Air Fryer Chipotle Chips: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making chipotle chips in an air fryer is a simple and healthier alternative to deep-fried chips. The process is straightforward: start by preparing your tortillas and cutting them into triangles, then brush a light coating of oil on both sides. You can spice things up with chipotle seasoning or keep it simple with just salt and oil. Place the tortilla pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer and fry at 350F for 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the chips to a wire rack to cool and enjoy your crispy, healthy snack!

Choosing the right tortillas

Tortilla Type: You can use either corn tortillas or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are the preferred choice for chipotle chips as they have a better flavour and crispier texture. Yellow corn tortillas are particularly recommended for their superior taste and crunch. However, if you only have access to white corn tortillas or flour tortillas, you can certainly use those as well. Just be aware that flour tortillas may turn out slightly chewier.

Tortilla Size: Aim for tortillas that are about 5 to 6 inches in diameter. This size is ideal for making evenly-sized chips that will cook uniformly in the air fryer.

Ingredients: Check the ingredients list on the tortilla packaging. For a more authentic chipotle experience, opt for tortillas that are made with simple, natural ingredients. Avoid those with excessive preservatives or artificial additives.

Freshness: Always choose fresh tortillas. Check the expiration date before purchasing to ensure you're getting the freshest batch. Fresh tortillas will yield crispier and tastier chips.

Quantity: This will depend on how many chipotle chips you want to make. As a guide, a standard recipe may call for about 6 tortillas. However, you can adjust this quantity based on your desired yield.

Storage: If you're not using the tortillas immediately, store them properly to maintain their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container or package at room temperature until you're ready to use them.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to select the ideal tortillas for making delicious and crispy chipotle chips in your air fryer. Remember, the quality and type of tortillas you choose can significantly impact the final result, so it's worth taking the time to select the right ones.

Preparing the tortillas

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the tortillas for air frying. Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). While the air fryer is heating up, take the tortillas out of their package and stack them on top of each other. This will make it easier to cut them into the desired shape. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the tortillas into wedges or triangles. You can make them as big or as small as you like, but keep in mind that smaller chips may cook faster, and larger chips may take longer to become crispy.

With your tortilla chips cut and ready to go, it's time to season them. In a small bowl, stir together the oil and your chosen seasonings. Brush a light coating of this mixture on both sides of each tortilla.

Now you are ready to place the tortilla chips in the air fryer. Arrange the tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding, as this can prevent the chips from becoming crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the chips in batches.

Seasoning options

Seasoning is a great way to add flavour to your chipotle chips and elevate this simple dish. Here are some seasoning options to consider when making chipotle chips in an air fryer:

Spicy Chipotle

For those who enjoy a kick of heat, a spicy chipotle seasoning blend can be made by mixing olive oil with ground chipotle chilli pepper and fine sea salt. This seasoning option adds a smoky and spicy flavour to the chips.

Zesty 'Cheese'

For a zesty and savoury option, combine olive oil, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and fine sea salt. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavour without actually using any cheese, making it a great vegan-friendly option.

Salt and Vinegar

For a classic flavour combination, season the chips with a mixture of olive oil, white vinegar, and fine sea salt. This option adds a tangy and savoury taste to the chips.

Chilli Lime

If you're looking for a tangy and spicy option, chilli lime seasoning is a great choice. Mix olive oil with freshly squeezed lime juice, chilli powder, and fine sea salt. This seasoning adds a bright and bold flavour to the chips.

Maple Cinnamon

For a sweet and aromatic option, combine olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and coconut sugar. This seasoning option is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth and enjoy unique flavour combinations.

Custom Blend

You can also create your own custom seasoning blend by experimenting with different spices, herbs, and ingredients. For example, cayenne pepper or chipotle powder can be added for extra spice, or grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast can be used for a cheesy flavour. Get creative and blend different seasonings to find your favourite flavour combination!

Air fryer settings

To make chipotle chips in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). While the air fryer is heating up, take the tortillas out and stack them on top of each other. This will make it easier to cut them into the desired shape. Cut the tortillas into wedges or triangles. You can make them as big or as small as you like, but keep in mind that smaller chips may cook faster and larger chips may take longer to become crispy.

Place the chips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the chips from becoming crispy. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let the chips cook for about 6-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. You want the chips to turn golden brown and become crispy, but be careful not to let them burn.

If you are making potato chips, the process is slightly different. First, peel and slice your potatoes into chips about 1cm thick. Then, add the chips to a bowl and toss them with cornflour until they are coated. Next, add oil, salt, pepper, and paprika and toss again so they are evenly coated. Place them in the air fryer and cook at 190°C/375°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.

Cooking time

The cooking time for your chipotle chips will depend on the type of chip you are making. If you are making tortilla chips, you should air fry them at 350°F (180°C) for 6-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. If you are making potato chips, the cooking time will be longer, around 20 minutes at 190°C/375°F, shaking the air fryer every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

For tortilla chips, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of tortilla you are using. For example, white corn tortillas may need a minute or two longer than yellow corn tortillas, and flour tortillas may need even less time. Keep a close eye on your chips as they can burn quickly, especially if they are made with flour tortillas.

For potato chips, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chips. Skinny chips will take a few minutes less, while chunky chips will take a few minutes more. It is important to shake the air fryer a few times during cooking to ensure that your chips do not burn.

Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. For example, the timing provided for tortilla chips is based on a Cuisinart air fryer/convection/toaster oven and a Cosori basket-style 5.8-quart air fryer. If you are using a different brand or model, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly.

Frequently asked questions