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

Air fryer corn chips are a healthier alternative to deep-fried corn chips and are easy to make. You can use corn tortillas or flour tortillas, but corn tortillas are crispier and have fewer calories. To make the corn chips, cut the tortillas into triangles, spray them with cooking spray or brush them with oil, and sprinkle them with salt. Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket and cook at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can serve these corn chips with salsa, cheese sauce, or guacamole.

Choosing the right tortillas

The first step to making air fryer corn chips is to choose the right tortillas. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, but corn tortillas will give you a crispier chip. Look for the taco-sized tortillas, as these are the perfect size for cutting into chip-shaped wedges. If you're using corn tortillas, go for the white or yellow corn variety. For flour tortillas, the burrito size is the best option.

When it comes to the brand, juanitas corn tortillas are a good option as they are a bit oily, which helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. As for the quantity, a package of six small tortillas is usually enough, but you can always make more or less depending on your preference.

Once you have your tortillas, it's time to move on to the next step—cutting them into chip-sized pieces. You can use a pizza cutter, kitchen shears, or a sharp knife to cut the tortillas into six to eight pieces each.

Cutting tortillas into triangles

To cut tortillas into triangles, you can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. You can also fold the tortillas and use kitchen shears to cut multiple triangles at once.

First, slice the tortillas into 6-8 pieces, depending on their size. You can do this by slicing the tortilla like a pizza, cutting it into wedges. Stack the tortillas and slice through them all at once if you have a sharp knife. If not, cut through three at a time. Alternatively, you can fold each tortilla in half, and then in half again, so that it is quartered. Then, cut along the folded seams, keeping them stacked, and then cut the stack of quartered tortillas in half.

If you want to get creative, you can cut the tortillas into different shapes, such as rectangles or strips. However, triangles are the classic shape for tortilla chips and will give you a nice, even crisp.

Seasoning the tortilla pieces

Before cutting the tortillas, lightly spray or brush both sides with oil. This step ensures that your chips will have a more even coating of oil and a crispier texture. Avocado oil or olive oil are recommended for their flavour and health benefits. You can also use cooking spray or vegetable oil if you prefer. Don't worry about coating every inch of the tortilla—a light coating will suffice.

Next, it's time to add some salt. You can sprinkle salt on one or both sides of the tortillas, depending on your preference for saltiness. Remember, you can always add more salt later if needed, so it's better to start with a lighter touch. If you're concerned about your salt intake, you can consider using a salt substitute or simply omit the salt and focus on other seasonings.

Now, it's optional to add some additional seasonings to elevate the flavour of your chips. You can experiment with various combinations, such as smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder or a ranch seasoning mix. If you're feeling adventurous, try a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet and savoury treat. You can also sprinkle on some cajun seasoning, chilli powder, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

After seasoning, follow the instructions for cutting the tortillas into chip-sized pieces. Stack the tortillas and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into wedges or triangles. For a faster alternative, fold the tortillas and use kitchen shears to cut multiple layers at once.

Once your tortillas are cut and seasoned, they're ready for the air fryer! Arrange the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

Remember, the beauty of making your own air fryer corn chips is that you can customise the seasoning to your taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and find your perfect flavour combination!

Cooking the tortilla chips

The first step is to apply a little bit of oil to the tortillas. Do this before cutting them into wedges, as it's much easier to apply oil to a whole tortilla than to lots of small pieces. You can either mist them lightly with avocado or olive oil spray, or brush the oil onto the tortillas with a pastry brush or baster brush. Don't worry about covering every part of the tortilla with oil; your chips will turn out fine either way.

Next, lightly sprinkle each tortilla with salt on one or both sides, depending on your preference. Then, cut the tortillas into wedges. You can do this by slicing them like a pie, so you get six or eight triangles per tortilla. You can stack the tortillas on top of each other and slice through them all at once if you have a sharp knife, or use a pizza cutter or kitchen scissors.

Now you're ready to cook the tortilla chips! Place the wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren't overlapping. Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for five to eight minutes, checking on them once or twice and shaking the basket to ensure they aren't sticking together. If your air fryer requires pre-heating, you may need to increase the cooking time by one or two minutes.

Once the chips are browned and crisp, remove them from the basket and let them cool. They will continue to crisp as they do so.

Tips and variations

• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chips in the oven. Follow the same preparation steps, then line a baking sheet with aluminium foil and spray it with non-stick spray. Arrange the chips so they aren't touching or overlapping and bake at 350°F for seven to ten minutes, or 425°F for four to five minutes.
• If you want to add extra flavour to your chips, try squeezing some lime juice over them, or sprinkling on some Cajun seasoning, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, or sugar.

Storing the tortilla chips

Storing your tortilla chips correctly is essential to ensure they remain fresh and crispy. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for storing your homemade air fryer tortilla chips:

Choosing the Right Container

Use an airtight container or a zip-top bag to store your tortilla chips. This will help keep them fresh and crispy for longer periods. Airtight containers are ideal as they prevent air from circulating inside and keep the chips from going stale. If using a zip-top bag, ensure it is sealed tightly.

Storage Temperature

It is best to store your tortilla chips at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze them, as this can affect their texture and cause condensation, making the chips soggy. Keep them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet.

Absorbing Moisture

If you live in a humid environment, consider adding a desiccant packet to the container or bag. These packets help absorb excess moisture and can keep your chips crisp for longer. You can find desiccant packets online or at stores that sell storage containers.

Storage Duration

Homemade tortilla chips have a shorter shelf life than store-bought ones. When stored properly, they can last for up to two weeks, but they are best consumed within the first week. The chips may start to lose their crispness over time, so it is recommended to prepare smaller batches to ensure freshness.

Storing Seasoned Chips

If you have seasoned your chips with spices, herbs, or flavours such as cinnamon sugar or ranch seasoning, they may have a slightly shorter shelf life due to the added ingredients. Consume them within a week for the best flavour and texture.

Frequently asked questions