Air-Fryer Flour Tortilla Chips: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier fried foods without the mess of grease splatters. They can be used to make tortilla chips, which are a healthier snack option that is also budget-friendly compared to store-bought chips. You can make tortilla chips with flour or corn tortillas, and a little bit of oil. The chips can be seasoned with salt, or other seasonings like taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, cinnamon, and sugar. The tortillas should be cut into triangles before cooking, and it is recommended to cook them in a single layer in the air fryer to promote even cooking. The chips will be ready in under 10 minutes and can be served with salsa, guacamole, or queso dip.

Flour tortilla chips can be chewy and burn quickly, so keep an eye on them

Flour tortilla chips can be a little tricky to get right in the air fryer. They can sometimes end up a little chewy, and they burn quickly, so you'll need to keep a close eye on them.

One of the main issues with making tortilla chips in an air fryer is that they can blow around in the basket. To prevent this, you can place an air fryer trivet or rack over them to weigh them down. This will stop them from moving around but still allow the air to circulate.

It's also important to air fry the chips in batches, so they cook evenly. Overlapping the tortilla chips can lead to uneven cooking, so it's best to cook them in a single layer. If you do need to overlap them, be sure to flip them over halfway through and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

When it comes to the oil, a light coating or spritz is usually enough to crisp up the tortillas. Using less oil will also keep the calorie count and fat content lower.

As for the cooking time and temperature, most sources recommend air frying at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. However, this may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on the chips to prevent burning.

Finally, it's worth noting that corn tortillas are generally recommended over flour tortillas for air fryer chips. Corn tortillas tend to result in a crispier texture and have a better flavour.

Corn tortillas are crispier

To make corn tortilla chips in an air fryer, start by applying a little oil to the tortillas. You can either mist them with avocado or olive oil spray, or brush them with oil using a pastry brush. You can also use a baster brush to apply the oil, but this will result in a slightly thicker layer of oil. Lightly sprinkle each tortilla with salt, on one or both sides.

Next, cut the tortillas into wedges. You can either slice them like a pie, so you get triangles, or cut them into chip-sized rectangles. You can stack the tortillas and slice through them all at once if you have a sharp knife, or cut three at a time. A pizza cutter or kitchen scissors will also work well.

Arrange the tortilla wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer. They will probably won't all fit in one batch, but that's fine because they cook quickly. Air fry them at 350°F for five to seven minutes, checking on them occasionally and giving the basket a shake to prevent them from sticking to each other.

Once they're done, dump the tortilla chips onto a plate and enjoy. They will crisp up even more as they cool.

If you want to make your tortilla chips extra crispy, put them back in the air fryer for another minute or two. You can also use the air fryer to crisp up store-bought tortilla chips that have gone stale.

Oil is important for crunch

Oil is an important ingredient when making tortilla chips in an air fryer. While it is possible to make them without oil, the results will be less crunchy.

The amount of oil used is minimal, and it is applied by brushing or spraying the tortillas before cutting and air frying. This light coating of oil helps to produce a super crispy and crunchy texture. It also ensures that any seasonings or salt added to the chips stick to the tortillas.

Using oil is especially important if you are making flour tortilla chips in an air fryer, as they can turn out a little chewy without it. Corn tortillas are generally preferred for air fryer tortilla chips as they have a better flavour and crispier texture.

If you are aiming for a healthier option, you can use an oil spray or olive oil, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying in oil. This method still produces crispy, delicious chips without the mess and grease of traditional frying.

So, while it is possible to make tortilla chips in an air fryer without oil, adding a small amount of oil will significantly improve the crunch factor and overall taste of your homemade tortilla chips.

Air fryer tortilla chips are healthier than store-bought

Another advantage of making tortilla chips in an air fryer is the ability to control the ingredients used. You can choose the type of tortilla, such as corn or flour, and select healthier oils like olive or avocado oil. Additionally, you can customise the seasoning to your preference, ensuring a perfect blend of flavour and nutrition.

Air fryer tortilla chips are also a more cost-effective option. A package of corn or flour tortillas typically costs less than a bag of store-bought chips, making this a budget-friendly choice.

Furthermore, air fryer tortilla chips are quick and easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a short preparation time. They can be ready in minutes, making them a convenient and healthy snack option.

Lastly, air fryer tortilla chips offer a variety of flavour options. You can experiment with different seasonings, such as spicy lime, zesty ranch, or sweet dessert variations, ensuring that you never get bored with your snack choices.

They can be served with salsa, guacamole, or cheese sauce

Once your tortilla chips are ready, it's time to serve them! You can serve them with salsa, guacamole, or cheese sauce. You can also try some other dips, such as pico de gallo, spicy chipotle salsa, or tangy salsa verde. For something a little different, try citrus salsa with fresh grapefruit, orange, and lime.

If you want to make it a meal, serve your tortilla chips with homemade crockpot refried beans or Instant Pot refried beans. You can also try black bean dip or creamy refried bean dip with cream cheese.

If you're feeling like a party, make strawberry margarita punch or a cranberry margarita. Or, keep it simple with an icy cold G&T or Negroni.

Frequently asked questions