Air Fryer Tortilla Wraps: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Tortilla wraps can be put in an air fryer, and doing so is a quick and easy way to make a delicious snack or meal. You can make tortilla chips, or even full tortilla wraps, in an air fryer. For tortilla chips, you can use corn or flour tortillas, cut them into triangles, brush them with oil, and season them. For tortilla wraps, you can fill them with ingredients such as meat and cheese, brush them with oil, and cook them in the air fryer.

Air fryer tortilla chips

Ingredients

You can use any kind of tortilla wrap to make tortilla chips, including corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas will give a more traditional, restaurant-style chip, while flour tortillas will result in a flavour closer to pita chips. You can also use gluten-free, high-fibre, or low-carb tortillas depending on your dietary preferences.

For the oil, avocado oil is best as it has a high smoke point and is therefore more stable at high temperatures. Olive oil is another option, as well as vegetable or extra virgin olive oil.

For seasoning, you can use salt, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour. You can also experiment with spices, such as smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, or turmeric powder.

Method

First, cut your tortilla wraps into triangles. You can do this by stacking the tortillas and cutting them all at once. How many triangles you cut them into will depend on how big your tortillas are and how big you want your chips to be.

Next, prepare your oil and spices by combining them in a small mixing bowl. Place the cut tortilla chips in a large mixing bowl and toss them with the oil and spice mixture.

Now you're ready to air fry your chips! You can do this in small or large batches, but be aware that air frying in a single layer will give you flatter chips. If you don't mind curly chips, you can air fry a larger batch at once.

For a small batch, air fry the chips in a single layer at 350°F (180°C) for 4-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. For a large batch, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes.

Once your chips are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and leave them to cool. You can serve them with your favourite dips, such as salsa, cheese sauce, or guacamole.

Storage

Air fryer wraps with fillings

Air fryer wraps are a versatile meal option that can be made with various fillings and toppings. You can use homemade flour wraps or store-bought tortillas, and fill them with anything from meat to vegetarian or vegan options. Here are some ideas for creating delicious air fryer wraps with fillings:

Italian Tortilla Wraps

Get two large burrito-size tortillas and cut them from the bottom to the centre. Now divide each tortilla into fourths, and fill each section with different ingredients. In the first section, add a slice of provolone cheese and some deli ham. The second section can have salami, the third some pepperoni and provolone cheese, and the last section another slice of provolone. Sprinkle some Italian seasoning over the meat and cheese. Now, fold the wrap by folding the ham section over the salami, then the pepperoni, and finally the last cheese section. Brush both sides with olive oil and place them in the air fryer set to 400 degrees for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your wrap.

Chicken Caesar Wrap

Shred some cooked chicken and toss it with Caesar dressing, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons (optional). Wrap it up in a tortilla and air fry for a warm and flavourful lunch.

Chicken Fajita Wraps

For this recipe, you will need an air fryer basket. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Place chicken breasts in the basket, drizzle with olive oil, and season with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roast the chicken for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Let it cool, then slice the chicken into thin strips. In a skillet, cook bell peppers and green onions until softened. Sprinkle cheese on a tortilla, then add the chicken, pepper mixture, lettuce, avocado, and tomato. Drizzle with sour cream and sprinkle with more cheese. Fold in the edges and roll up the wrap. Place the assembled wraps in the air fryer basket and toast for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden.

Cheesy Breakfast Wrap

Scramble some eggs with your favourite veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and onions. Add some shredded cheese and wrap it all up in a tortilla. Air fry the wrap for a quick and tasty breakfast.

Chorizo and Bean Wrap

Spread your choice of cream (mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, or yogurt) on a flour tortilla wrap. Add grated cheddar cheese, followed by a chorizo and bean filling. You can use store-bought chili or make your own by slow-cooking chorizo and beans. Fold the wrap in half and air fry for about 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Wraps:

• Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Brush the wraps with melted butter or cooking spray before air frying to get a nice golden colour and crispy texture.
• You can use parchment paper in the air fryer for easy cleanup, but it's not necessary.
• If you have leftover wraps, wrap them in parchment paper or foil and refrigerate for up to a day. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.

How to cut tortillas for the air fryer

There are a few ways to cut tortillas for the air fryer, depending on what you want to make. For example, if you're making tortilla chips, you'll want to cut the tortillas into triangles. If you're making tostadas, you'll want to cut them into smaller pieces. Here are the steps to cut tortillas for the air fryer:

Step 1: Stack the Tortillas

Place 6 tortilla wraps in a stack on a chopping board. This will make it easier to cut them evenly.

Step 2: Cut the Tortillas

Use a kitchen knife or pizza cutter to cut the tortillas into your desired shape. For chips, cut them into triangles. For tostadas, cut them into smaller, uniformly sized pieces.

Step 3: Season the Tortillas (Optional)

If you're making tortilla chips, you can combine spices in a small mixing bowl and then place the cut tortilla chips in the bowl, tossing them to coat them evenly. Popular choices for seasoning include salt, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place the tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Overlapping can result in uneven cooking. You might need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Cook

Cooking time and temperature will depend on what you are making. For tortilla chips, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes, then remove any chips that are cooked and give the basket a shake. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until crispy and golden. For tostadas or other dishes, cook the tortillas at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Oil and seasoning for air fryer tortillas

When preparing tortillas in an air fryer, you can use a variety of oils and seasonings to enhance their flavour and texture. Here are some tips and recommendations for achieving the best results:

Recommended Oils

• Avocado oil is an excellent choice due to its high smoke point, which means it remains stable at high temperatures and is healthier.
• Olive oil is another popular option for air frying tortillas, as it has a high smoke point and adds flavour.
• You can also use cooking sprays, such as avocado oil or olive oil sprays, for even coating and convenience.

Seasonings and Flavour Variations

• Sea salt or kosher salt is commonly used to season tortillas before air frying. Coarse-grained salts are preferable as they adhere better to the surface.
• Taco seasoning can be sprinkled on the tortillas before cooking, adding a tasty twist to your chips.
• For zesty ranch tortilla chips, sprinkle ranch seasoning on the tortillas before air frying.
• If you're craving something sweet, brush the tortillas with oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with cinnamon for a delicious dessert chip.
• Experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or chili seasoning to add extra flavour to your tortillas.
• For a cheesy flavour, use nutritional yeast on your tortillas.

Tips for Preparation

• Brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with oil before seasoning to ensure even coating.
• If using salt, sprinkle it lightly over the oiled tortillas.
• If making tortilla chips, cut the tortillas into triangles or chip-sized pieces before seasoning and air frying.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Arrange the tortillas in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Cook the tortillas for approximately 4-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness, flipping them halfway through.
• Keep a close eye on the tortillas while cooking to avoid over-browning or burning.

Storing air fryer tortillas

Air-fried tortillas are a versatile dish that can be used for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. If you have any leftover tortillas or plan to meal prep, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Here are some tips for storing air fryer tortillas:

• Room Temperature Storage: Air fryer tortillas can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Avoid freezing or refrigerating as it can affect their texture.
• Refrigerator Storage: If you want to extend the shelf life of your air fryer tortillas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
• Freezer Storage: For longer storage, stack cooked tortillas with a layer of parchment paper in between each one. Then, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer bag. Frozen tortillas can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use them, reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer.
• Reheating: You can easily reheat your air fryer tortillas. Set your air fryer to a low temperature of around 300°F (150°C) and place the tortillas in the basket for a few minutes. This will warm them gently without overcooking.
• Maintaining Crispness: To maintain the crispness of your tortillas, ensure they are completely cooled before storing. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Storing Different Types of Tortillas: The storage method may vary slightly depending on the type of tortilla. For example, corn tortillas are more prone to tearing, so they should be handled carefully and stored in a way that prevents them from drying out.
• Stacking and Layering: When storing multiple tortillas, it is recommended to stack them with layers of parchment paper in between. This helps keep them fresh and makes it easier to separate them when you need to use them.
• Portioning: Consider portioning your tortillas before storing. That way, you can easily grab the desired amount without having to thaw or reheat more than you need.
• Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers or bags to prevent air and moisture from affecting the quality of your tortillas. This will help maintain their freshness and crispness over time.
• Consume Within Recommended Time: While proper storage methods extend the shelf life of air fryer tortillas, it's best to consume them within the recommended time frames for optimal taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions