Frying Corn Tortillas: Air Fryer Magic

Corn tortillas are a versatile ingredient that can be fried, baked, or air-fried to create a variety of dishes. Air fryers have gained popularity as a healthier alternative to deep frying, and many people are curious about whether corn tortillas can be cooked in an air fryer. The answer is yes! Corn tortillas can be cooked in an air fryer to make crispy taco shells, crunchy tortilla chips, and more. This method reduces the amount of oil used while still achieving a similar texture and taste to deep-fried foods. In this article, we will explore the process of air frying corn tortillas, the benefits of using an air fryer, and the various dishes that can be created with this versatile ingredient.

How to make corn tortilla taco shells in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your taco shells. Take the desired number of corn tortillas and heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.
• Lightly spray or brush both sides of the tortillas with oil. This will help them get crispy and golden brown in the air fryer. You can also sprinkle them with a bit of salt if you like.
• Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket, bending them into a taco shell shape. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook your taco shells in the air fryer for 1-3 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.
• Once they're done, carefully remove the taco shells from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool for a few minutes before filling them with your favorite taco ingredients.

Tips:

• If you want to make tortilla chips instead of taco shells, cut the tortillas into triangles and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for making taco shells, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer.

How to make corn tortilla chips in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• Oil (vegetable, avocado, or olive oil)
• Salt

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Pastry brush or baster brush (optional)
• Air fryer taco shell stands (optional)
• Tongs or spatula

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.
• While your air fryer is heating up, prepare your corn tortillas. For taco shells, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable. For tortilla chips, cut the tortillas into triangles or chip-shaped wedges.
• Lightly spray or brush your taco shells or tortilla chips with oil. Sprinkle with salt.
• Place the taco shells in the air fryer basket, using taco shell stands if you have them. For tortilla chips, arrange the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry the taco shells for 1-3 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. For tortilla chips, air fry at 350°F for 3-7 minutes.
• Once your taco shells or tortilla chips are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
• If making tacos, let the shells cool for a few minutes before filling them with your favorite ingredients. If making tortilla chips, they will crisp up even more as they cool.

Tips

• Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for making taco shells, but flour tortillas can also be used.
• Softening the tortillas will make them easier to shape into taco shells. You can do this by wrapping the tortillas in a damp towel and microwaving them for 15-30 seconds or by lightly frying them in oil until they are pliable.
• For added flavor, season the taco shells or tortilla chips with a sprinkle of salt, chili powder, or other spices before cooking.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake your tortilla chips in the oven. Follow the same preparation instructions, then bake for 7 minutes at 350°F, flip, spray with cooking spray, and bake for another 2-5 minutes or until crisp and browned.

How to make corn tortilla chips without an air fryer

Corn tortilla chips are a tasty snack, perfect for dipping in salsa, cheese sauce, or guacamole. While an air fryer is an excellent option for making these at home, it is not the only way. Here is a step-by-step guide to making corn tortilla chips without an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas (taco-sized)
• Oil (avocado or olive oil spray)
• Salt (coarse or kosher)

Optional Ingredients:

• Cinnamon & sugar
• Cajun seasoning
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper

Utensils:

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Pastry brush or baster brush (optional)
• Baking sheet
• Foil (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas

Before cutting the tortillas, apply a small amount of oil to both sides. This step is much easier to do before cutting, as you can coat the entire tortilla quickly. You can use a spray or brush to apply the oil. If you use a spray, a light misting is sufficient. If you opt for a brush, you may use a bit more oil, but that is not a problem. Don't worry about coating every inch—a light coating will do.

Step 2: Cut the Tortillas

Stack 3-6 tortillas and cut them into wedges or triangles, similar to slicing a pie. You can also use kitchen scissors if you prefer. The number of tortillas you cut at once depends on the sharpness of your knife. Repeat this process until you have cut all your tortillas.

Step 3: Season the Tortillas

Lightly sprinkle salt on both sides of the tortilla wedges. You can also experiment with other seasonings, like cinnamon and sugar, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or cayenne pepper, depending on your taste preferences.

Step 4: Bake the Tortilla Chips

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While you wait, line a baking sheet with foil (optional) and arrange the tortilla wedges in a single layer on the sheet. Avoid overlapping the wedges to ensure even cooking. Bake for 7 minutes, then flip the chips, and bake for another 2-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired crispness and browning.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Remove the chips from the oven and let them cool. They will continue to crisp as they cool down. Once cooled, your corn tortilla chips are ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them with your favourite dips or load them up with toppings for nachos.

Storage:

These homemade corn tortilla chips can be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for a few days. If they lose their crispness, simply re-crisp them in the oven for a minute or two.

How to make corn tortillas crispy in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make corn tortillas crispy and golden brown without the added oil and mess of deep-frying. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve that perfect crunch:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Firstly, you will need to preheat your air fryer. Set it to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F, and let it heat up for a few minutes. This step ensures that your corn tortillas cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn Tortillas

While your air fryer is heating up, it's time to prepare your corn tortillas. You can use either fresh or stale tortillas for this recipe. If you are making taco shells, heat the tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable and easy to shape. For tortilla chips, cut the tortillas into triangular wedges or strips. You can use a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or kitchen scissors for this step.

Step 3: Apply Oil and Seasonings (Optional)

Lightly spray or brush both sides of the corn tortillas with oil. This step is optional but will help to enhance the flavor and crispness of your tortillas. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. Sprinkle the tortillas with salt or other seasonings of your choice, such as chili powder or cinnamon sugar.

Step 4: Place the Corn Tortillas in the Air Fryer

Once your tortillas are prepared, it's time to place them into the air fryer basket. If you are making taco shells, you can use taco shell stands or place them over an upside-down mini muffin pan to hold their shape. For tortilla chips, arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Air Fry

Now it's time to air fry your corn tortillas! The cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispness and the model of your air fryer. For taco shells, cook for 1-3 minutes. For tortilla chips, air fry at 350°F for 3-7 minutes, checking and shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Once your corn tortillas are crispy and golden brown, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool for a few minutes, and then they are ready to be enjoyed! Fill your taco shells with your favorite toppings or serve your tortilla chips with your favorite dips.

Tips and Tricks:

• Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for making taco shells, as they have a slightly nutty flavor and are sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking.
• Soften the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp towel and microwaving for 15-30 seconds, or lightly frying them in oil until pliable, to make them easier to shape.
• Experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavor to your tortillas. For example, sprinkle with salt, chili powder, cinnamon sugar, or cajun seasoning.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake your tortillas in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F-375°F and follow the same preparation steps, baking for 7-10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

How to make gluten-free and vegan corn tortilla chips in an air fryer

Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free and vegan option for making tortilla chips. Here is a step-by-step guide to making them in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas (taco-sized)
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Salt (optional)
• Other seasonings of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the tortillas: Cut the corn tortillas into triangles or chip-shaped wedges. You can use a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or kitchen scissors to cut them.
• Add oil and seasoning: Lightly spray or brush both sides of the tortilla wedges with oil. You can use olive oil or avocado oil. Then, sprinkle salt or your desired seasoning on both sides. You can season them with chili powder, lime juice, cinnamon sugar, or any other seasoning of your choice.
• Preheat the air fryer (optional): Some air fryers may require preheating, while others may not. If your air fryer needs preheating, set it to 350-400°F (177-200°C).
• Place the tortillas in the air fryer: Arrange the seasoned tortilla wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.
• Air fry the tortillas: Cook the tortillas at 350°F (177°C) for 3-5 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Remove and serve: Take the tortillas out of the air fryer and let them cool. They will continue to crisp as they cool down. Serve them with your favorite dips, such as salsa, guacamole, or cheese sauce.

Tips:

• If you want to make taco shells instead of chips, place an upside-down mini muffin pan in the air fryer basket. Bend the tortillas into a taco shell shape and place them in the indents of the muffin pan to hold their shape. Air fry until crispy.
• Store leftover tortilla chips in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature. They will stay fresh for a few days. If they lose their crispness, you can put them back in the air fryer for a minute to recrisp.

Frequently asked questions