Air Fryer Magic: Tortillas To Pita Chips

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, homemade versions of your favourite snacks. In this case, you can use an air fryer to make a batch of crispy, crunchy pita chips from tortillas in just a few minutes. This method is simple, quick, and versatile, allowing you to season your pita chips with a wide range of herbs and spices.

Choosing the right tortillas

When making pita chips from tortillas in an air fryer, choosing the right tortillas is essential for achieving the perfect texture and taste. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your tortillas:

Type of Tortilla

The first decision you need to make is whether to use corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are a healthier option as they are a good source of fibre and magnesium, and they are lower in carbs, calories, and fat compared to flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are also gluten-free, making them a suitable choice for those with gluten intolerances. On the other hand, flour tortillas provide iron and tend to be larger, resulting in bigger chips. If you're aiming for a healthier option, corn tortillas are the way to go, but if you prefer a more classic pita chip flavour and larger chips, go with flour tortillas.

Size

The size of the tortillas will determine the size of your pita chips. For restaurant-style tortilla chips, opt for 8-inch tortillas. If you're using pita pockets, cut each pita bread in half to create a single layer. You can also cut the tortillas into wedges or triangles of your desired size.

Ingredients

Check the ingredient list on the tortilla package to ensure you're getting a quality product. For corn tortillas, look for whole grain or gluten-free options if needed. For flour tortillas, choose whole wheat varieties for added nutritional benefits. Avoid tortillas with unnecessary additives or preservatives.

Freshness

Always check the expiration date on the package to ensure you're using fresh tortillas. Fresh tortillas will yield better results in terms of taste and crispness. If you're using frozen tortillas, let them thaw completely before cutting and air frying.

Portion Control

Consider the number of tortillas in the package and how many chips you want to make. Corn tortillas are typically smaller than flour tortillas, providing built-in portion control. If you're watching your calorie intake or making chips for a small group, a smaller package of tortillas may be more suitable.

Price

Compare prices between corn and flour tortillas to find the most cost-effective option. Corn tortillas are generally less expensive, but also keep an eye out for sales or discounts on flour tortillas. Making pita chips from tortillas is already a budget-friendly option compared to buying store-bought chips, so choose an option that fits your budget without compromising quality.

In summary, when choosing tortillas for making pita chips in an air fryer, consider the type of tortilla, size, ingredients, freshness, portion control, and price. By selecting the right tortillas, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy, and healthy pita chips!

Seasoning options

The seasoning options for your pita chips are endless! You can go for a savoury or sweet option, depending on your preference and what you plan to serve with the chips.

Savoury

• Za'atar
• Sumac
• Ras El Hanout
• Garam masala
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Umami blend
• Cayenne pepper
• Rosemary and thyme with sea salt
• Garlic powder and cracked pepper
• Sesame seeds
• Parmesan garlic
• Paprika
• Pesto
• Rosemary sea salt
• Trader Joe's chili lime or everything but the bagel seasoning
• Nutritional yeast
• Oregano and basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder
• Chili lime

Sweet

• Cinnamon sugar
• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon and brown sugar
• Chocolate drizzle
• Citrus zest (orange or lemon)
• Nutty banana (walnuts or pecans)
• Pumpkin spice
• Maple glaze
• Caramel apple
• Espresso sugar

How to cut tortillas

There are a few different ways to cut tortillas for pita chips, depending on the size and shape you want. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut tortillas:

Step 1: Stack the tortillas

The first step is to stack the tortillas so that you can cut them into even wedges or strips. Depending on the size of your tortillas, stack 5-6 tortillas on top of each other.

Step 2: Cut the tortillas into wedges or strips

Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the stack of tortillas into the desired shape. You can cut them into wedges by first cutting the stack in half, then cutting each half into thirds or fourths to create 6 or 8 wedges per tortilla. Alternatively, you can cut the tortillas into strips by cutting straight across the stack. For bite-sized chips, you can also cut the tortillas into 1-inch squares.

Step 3: Separate the pieces

Once you've cut the tortillas, carefully separate the pieces so that you have individual chips.

Step 4: Season and bake

At this point, you can season the tortilla pieces and bake them according to your recipe.

• For even seasoning, brush both sides of the tortillas with oil or spray them with oil before stacking and cutting.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to ensure clean cuts and even-sized chips.
• If you want to avoid the stacking and cutting process, you can also cut each tortilla individually before seasoning and baking.

Air fryer settings

The ideal temperature to air fry pita chips is 325°F to 350°F. Preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes. The cooking time varies from 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pita bread. For instance, thin Lebanese pita bread will take 6-8 minutes to crisp up, while Greek pita will take closer to 10 minutes.

If you are making a large batch of pita chips, shake the basket every 3 minutes until crispy. The chips will also crisp up further upon cooling. If you prefer softer pita chips, cook them for 1-2 minutes less. For super-crispy results, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the pita chips in a single layer and avoid overlapping them. You may need to cook the chips in batches. Halfway through the cooking time, gently shake the basket or use tongs to flip the chips. This promotes an even golden color and ensures all sides crisp up nicely.

Serving suggestions

There are endless ways to serve air-fried pita chips, whether as a snack, appetiser, or side. Here are some serving suggestions:

Dips

Pita chips are a great vessel for all kinds of dips. Try serving them with hummus, tzatziki, salsa, or even chocolate hummus if you've made cinnamon pita chips. For a healthier option, serve with white bean dip, baba ganoush, or spinach and artichoke dip. For something spicy, try arugula hummus, jalapeno dip, chipotle dip, or roasted red pepper cashew dip. For a fruity option, serve with watermelon salsa or mango salsa.

Salads and Soups

Add some crunch to your salad or soup by sprinkling on some pita chips. They can also be used in place of croutons.

Nachos

Load up your pita chips with toppings to make delicious nachos.

Cheese Boards

Instead of crackers, add some pita chips to your cheese board. They also pair well with fig jam and nuts.

Meals

Pita chips can be served as a side with Mexican dishes such as chicken fajitas, burritos, and chicken salad. They also go well with chicken sandwiches and gyros.

Dessert

For a sweet option, sprinkle your pita chips with cinnamon sugar. These can be served with chocolate sauce, ice cream, or fruit salsa.

Customise

Experiment with different seasonings to customise your pita chips. Try using spices like nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or even a hint of vanilla. You can also try savoury versions with cheese or herbs.

Frequently asked questions