Air Fryer Low-Carb Tortilla Chips: Quick, Easy, Crunchy!

Making low-carb tortilla chips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to create a healthy snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make delicious, crispy tortilla chips in under 15 minutes. This recipe is perfect for those on a keto diet or looking for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried tortilla chips.

Choosing the right tortillas

When making low-carb tortilla chips in an air fryer, the type of tortillas you choose can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your final product. Here are some tips and options to consider when selecting your tortillas:

Type of Tortillas

You can use various types of tortillas to make low-carb tortilla chips, depending on your preference and dietary needs:

• Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas, either white or yellow, can give your chips an authentic Mexican flavor. They are also a good option for achieving a traditional tortilla chip texture.
• Low-Carb Tortillas: There are several options for low-carb tortillas, such as coconut flour tortillas, almond flour tortillas, or cauliflower tortillas. These tortillas are perfect for those on a keto diet.
• Whole Wheat Tortillas: If you want a healthier option, whole wheat tortillas can be a good choice. They have fewer calories than regular flour tortillas.
• Gluten-Free Tortillas: For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, gluten-free tortillas are a must. You can find gluten-free options made from various ingredients, such as almond flour or corn.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

When choosing tortillas, you can opt for store-bought or homemade options:

• Store-Bought Tortillas: If you don't want to make your own tortillas, you can purchase low-carb tortillas from brands like Mission (their "Carb Balance" line) or Siete (almond flour tortillas). However, keep in mind that some store-bought low-carb tortillas may contain fillers and processed ingredients.
• Homemade Tortillas: Making your own tortillas allows you to control the ingredients and ensure they align with your dietary goals. For example, you can make almond flour tortillas or coconut flour tortillas at home.

Tortilla Thickness

The thickness of the tortillas can impact the cooking time and crispiness of your chips:

• Thicker Tortillas: Regular flour tortillas tend to be thicker and may require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired crispness. They also have more calories than corn or low-carb tortillas.
• Thinner Tortillas: Thinner tortillas, such as corn tortillas or low-carb options, work better in the air fryer as they cook more evenly and achieve the desired crispness without burning.

In summary, when choosing tortillas for your low-carb tortilla chips, consider the type of tortillas, whether to buy them or make them yourself, and the thickness of the tortillas. By selecting the right tortillas, you can ensure your chips turn out tasty, crispy, and aligned with your dietary preferences.

Oil options

The choice of oil is important when making low-carb tortilla chips in an air fryer. The oil helps to add flavour and colour to the chips, and prevents them from burning. Here are some of the best options:

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a great choice for air fryer tortilla chips as it has a mild flavour and a high smoke point. This means it won't smoke or burn easily, and will help to give your chips a nice golden brown colour. Avocado oil spray can be used to spritz the tortillas, or you can brush the oil on with a pastry brush.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is another good option, and is used in several recipes for air fryer tortilla chips. As olive oil has a lower smoke point than avocado oil, be aware that it may smoke at high temperatures. Brush the oil onto both sides of the tortillas before cooking.

Canola Oil Spray

If you're looking for a lighter option, canola oil spray is a good choice. This will give your chips a thin, even coating of oil without adding too much fat. Spray both sides of the tortilla pieces before cooking.

Other Options

You could also try other vegetable oils, such as canola or sunflower oil, or use a cooking spray to coat the tortillas. If you want to add extra flavour, try using chilli oil or sesame oil.

Salt options

Salt is an essential ingredient in making low-carb tortilla chips in an air fryer. It brings out the flavour of the tortilla chips and enhances their taste. There are several options for the type of salt you can use:

• Flaky sea salt: This is a great option for homemade tortilla chips, as it has a strong flavour and a flaky texture that sticks to the oil on the chips. However, if you don't have flaky sea salt, you can use kosher salt or Himalayan salt, but be sure to use less as they are finer salts.
• Celtic Sea Salt Flaky Salt: This is a specific brand of flaky sea salt that is recommended by some home cooks. It is described as having a strong flavour that enhances the taste of the tortilla chips.
• Maldon sea salt: This is another specific type of sea salt that is recommended for use in tortilla chip recipes.
• Coarse sea salt: This type of salt is also recommended for air fryer tortilla chips, but it is important to spray the tortillas with oil first, so the salt has something to stick to.
• Regular table salt: While not as fancy as some of the other options, regular table salt will also work just fine for seasoning your tortilla chips.

In addition to the type of salt you use, the amount of salt you add to your tortilla chips is also important. Most recipes recommend sprinkling the salt "liberally" over the chips, ensuring that each chip is well-seasoned. However, if you are using a finer salt like kosher salt or Himalayan salt, you may want to use a lighter hand to avoid over-salting.

Finally, when it comes to adding salt to your tortilla chips, timing is important. Most recipes recommend salting the chips after they have been cut into triangles but before they go into the air fryer. This ensures that the salt adheres to the oil on the chips and creates an even distribution of seasoning.

Cutting the tortillas

There are several ways to cut tortillas into chip shapes. The easiest way is to use a pizza cutter to slice the tortillas into triangles, much like you would cut a pizza. You can also stack the tortillas and cut several at once with a pizza cutter to save time. If you don't have a pizza cutter, a sharp knife will also work. You can also use kitchen scissors, a pastry cutter, or a sharp knife.

For small corn tortillas or fajita-sized tortillas, cut them into quarters. If you're using larger tortillas, you may need to cut them into a 3x3 or 4x4 grid, with each piece being about 2 inches wide.

Cooking the chips

Now that you've gathered and prepared your ingredients, it's time to cook your low-carb tortilla chips! Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating to 350°F, but some recommend 360°F or 375°F. Check your specific recipe for the optimal temperature.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your tortillas. Brush both sides of each tortilla with a thin layer of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a spray oil of your choice. This step ensures that your chips will become crispy.

Next, cut the tortillas into chip-sized pieces. You can use a pizza cutter, sharp knife, or kitchen scissors to slice them into triangles or wedges. Aim for pieces that are about 2 inches wide.

After cutting, it's time to season your chips. Sprinkle salt over the oiled tortillas. You can use regular salt, flaky sea salt, or kosher salt, adjusting the amount to your taste preferences. Some recipes also suggest adding additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder for extra flavor.

Once your tortillas are seasoned, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer. Place the chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate around each chip, promoting even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chips in multiple batches.

Now, it's time to air fry your chips. Cook the chips for about 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning. For recipes with thicker tortillas, you may need to cook for up to 10-12 minutes. If your recipe calls for it, flip the chips halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Your chips are ready when they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your homemade low-carb tortilla chips with your favorite dips or toppings!

Frequently asked questions