Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Cinnamon sugar tortilla chips are a quick and easy snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chips, with a sweet and spicy flavour. The chips can be served as a snack or dessert and are perfect for movie nights, parties or as a sweet treat for kids. The recipe is simple and only requires a few ingredients, such as tortillas, cinnamon, sugar and butter. The tortillas are cut into wedges, coated in butter and cinnamon sugar, then air-fried until crispy. The chips can be served plain or with a variety of dips and toppings, such as fruit salsa, chocolate sauce, ice cream or fresh fruit.

Choosing the right tortillas

The type of tortillas you use will determine the texture and flavour of your cinnamon sugar tortilla chips. Here are some tips for choosing the right tortillas for this delicious treat:

Flour or Corn Tortillas

The most common type of tortillas used for cinnamon sugar tortilla chips are flour tortillas. They are usually softer and fluffier, making them ideal for a crispy and airy chip. However, corn tortillas can also be used and offer a different flavour and texture. Corn tortillas have a natural sweetness that enhances the cinnamon sugar mixture. They may cook slightly differently, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of the tortillas will impact the final result. For air fryer cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, it is best to use smaller tortillas, such as the 6-inch fajita size or similar. This size fits well in most air fryers and allows for even cooking. Thicker tortillas may require a longer cooking time, while thinner tortillas may cook faster, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

Freshness and Quality

Always use fresh, high-quality tortillas for the best results. Look for tortillas that are soft and pliable, with no signs of drying or cracking. Fresh tortillas will be easier to cut and will produce a more uniform chip. Check the expiration date and try to use tortillas that are closer to their production date for optimal freshness.

Quantity

When making cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, it is important to consider the quantity of tortillas you will need. This will depend on the size of your air fryer and the number of servings you want to make. Most recipes require 2-4 tortillas, but you may need more or less depending on your specific needs. It is always a good idea to have a few extra tortillas on hand in case of mistakes or if you want to make a larger batch.

Storing Tortillas

If you are not using the tortillas immediately, proper storage is essential to maintain their freshness. Store unopened packages of tortillas in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Once opened, keep the tortillas in their original packaging and seal tightly to prevent drying out. You can also transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag to extend their shelf life.

Experimenting with Different Types

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of tortillas to find your preferred flavour and texture. You can try whole-wheat or gluten-free tortillas for a healthier option, or even make your own tortillas from scratch for a truly unique chip. Remember, the key to choosing the right tortillas is to select those that will complement the cinnamon sugar coating and provide the desired crispness and flavour.

Melting the butter

There are several ways to melt the butter. One option is to use the microwave; place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for a few seconds until melted. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a pot on the stovetop or in an oven-safe bowl in the oven while it is preheating. If you are short on time, melting the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop is the quickest option.

Once the butter is melted, it should be allowed to cool slightly before brushing it onto the tortillas. The butter should be warm to the touch but not too hot, as you don't want to burn your hands or affect the texture of the tortillas.

When brushing the butter onto the tortillas, it is important to ensure an even coating on both sides. This helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere better and promotes even crisping. You can use a pastry brush to brush the butter onto the tortillas, or you can simply spread it with a knife or spoon. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the tortillas, including the edges, for the best results.

After brushing the tortillas with butter, you can move on to the next step of making cinnamon sugar tortilla chips in an air fryer, which is to sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Mixing cinnamon and sugar

Firstly, you'll need to gather your ingredients. The exact measurements may vary depending on your taste preferences and the number of servings, but generally, you'll need cinnamon, granulated sugar, and butter or oil. You can adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar according to your taste, but a common combination is 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to 1 1/4 teaspoons of sugar. If you want to make a larger batch, you can use a ratio of 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to 1/4 cup of sugar.

Once you have your ingredients, combine the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Stir them together until they are well mixed and fully incorporated. You can also add other spices to this mixture if you want to experiment with different flavours. For example, you could add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

After mixing the cinnamon and sugar, you can set the bowl aside until you're ready to sprinkle it onto your tortillas. It's important to ensure that the cinnamon and sugar are distributed evenly throughout the mixture to ensure each chip gets a consistent flavour.

When you're ready to assemble your chips, brush both sides of your tortilla wedges or strips lightly with melted butter or oil. Then, dredge or sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the tortillas, ensuring they are well coated. You can use a spoon to sprinkle the mixture or put it in an old spice shaker container for easier application.

Finally, place the cinnamon-sugar coated tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap to ensure even cooking. Now, you're ready to air fry your cinnamon sugar tortilla chips!

Cutting tortillas into triangles

To cut tortillas into triangles, you can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. You can make the triangles as big or as small as you like, but cutting each tortilla into 8 triangular pieces usually works well.

First, lay the tortillas out flat on a cutting board or pan. Then, cut each tortilla in half, and then cut each half into 4 equal-sized triangles. You can also cut the tortillas into strips if you prefer.

It is important to ensure that the triangles are all roughly the same size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer. You may need to cook the tortilla chips in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can prevent them from crisping up evenly.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for air frying cinnamon sugar tortilla chips vary depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer being used. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 325°F and 350°F (175°C). The chips are then cooked for 3 to 8 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of crispness. It is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer.

For example, one recipe suggests cooking the chips at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, while another recommends cooking them at 325°F to 330°F for 4 to 5 minutes. It is also important to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, it is recommended to cook the chips in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chips in multiple batches.

Frequently asked questions