Frying Perfect Tortilla Chips At Home

Making tortilla chips at home is a simple process that can be done in a deep fryer. The key to success is using the right oil, the right tortillas, and frying at the right temperature.

For the oil, a light-flavoured oil with a high smoke point is best, such as avocado, safflower, peanut, vegetable, or canola oil. As for tortillas, corn tortillas are recommended, preferably stale or slightly dried out. If you're making your own, be sure to roll the dough out as thinly as possible.

To fry the chips, heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to around 350°F (177°C). Cut the tortillas into wedges and fry in small batches to maintain an even temperature. Fry the chips for around 30 seconds on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle with salt while the chips are still warm, and serve.

Choosing the right oil

When making homemade tortilla chips, it's important to choose an oil with a high smoke point, which is the temperature at which an oil can be heated before it starts to smoke. Oils with a high smoke point are better for frying because they can withstand higher temperatures without burning, which can affect the taste of your chips.

• Peanut oil
• Vegetable oil
• Canola oil
• Avocado oil
• Safflower oil
• Soybean oil
• Sunflower oil
• Refined almond oil
• Cottonseed oil

These oils all have high smoke points and are suitable for deep frying. You can also use extra virgin olive oil, but it has a lower smoke point, so you'll need to be careful not to heat it too much.

When choosing an oil for frying, it's best to avoid butter, margarine, and olive oil, as these have lower smoke points and are not ideal for high-heat frying.

Once you've chosen your oil, heat it to around 350°F (177°C) in your deep fryer before adding your tortilla chips. Work in small batches to maintain an even temperature and ensure your chips are fried evenly.

Remember to be careful when deep frying, as large amounts of hot oil can be dangerous. Always monitor the temperature and never leave your fryer unattended.

Preparing the tortillas

Firstly, choose the right tortillas. Corn tortillas are the best option for making tortilla chips. Look for tortillas made with nixtamalized corn, which will give your chips a superior flavour. You can identify these tortillas by checking the ingredients list for the words "nixtamal" or "nixtamalized". Alternatively, look for the words "lime" or "cal" in the list. Stale or slightly dried-out tortillas are ideal, as they will fry better and give you crispier chips. If your tortillas are fresh, you can dry them out by leaving them out overnight or using an oven or microwave.

Once you have your tortillas, it's time to cut them into chip-sized pieces. Stack your tortillas and cut them into wedges or triangles. You can cut each tortilla into six or eight pieces, depending on your preferred size.

Before frying, it's a good idea to prepare your seasonings. Salt is a classic choice, and it's best to use it while the chips are still warm so that it sticks to the tortillas. You can also get creative with your seasonings. Some popular options include lime zest, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet variation.

Now you are ready to start frying! Heat your oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to a temperature of around 350°F (177°C). You can use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature, or simply test the oil by dropping in a small piece of tortilla. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.

Add the tortilla triangles to the hot oil in small batches. Make sure the triangles are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will ensure even cooking. Fry the chips until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take around 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

Remove the chips from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle the chips with your chosen seasonings while they are still warm. Repeat this process until all your tortilla triangles are fried.

And that's it! You now have a batch of delicious, crispy, homemade tortilla chips, perfect for dipping into your favourite salsa, guacamole, or queso dip. Enjoy!

Heating the oil

Firstly, ensure you have the right type of oil. For frying tortilla chips, it's best to use a light-flavoured oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or extra virgin olive oil.

Now, let's get into the steps for heating the oil:

• Pour the oil into your deep fryer or a heavy skillet/pan. The amount of oil you use will depend on the size of your vessel and the number of chips you plan to make. As a guide, aim for a depth of around 1/8 to 1/2 inch of oil in your pan.
• Turn on the heat to medium-high. You want to bring the oil up to a temperature of around 350°F (177-182°C). If you have a deep-frying thermometer, this will help you monitor the temperature.
• As the oil is heating, keep a close eye on it. You don't want it to get too hot, as this will affect the cooking of your chips. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil's temperature by dropping a small piece of tortilla into it. When the tortilla sizzles and fries quickly, the oil is ready. If the tortilla browns too quickly, the oil is too hot, so reduce the heat slightly and allow it to cool down a bit.
• Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, you're ready to start frying your tortilla chips! Remember to work in small batches to maintain an even temperature and ensure consistent frying.

Safety Tip: Always exercise caution when working with hot oil. Do not leave the oil unattended, and be sure to use appropriate tools for handling the chips, such as metal tongs, a slotted spoon, or wooden chopsticks.

Frying the chips

To fry your tortilla chips, you'll need to first cut your tortillas into wedges or triangles. Stack your tortillas and cut them into six to eight wedges each. You can use kitchen shears or a pizza cutter to do this.

Next, heat your oil in a deep fryer or a wide, high-sided pot/pan on medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (177°C). You can use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of tortilla into it. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.

Now it's time to fry the chips. Work in small batches to maintain a steady oil temperature, which will ensure an even fry. Add a single layer of tortilla triangles to the hot oil, using a slotted spoon or tongs to ensure they are fully coated. Fry for about 2 minutes, until the chips are golden brown and crispy.

Remove the chips from the oil using tongs, a slotted spoon, or a spider strainer, and transfer them to a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle the chips with salt while they are still warm, and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas.

Your homemade tortilla chips are now ready to be served! They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for a day or two if needed.

Seasoning and serving

Seasoning

The most common seasoning for tortilla chips is salt. You can use kosher salt, sea salt, or any other salt you have available. Sprinkle the salt on the chips while they are still warm, so it sticks to the chips. For a tangy twist, mix the salt with some lime zest.

If you want to get creative, there are several other seasoning options to explore. For a smoky flavour, use a mix of smoked paprika, cumin, and chilli powder. You could also toss the chips in ranch seasoning or cinnamon sugar while they are still warm. For a fresh and zesty option, toss the chips with lime zest and chopped or dried cilantro.

Serving

Tortilla chips are a versatile snack and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Serve the chips with dips like guacamole, pico de gallo, queso dip, or salsa.
• Use the chips as a side for a bowl of chilli or soup.
• Make nachos by layering the chips with cheese, beans, salsa, and other toppings.
• Serve the chips with margaritas for a fun, celebratory treat.
• Create a snack platter with the chips and other tasty treats like taquitos or chicken tacos.

With these tips and ideas, you're ready to season and serve your homemade tortilla chips like a pro! Get creative, experiment with different flavours and presentations, and enjoy the delicious results.

Frequently asked questions