tortilla chips crispier and enhance their flavour. Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray are commonly used. The oil helps the seasonings, such as salt, stick to the tortillas. It is important to note that the type of oil used can affect the flavour of the chips. For example, avocado oil has a lighter flavour than olive oil. Additionally, some oils have a higher smoke point, which means they are better for air frying at higher temperatures.

Tips

When making tortilla chips in an air fryer, it is important to cut the tortillas into triangles or slices before cooking. This ensures that the chips cook evenly and do not break apart after cooking. It is also recommended to cook the tortillas in a single layer to prevent overcrowding and promote even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the desired crispness, but it typically ranges from 3 to 8 minutes at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Seasoning options

Seasoning your homemade tortilla chips is a great way to add flavour and make them your own. While you can buy pre-made Mexican-style seasoning, it's easy to make your own. For a basic seasoning, simply sprinkle coarse salt over the tortillas before and after cooking. If you want to add more spices, you can combine equal parts salt, chilli powder and cumin. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or other chilli powders like ancho or habanero to taste.

If you want to spice things up even more, you can sprinkle on some Cajun seasoning, or cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat. For a zesty "cheese" flavour, combine olive oil, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika and salt. You can also brush the tortillas with a mixture of oil, salt and ground chipotle chilli pepper.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer tortilla chips depend on the type of tortilla and the desired crispiness. Corn tortillas are typically cooked for longer than flour tortillas, and overlapping tortillas during cooking can also increase cooking time.

For corn tortillas, air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes on each side, or until browned and crisp. For flour tortillas, air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes, or until crisp. If you prefer your tortilla chips on the softer side, air fry for 4 minutes. For a chewier texture, air fry for 3 minutes.

If you are using a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Toaster Oven, you may need to increase the cooking time to 7 minutes. The toaster oven style can fit more tortilla chips, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the make and model of your air fryer.

When cooking, it is important to ensure that the hot air can circulate around the chips to ensure even cooking and crispiness. It is recommended to cook the tortillas in a single layer, but if you wish to save time, you can overlap the tortillas and cook them in two batches. Just note that you will need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and flip the tortillas a few times to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, if you preheat your air fryer, you can reduce the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes.

Storing and serving

Storing Tortillas

The best way to store tortillas depends on whether they are cooked or uncooked. For uncooked tortillas, you can store the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it needs to come to room temperature before you roll it out. If you are storing uncooked tortillas, it is best to wrap them tightly and place them in a resealable bag or airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks but are best consumed within a week.

For cooked tortillas, they can be stored in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about a month, but it is recommended to consume them within a week to maintain optimal freshness. If you want to freeze cooked tortillas, place parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent sticking, and thaw them in the refrigerator to avoid excessive condensation.

Serving Tortillas

Tortillas are best served warm or at room temperature. If your tortillas have dried out a bit, brush them with a few drops of water and heat them on a hot, ungreased skillet or griddle for about 30 seconds per side.

If you are serving tortilla chips, they are best consumed immediately after cooking. You can serve them with various dips, such as Spicy Nacho Cheese sauce, Homemade Salsa, Pineapple Salsa, or Guacamole. For an extra layer of flavor, squeeze some lime juice over the chips, or sprinkle on some cajun seasoning, chili powder, or cinnamon and sugar, depending on your preference.

Now you know the basics of storing and serving tortillas, you can enjoy them in a variety of ways, whether as a quick snack or a delicious meal!

Frequently asked questions