Air-Fryer Tortillas: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for those looking for healthier alternatives to deep-fried foods. You can use an air fryer to make tortilla chips, tortilla bowls, and even tortillas themselves. In this article, we will explore the different ways to use an air fryer to make tortillas and the benefits of using an air fryer over other cooking methods.

Air fryer tortilla chips

Ingredients:

• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any neutral-tasting oil)
• Salt (fine sea salt, kosher salt, or any coarse-style salt)
• Optional seasonings (e.g. chipotle chili pepper, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, etc.)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (some air fryers may not have a preheat setting, so you can simply turn it on and wait about 5 minutes).
• In a small bowl, mix together your oil and any desired seasonings. You can stick to a classic combination of oil and salt, or get creative with different spices and herbs.
• Brush each side of the tortillas with a thin layer of the oil mixture. You can also use a spray oil and apply a light coating to both sides.
• Cut each tortilla into 6-12 triangles. You can stack the tortillas and cut them all at once, or cut each tortilla individually.
• Arrange the tortilla triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important to not overcrowd the basket to allow proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry at 350°F for 4-7 minutes, or until the tortilla chips are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
• Remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool. They will continue to crisp as they cool down.
• Enjoy your homemade tortilla chips with your favorite dips, salsas, or nachos!

Storage:

You can store your air fryer tortilla chips in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 5-10 days.

Tips:

• To prevent the tortilla chips from blowing around in the air fryer, you can place an air fryer trivet or rack over them to keep them in place while still allowing air circulation.
• If your chips are not crispy enough, they may need a little more time in the air fryer. Return them for another minute or so until they reach your desired crispness.
• For flour tortillas, reduce the air frying time to about 5 minutes, as they can burn quickly and may end up chewier than corn tortillas.

Enjoy your freshly made air fryer tortilla chips!

Flour or corn tortillas

You can use either flour or corn tortillas in an air fryer, and both will come out great. However, corn tortillas will turn out slightly crispier, so if you prefer a crunchier texture, corn tortillas are the way to go.

If you're making taco shells, corn tortillas are a better option as they are more authentic and have a more distinct flavour. Corn tortillas are also naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with gluten intolerance.

On the other hand, flour tortillas will give you a flavour that's closer to pita chips. They will also get nice and crispy in the air fryer, so if you prefer a more neutral flavour, go for flour tortillas.

When it comes to tortilla chips, the type of tortilla you use is a matter of preference. You can use corn tortillas for a more traditional, restaurant-style chip, or flour tortillas for a flavour that's similar to pita chips.

No matter which type of tortilla you choose, the preparation and cooking process in the air fryer will be the same. Simply brush or spray the tortillas with oil, add your desired seasonings, cut them into triangles, and air fry until crispy!

Oil or no oil

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional frying methods, as they require little to no oil to achieve crispy results. This makes them a healthier option for those conscious of their oil intake.

Using Oil

When using an air fryer to make tortilla chips, you can brush or spray a small amount of oil onto both sides of the tortillas. This will enhance their crispiness and help achieve a golden-brown colour. Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil are good choices due to their high smoke points, which means they won't burn at high temperatures.

No Oil

On the other hand, some people prefer to make tortilla chips in their air fryer without any oil at all. This is a healthier option, as it reduces the calories and fat content of the chips even further. The tortillas will still crisp up in the air fryer, although they may not get as brown as they would with oil.

Tips for Best Results

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the tortillas.
• Ensure the tortillas are fresh and not overly dry.
• Cut the tortillas into uniform triangles to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by arranging the tortillas in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
• If your tortillas are blowing around in the basket, place a metal trivet or similar item on top to weigh them down.
• Keep a close eye on the tortillas as they cook, as air fryer models and settings may vary, and you don't want them to burn.

Whether you choose to use oil or not, making tortilla chips in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-frying, resulting in a delicious crispy snack.

Seasoning options

There are many different ways to season your tortilla chips. You can keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt, or get creative with different spices and seasonings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Spicy lime tortilla chips: Before cooking, brush or spray the tortilla with oil, and sprinkle about 1/8 teaspoon of taco seasoning per tortilla. After cooking, drizzle with fresh lime juice.
• Zesty ranch tortilla chips: Brush or spray the tortilla with oil before cooking and sprinkle on about 1/8 teaspoon of ranch seasoning per tortilla.
• Sweet dessert tortilla chips: Brush the tortillas with oil, about 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup, and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and serve with cream cheese dip. A cinnamon-sugar mixture would also work!
• For a simple option, season your tortilla chips with salt and a touch of paprika for colour.
• Squeeze some lime juice over the chips for an extra layer of flavour.
• Sprinkle on some cajun seasoning, chilli powder, or cayenne pepper if you like them spicy.
• Sweeten them up with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.
• For a more traditional, restaurant-style chip, use corn tortillas.
• If you want a flavour that's closer to pita chips, use flour tortillas.

Air fryer settings

If you are making tortilla chips, a common temperature setting is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the chips should cook in 4 to 7 minutes. However, it is important to keep an eye on them to make sure they do not burn. If your air fryer does not have a pre-heat setting, you can manually pre-heat by turning it on and waiting about 5 minutes before adding your tortillas.

If you are making tortilla bowls, a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. These should cook in 4 to 5 minutes, or until they start to turn golden brown.

When making tortillas, a temperature of 380 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. These should cook in around 4 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of browning.

It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the brand of air fryer you are using, so it is always a good idea to refer to your specific model's instructions.

Frequently asked questions