Air-Fryer Corn Chips: A Healthy, Homemade Snack

Corn chips are a beloved snack, but buying them from the store can be costly and they often come with the hassle of a big bag that you just can't seem to finish. Luckily, you can make corn chips at home with an air fryer! All you need are corn tortillas, olive oil or cooking spray, and salt. You can also add extra seasonings like Italian herbs, ranch seasoning, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet kick. Cut the tortillas into triangles, coat them with oil, and season before placing them in the air fryer for a few minutes. And there you have it – homemade corn chips that are healthier, cheaper, and perfect for any occasion!

How to cut tortillas into corn chips

To cut tortillas into corn chips, start by cutting each tortilla into 6 triangles. You can do this by slicing the tortilla like a pie. You can stack a few tortillas on top of each other and cut through them all at once if you have a sharp knife, or you can cut through 3 at a time. A sharp pizza cutter or kitchen scissors will also do the trick.

If you want to get more creative, you can cut the tortillas into different shapes. For example, you can cut them into strips to make nachos, or you can cut them into fun shapes like stars or hearts.

Once you've cut your tortillas, you can follow the rest of the recipe to make your corn chips in an air fryer.

The best oil for frying corn chips

Frying corn chips requires an oil with a high smoke point, which is the temperature at which an oil can be heated before it starts to smoke and burn. Oils with high smoke points are typically flavourless and highly refined, and include:

• Sunflower oil
• Safflower oil
• Corn oil
• Soybean oil
• Canola oil
• Peanut oil
• Rice bran oil
• Vegetable oil
• Refined olive oil

Of these, soybean oil is recommended for making the crunchiest corn chips, while vegetable oil is the most cost-effective option.

How long to cook corn chips in an air fryer

Corn chips can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. The length of time it takes to cook corn chips in an air fryer depends on the amount of chips you are making and the size of your air fryer. It is recommended to cook the chips in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the chips cook evenly and get crispy.

To make corn chips in an air fryer, cut corn tortillas into triangles, pie shapes, or wedges. You can brush or spray the tortillas with oil and sprinkle with salt before or after cutting them. Place the chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at around 350°F for 3-7 minutes, or until they are crunchy and lightly browned. Check the chips occasionally to ensure they are not sticking to each other and shake the basket if needed.

Once the chips are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. They will continue to crisp as they cool. Air fryer corn chips can be stored in an airtight container or bag at room temperature and will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

How to store leftover corn chips

Storing leftover corn chips is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, it is important to let the chips cool down. If you have fried the corn chips, place them on absorbent paper to remove any excess oil. If you have baked them, you can leave them in the tray until they cool.

Next, place the chips in an airtight container or bag. Make sure that the container or bag is completely dry and can be sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in.

Finally, store the chips in a dry, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, where there is no humidity.

Leftover corn chips can last for one to two weeks when stored in this way.

If you want to store corn chips for longer, you can freeze them. However, freezing may change their texture. To freeze corn chips, follow the same steps as above, ensuring the bag is suitable for freezing and removing as much air from the bag as possible. Frozen corn chips can be stored for up to three months but are best consumed within two months.

Corn chip flavour variations

Corn chips can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs to create different flavour variations. Here are some ideas for corn chip flavour variations that you can make in an air fryer:

Classic

A simple combination of olive oil and fine sea salt can be used to create classic-flavoured corn chips. Brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before air frying.

Spicy Chipotle

For a spicy kick, mix olive oil with ground chipotle chilli pepper and fine sea salt. Brush this mixture on both sides of the tortillas before cutting and air frying.

Zesty 'Cheese'

For a zesty "cheese" flavour, combine olive oil, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika and fine sea salt. Brush this mixture on the tortillas and then air fry as usual.

Salt and Vinegar

A salt and vinegar flavour can be achieved by mixing olive oil, white vinegar and fine sea salt. Brush this mixture on the tortillas before cutting and air frying.

Chili Lime

Chili lime-flavoured corn chips can be made by mixing olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder and fine sea salt. Brush this mixture on the tortillas before cutting and air frying.

Maple Cinnamon

For a sweet variation, combine olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon and coconut sugar. This mixture should be brushed on the tortillas, but note that this variation may air fry a little quicker than the other flavours.

Cajun

Cajun seasoning can be sprinkled on the tortillas before air frying to add a spicy kick.

Cinnamon Sugar

For a sweet variation, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on the tortillas before air frying.

Italian Herbs

Tossing the corn chips with Italian herbs will add an aromatic flavour to the chips.

Ranch

For a cool ranch effect, toss the corn chips with ranch seasoning before air frying.

Lime

Lime juice can be brushed on the tortillas before air frying to add a citrusy flavour. Freshly grated lime can also be added on top of the chips.

Frequently asked questions