Air Fryer Tortillas: Quick, Easy, And Healthy?

Air fryers are a great way to make tortilla chips. They are healthier than deep-fried tortilla chips as they require very little oil and are also less messy. You can make tortilla chips in an air fryer with flour or corn tortillas. The process is simple: cut tortillas into triangles, brush or spray with oil, season with salt or other spices, and air fry for a few minutes. The chips will be crispy and ready to serve with salsa, guacamole, or any other dip of your choice.

Corn vs. flour tortillas

Tortillas are a thin flatbread usually made from either corn or wheat flour. They are considered a staple in Mexican cuisine. But which type of tortilla is better, corn or flour?

History

Corn tortillas have been around for much longer than flour tortillas. Corn tortillas were passed down from the Aztecs, whereas flour tortillas were first made after Spaniards introduced wheat to Mexico.

Ingredients and Preparation

Corn tortillas are made from corn, whereas flour tortillas are made from wheat flour. Corn tortillas are made from a process called nixtamalization, which involves soaking and then cooking corn in an alkaline solution of calcium hydroxide, or limewater. Corn kernels are then stone-ground to create masa, or corn dough. This is shaped, flattened into thin disks, and baked to create tortillas.

Flour tortillas are typically made from a dough of refined wheat flour, water, shortening or lard, salt, baking soda, and other ingredients to help develop the gluten. This yields a softer and sturdier texture.

Nutritional Differences

Corn tortillas tend to have more fiber and nutrients but less fat and calories than flour ones. They are also gluten-free and safe for those with gluten-related conditions. Flour tortillas, on the other hand, tend to contain more fat because they are usually made with lard or shortening, and they provide more iron.

Texture and Taste

Corn tortillas are less sturdy than flour tortillas and are usually smaller in size. They also have a different appearance, with corn tortillas being closer to a yellowish colour. Flour tortillas are usually white. Corn tortillas are also more likely to fall apart, which is why they are typically made smaller.

Versatility

Flour tortillas are sturdier and larger, making them a better option for dishes such as burritos, which have more fillings. Corn tortillas, on the other hand, are better suited for simple, authentic tacos and are often used in traditional Mexican and Central American cuisine.

Health

Corn tortillas are generally considered the healthier option as they are lower in carbs and calories and deliver more whole grains and fibre. However, whole wheat tortillas are a healthier flour tortilla option as they are a whole-grain product and have higher fibre content.

So, which type of tortilla is better? It depends on your unique tastes and preferences, as well as the dish you are preparing. If you are looking for a more authentic Mexican dish, corn tortillas are the way to go. If you need a sturdy tortilla to hold a lot of fillings, then a flour tortilla is the better choice.

Oil types

When frying or air-frying tortillas, you can use a variety of oils, including olive oil, avocado oil, and vegetable oil. Olive oil is a popular choice due to its health benefits and the unique flavour it adds to the tortillas. Avocado oil and vegetable oil are also suitable options with high smoke points, which means they can withstand high temperatures without burning.

If you're looking for a healthier option, olive oil is a great choice. It is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation. Olive oil also has a high smoke point, so it won't break down into harmful compounds at high temperatures. Avocado oil shares a similar high smoke point, making it a good alternative.

When using olive oil, heat it in a pan until it's hot enough to sizzle when you add the tortilla. Fry each side of the tortilla for about 30 seconds to a minute, or until it's golden brown and crispy. You can also use olive oil in an air fryer by lightly brushing or spraying it on the tortillas before placing them in the air fryer basket.

Another option is avocado oil, which is also a high smoke point oil suitable for air frying. It is recommended to brush or spray the tortillas with oil and season them with salt before placing them in the air fryer.

In summary, olive oil, avocado oil, and vegetable oil are all suitable choices for frying or air-frying tortillas. Each oil has its unique benefits, but the key is to use an oil with a high smoke point to avoid burning and to enhance the flavour and texture of your tortillas.

Seasoning options

There are many different ways to season your tortilla chips. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic

A simple yet effective combination of olive oil and fine sea salt. You can also use extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. Just make sure to apply a light coating to the tortillas.

Spicy Chipotle

For those who like it hot, this seasoning features olive oil, ground chipotle chilli pepper, and fine sea salt. You can adjust the amount of chilli pepper to your taste.

Zesty 'Cheese'

A more complex blend of olive oil, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and fine sea salt. This combination creates a flavour similar to cheese, without actually using any cheese!

Salt and Vinegar

A nod to the classic British crisp flavour, this seasoning combines olive oil, white vinegar, and fine sea salt.

Chili Lime

With olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, chilli powder, and fine sea salt, this seasoning option provides a tangy kick.

Maple Cinnamon

For those with a sweet tooth, this option includes olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and coconut sugar. Just be aware that this variation cooks a little quicker than the other flavours.

Spicy Lime

Brush or spray the tortilla with oil, then sprinkle with taco seasoning. After cooking, drizzle with fresh lime juice for an extra zing.

Zesty Ranch

Brush or spray the tortilla with oil and add a sprinkle of ranch seasoning.

Sweet Dessert

Brush the tortillas with oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon. Serve with a cream cheese dip for a sweet treat.

Avoiding soggy chips

Air fryers are great for making crispy, golden bites of food. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid soggy chips:

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is essential when cooking foods that aren't precooked, such as potatoes. This ensures that the food starts to cook and crisp immediately, preventing sogginess.

Avoid wet or loose batters or coatings

Air fryers are not deep fat fryers and cannot handle runny batters. If you put ingredients coated in a wet batter into the air fryer, the coating will slip off, causing a mess. Stick to precooked, crumbed, or battered foods, as these coatings will stay on better.

Don't overfill the basket

Air fryers need space for air to circulate and create a crispy texture. If the basket is too full, the air fryer will steam the food, leading to uneven cooking and soggy areas. Cook in batches or purchase a larger air fryer if you need to cook larger quantities.

Shake and check your food

Don't just set a timer and forget about it. Many items, like chips, need to be shaken during cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides. Check your food regularly and give it a good shake as needed. Some air fryers have a programmed setting that beeps to remind you to shake the food.

Pat food dry

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness in an air fryer. Before cooking, pat dry any unbreaded items such as meat, fish, or vegetables. This will help encourage browning and a crispy texture.

Use oil sparingly

A light coating of oil is all you need to help your chips crisp up. Using too much oil can lead to sogginess and reduce the health benefits of using an air fryer.

Reheating and storage

Once you've made your air fryer tortilla chips, you can store them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They should be allowed to cool completely before storing and will stay fresh for about 5 days or up to 10 days. If you want to serve them warm, you can reheat them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F.

If your chips lose their crispness, you can easily crisp them up again by placing them back in the air fryer for a minute or two. This also works for store-bought chips that have gone a bit stale.

It's best to avoid freezing or refrigerating your air fryer tortilla chips.

Frequently asked questions