Air Fryer Tortilla Chips: Quick, Easy, And Crunchy!

Making tortilla chips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to create a healthy snack. The process is simple: cut tortillas into triangles, add oil and seasoning, and cook in the air fryer for a few minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer, but it should take no longer than 10 minutes.

How to cut tortillas into chip shapes

To cut tortillas into chip shapes, start by stacking your tortillas on top of each other. Using a sharp knife, or a pizza cutter, slice your stack of tortillas into triangles, much like you would slice a pizza. You should be able to get about six triangles, or eight wedges, per tortilla. If your knife isn't very sharp, try cutting three tortillas at a time, or cut them individually.

How to season tortilla chips

There are many ways to season tortilla chips, and you can get creative with your favourite spices and flavours. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Seasoning Before Cooking

Before cooking, brush or spray the tortilla with oil, and sprinkle with your chosen seasoning. Here are some seasoning options:

• Salt
• Lime juice
• Taco seasoning
• Ranch seasoning
• Maple syrup and cinnamon
• Olive oil, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika and salt
• Olive oil, white vinegar and salt
• Olive oil, lime juice, chilli powder and salt
• Olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon and coconut sugar

Seasoning After Cooking

You can also season your tortilla chips after they have been cooked and cooled. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh lime zest and chopped or dried cilantro
• Smoked paprika, cumin and chilli powder
• Ranch seasoning
• Cinnamon and sugar

Dips and Sauces

Tortilla chips are perfect for dunking into your favourite dips and sauces. Here are some ideas:

• Tomato salsa
• Beer cheese
• Spicy habanero salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Chilli con queso
• Pineapple salsa
• Chicken dip
• Jalapeno popper dip
• Cheese sauce
• Salsa verde
• Guacamole
• Pico de gallo
• Spicy chipotle salsa
• Creamy refried bean dip
• Black bean dip

Toppings

Tortilla chips can also be used as a base for nachos or other loaded snacks. Here are some topping ideas:

• Mango guacamole
• Chicken
• Mexican chicken
• Chipotle barbacoa
• Sausage dip
• Corn dip
• Boat dip
• Chicken salad
• Ground beef taco
• Quesabirria
• Butter bean hummus
• Chicken fajitas
• Salsa chicken
• Rice
• Taco soup

How to cook tortilla chips in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Other seasonings (optional)

Method:

• Brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with oil. You can also sprinkle one side with salt, or both if you prefer them salty.
• Cut each tortilla into 6-8 triangles. You can do this with a sharp knife or a pizza cutter.
• Place the tortilla triangles into the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's fine if they overlap a little, but they'll cook more evenly if they don't.
• Air fry at 350°F for 3-7 minutes. Check on them once or twice during cooking to make sure they aren't overlapping, and shake the basket if needed.
• Remove any chips that are close to overcooking and continue cooking the rest until they are crispy and golden brown.
• Let the chips cool. They will continue to crisp as they do so.

Tips:

• If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply turn it on and wait about 5 minutes before adding the chips.
• To prevent the chips from blowing around in the air fryer, place a metal trivet over them.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chips in the oven. Follow the same preparation steps, then bake for 7 minutes at 350°F, flip, spray with cooking spray, and bake for another 2-5 minutes.
• For extra flavour, try sprinkling on some Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or cinnamon and sugar.

How to store tortilla chips

Storing tortilla chips correctly is essential to preserve their freshness and crunchiness. Here are some tips on how to store tortilla chips:

Choosing the Right Container

The choice of container is crucial for maintaining the freshness of tortilla chips. Airtight containers are the best option as they limit exposure to air and reduce the chances of staleness and contamination. If you have an unopened packet of tortilla chips, the original sealed bag provides adequate protection. However, once the packet is opened, it is recommended to transfer the chips to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.

Storage Conditions

Tortilla chips should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The ideal storage temperature is room temperature, typically between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Exposing the chips to moisture or humidity can lead to sogginess and spoilage. Therefore, it is important to keep them in a low-humidity environment.

Storing Homemade Tortilla Chips

If you have made your own tortilla chips, allow them to cool completely before storing. Homemade tortilla chips are best when consumed fresh but can be stored for a day or two. Store them in a Ziploc bag or airtight container, ensuring that as much air as possible is removed.

Long-Term Storage

For long-term storage exceeding three months, it is recommended to store the chips in the freezer inside an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. To use frozen chips, allow them to thaw at room temperature before consumption to restore their original texture and prevent sogginess.

Rejuvenating Stale Tortilla Chips

If your tortilla chips have lost their initial crispness, you can refresh them using an oven or a microwave. To use the oven method, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the chips in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. For the microwave method, line a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel and arrange the chips without stacking them. Heat them on high power for about 15 seconds, and repeat if necessary in 10 to 15-second intervals until the desired crispness is achieved.

How to serve tortilla chips

There are many ways to serve tortilla chips, and they make a great snack or appetiser. Here are some ideas:

Dips

Tortilla chips are great with dips like salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, queso dip, or jalapeño dip. For something different, you could try a sweet dip like chocolate or caramel sauce.

Nachos

Load your tortilla chips with toppings to make nachos. Try ground beef, refried beans, salsa, cheese, chicken, or avocado. You could also add some spice with jalapeños or chilli con carne.

With a Drink

Tortilla chips are a great bar snack and go well with a cold drink. Try them with a G&T, a margarita, or a beer.

As a Garnish

Tortilla chips can be used as a crunchy garnish on soups or chillis.

As a Side

Tortilla chips are a great side dish for Mexican meals like tacos, fajitas, or chilli con carne.

Loaded Nachos

For a more substantial meal, pile your tortilla chips high with toppings like cheese, beans, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

With a Salad

Tortilla chips can add a crunchy texture to a salad. Try them with a Mexican-style salad with avocado, black beans, and corn.

Other Ideas

• Tortilla chips can be used as a base for a layered dip like a 7-layer dip.
• Crushed tortilla chips can be used as a crunchy topping for a taco salad.
• Make tortilla chip crusted chicken by crushing the chips and using them as a breading.

Frequently asked questions