Air Fryer Tortilla Chips: Perfect Timing For Crunchy Chips

Air fryer tortilla chips are a quick and easy snack to make at home. You can have crispy, golden chips in as little as 3 minutes, or up to 7 minutes depending on the recipe and your air fryer. The key to success is to preheat your air fryer, cut your tortillas into triangles, and cook them in batches so they don't overlap.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating the air fryer is an important step in the tortilla chip-making process. It's recommended that you turn on your air fryer before you start prepping the tortillas, so it's hot and ready to go when you're done. This will ensure that your chips cook evenly and efficiently.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can start arranging the tortilla triangles in the basket. It's best to lay them out in a single layer, with minimal overlap, to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of chips you're making, you may need to cook them in batches.

The preheating time for your air fryer will depend on the model and brand you have. Most air fryers will have a preheat setting or function, so you can simply select that and wait for the indicator light to turn on, signalling that it's ready for use. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it by turning it on and letting it run for a few minutes before adding your food.

It's important to note that preheating times can vary, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions. As a general rule of thumb, aim for a preheat time of around 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer's wattage and your desired cooking temperature.

By taking the time to preheat your air fryer properly, you'll ensure that your tortilla chips cook evenly and achieve that perfect, crispy texture.

Cut tortillas into triangles or pie-shaped slices

To make tortilla chips in an air fryer, you'll first need to cut your tortillas into triangles or pie-shaped slices. Lay each piece out and spread a little olive oil on each side. Then, sprinkle sea salt on the front and back. You can also use cooking spray instead of olive oil.

Lay the tortilla pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if they overlap a little, but it's better if they don't. Air fry the chips in batches, depending on how many you are making and the size of your air fryer.

Cook the tortilla chips at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes, or until they are crunchy and lightly browned. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly. If they still seem soft in the middle, return them to the air fryer for another minute or so. The chips will also get crunchier as they cool.

Near the end of the cook time, open the air fryer and check on the chips. Remove any that might be close to overcooking before they burn and continue cooking any that need a little more time, until they are crispy and golden brown.

Spray with cooking spray or olive oil

To make tortilla chips in an air fryer, you'll need to cut your tortillas into triangles or pie-shaped slices. Arrange the triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without letting them overlap.

Spray the tortillas lightly with cooking spray or olive oil, then sprinkle with salt. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder or chilli powder, if you like.

After spraying and seasoning, place the tortillas into the air fryer basket and cook for 3 to 6 minutes at 350 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip them over halfway through the cooking time and give them another light spray of cooking spray or olive oil, adding more salt if desired.

Keep an eye on the tortilla chips as they can burn quickly. If they still seem soft in the middle, return them to the air fryer for another minute or so. The chips will also get crunchier as they cool.

Sprinkle with salt

When making tortilla chips in an air fryer, it's important to preheat the air fryer before you start prepping the tortillas. Once you've cut your tortillas into triangles or pie-shaped slices, lay them out and spread olive oil on each side. Then, it's time to sprinkle with salt. You can sprinkle sea salt on the front and back of the tortilla slices. The amount of salt you use is a personal preference, but you can always add more later if you think they need it. After sprinkling with salt, lay the tortillas into the air fryer basket in a single layer, without letting them overlap. Then, you're ready to cook your tortilla chips!

Air fry in batches for 4-6 minutes

Air frying tortilla chips is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack. It's important to preheat your air fryer before you start prepping the tortillas. Once your air fryer is hot, arrange the tortilla triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's okay if they overlap a little, but it's better if they don't.

Air fry the chips in batches for 4-6 minutes, depending on how many you are making and the size of your air fryer. You can cook them for 3 minutes at 350 degrees, flip them over, and then cook for another 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook them at 360 degrees for the full 4-6 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Near the end of the cook time, open the air fryer and check on the chips. Remove any that might be close to overcooking before they burn, and continue cooking any that need a little more time, until they are crispy and golden brown. The chips will also get crunchier as they cool.

Frequently asked questions