Air-Fried Tortillas: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Tortillas are a versatile food that can be used for a variety of dishes, from soft tacos and quesadillas to crispy chips. But can you make tortillas in an air fryer? The answer is yes! With just a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can make homemade tortillas in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide to making tortillas in an air fryer, along with some tips and tricks for the perfect tortillas.

Making tortilla chips in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Corn or flour tortillas (white or yellow)
• Oil (olive, avocado, vegetable, or a spray variety)
• Salt (optional)
• Other seasonings (optional)

Method:

• Prepare your tortillas by brushing or spraying both sides with oil.
• Sprinkle with salt or your choice of seasoning.
• Cut the tortillas into triangles or wedges. You can do this with a knife, scissors, or a pizza cutter.
• Place the tortilla pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is important that they do not overlap to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry at 350°F for 3-8 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired crispness. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool. They will continue to crisp as they cool.

Tips:

• For a classic tortilla chip, simply use oil and salt.
• For a zesty 'cheese' flavour, try olive oil, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and salt.
• For a spicy kick, add some taco seasoning, or ground chipotle chilli pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• For a sweet treat, try brushing the tortillas with maple syrup and sprinkling with cinnamon and sugar.
• If your air fryer has a powerful fan that blows the tortilla pieces around, try placing a trivet or rack over them to weigh them down.
• If your tortillas are a little chewy, they may need a little longer in the air fryer.
• For corn tortillas, you may need to cook for a minute or two longer than for flour tortillas.
• For flour tortillas, reduce the cooking time to around 5 minutes, as they can burn quickly.

Enjoy your homemade tortilla chips!

Flour tortillas vs corn tortillas

Flour tortillas and corn tortillas are the two most popular variations of this thin flatbread. While both can be used to make tortilla chips in an air fryer, there are some key differences between the two.

Corn tortillas have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for a much longer time than flour tortillas. Corn is a staple ingredient in Mexico and Central America and has been for thousands of years. Corn tortillas are also more likely to be gluten-free, as they are typically made with corn, water, and lime (calcium hydroxide). Corn tortillas are less sturdy than flour tortillas, and they are usually smaller, as larger corn tortillas tend to fall apart. They also have a different appearance, with corn tortillas being closer to a yellowish colour, whereas flour tortillas are usually white.

Flour tortillas, on the other hand, are sturdier and more elastic, making them ideal for dishes like burritos, where a larger tortilla is needed to hold all the fillings. They are also simple to prepare at home, requiring only wheat flour, water, and salt. However, they are less traditional and have a doughier texture.

In terms of nutrition, corn tortillas are generally considered the healthier option. They are lower in carbs and higher in fibre, and the grains used are less processed. However, whole wheat flour tortillas are becoming more popular as a healthier alternative to traditional flour tortillas.

When it comes to taste, corn tortillas offer a more complex flavour and texture, while flour tortillas have a more neutral flavour that allows the fillings to shine.

Seasoning options

Seasoning your tortilla chips is a great way to add some extra flavour and make them even more delicious. Here are some seasoning options to try:

Classic

A simple yet effective combination of olive oil and fine sea salt. You can also use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. Just brush a light coating of the oil on both sides of the tortilla and sprinkle with salt.

Spicy Chipotle

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

Zesty 'Cheese'

For a cheesy flavour without the cheese, try mixing olive oil with nutritional yeast, smoked paprika and fine sea salt. This combination will give your tortilla chips a zesty, cheesy taste.

Salt and Vinegar

Bring the British classic to your tortilla chips by mixing olive oil with white vinegar and fine sea salt. You could also sprinkle some vinegar onto the cooked chips.

Chili Lime

Add some citrusy spice to your chips by mixing olive oil with lime juice, chili powder and fine sea salt. You could also squeeze some lime juice over the cooked chips for extra flavour.

Maple Cinnamon

For a sweet and crunchy treat, mix olive oil with maple syrup, ground cinnamon and coconut sugar. This combination is perfect for those with a sweet tooth and can be air fried a little quicker than the other flavours.

Spicy Lime

Give your tortilla chips a tangy kick by brushing them with oil and sprinkling with taco seasoning before cooking. After cooking, drizzle with fresh lime juice for an extra zesty flavour.

Zesty Ranch

For a creamy and spicy flavour, brush your tortillas with oil and sprinkle with ranch seasoning before cooking. You can also add some extra spices like smoked paprika or cumin for an extra kick.

Sweet Dessert

If you have a sweet tooth, try brushing your tortillas with oil and maple syrup, then sprinkling with cinnamon and serving with a cream cheese dip. You could also use a cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra sweet treat.

Cilantro Lime

Combine the freshness of cilantro with the tanginess of lime by tossing your cooked chips with lime zest and chopped or dried cilantro. This combination will add a unique flavour to your tortilla chips.

Smoky Southwestern

Add some smoky spice to your chips by tossing them with cooking spray and a mix of smoked paprika, cumin and chili powder. This combination will give your chips a warm and spicy flavour.

Ranch

For a classic, creamy taste, toss your uncooked chips in ranch seasoning before air frying. You can also add some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for an extra flavour boost.

Cinnamon Sugar

Indulge your sweet tooth by tossing your cooked chips in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while they are still warm. You can also add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger for an extra spicy kick.

Step-by-step guide

Ingredients:

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Optional seasonings: taco seasoning, lime juice, ranch seasoning, maple syrup, cinnamon, paprika, vinegar, chili powder, coconut sugar, oregano, garlic salt, etc.

Method:

• If you want to make your own tortillas, mix your flour and salt, then add water and olive oil and stir until well incorporated. Transfer the mixture onto a lightly floured surface, knead the dough, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
• Cut the dough into 4-6 equal pieces and shape them into balls.
• Flatten the dough balls with your palms or use a rolling pin to make them into thin circles.
• If you want to add seasonings, now is the time! Sprinkle your chosen seasonings onto both sides of the tortillas and pat them down gently so everything sticks.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176.6°C) for 5 minutes.
• Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place one or two tortillas inside, making sure they don't overlap.
• Cook for 2 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 2 minutes or until they are as browned as you like them.
• Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.
• If you want to make tortilla chips, let the tortillas cool, then slice them into triangles.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204.4°C) for 5 minutes.
• Place the tortilla triangles into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Spray the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, toss, spray, and salt again.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until crispy.
• Enjoy your freshly made tortillas or tortilla chips!

Storing and reheating

Once you've made your tortillas in the air fryer, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and crispiness. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your air-fried tortillas:

Storing:

• Allow the tortillas to cool completely before storing.
• Place the tortillas in an airtight container or a resealable bag.
• Store the tortillas at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating or freezing them.
• Consume the tortillas within a few days for the best quality. The exact duration may vary depending on the ingredients and preparation method, but they should generally stay fresh for about 5 to 10 days.

Reheating:

• If you prefer to serve the tortillas warm, you can reheat them in the air fryer.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Reheat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Alternatively, you can reheat tortillas on a skillet, in the microwave, or in the oven. For the skillet method, place the tortilla on a dry, hot skillet for about 10 seconds on each side. For the microwave, wrap the tortilla in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. For the oven method, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C), place the tortilla on a lightly oiled baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 seconds.

Frequently asked questions