Air-Fried Pita Chips: A Quick, Crunchy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to make quick and healthy snacks, and pita chips are no exception. They are a tasty alternative to potato chips and can be seasoned however you like. You can use any kind of pita bread, but thinner pita bread, such as Lebanese pita, will crisp up better in the air fryer. All you need is pita bread, olive oil, and your choice of seasonings. Cut the pita bread into triangles, toss with oil and seasonings, and air fry for around 10 minutes. You can serve these pita chips with hummus, salsa, or any other dip of your choice. They are also great on their own as a snack.

Choosing the right pita bread

Type of Pita Bread:

• Pita pockets: Look for pita bread labelled as "pita pockets," which will create thick chips perfect for dipping into hummus or other thick dips. You can use either white or whole wheat pita pockets.
• Flatbreads: If you prefer a thinner chip, you can also use flatbreads such as naan bread, Lebanese bread, or tortillas. However, keep in mind that tortillas are thinner and will have a shorter cooking time in the air fryer.

Ingredients and Freshness:

• Check the ingredients list on the pita bread packaging. For a healthier option, choose pita bread made with whole wheat or other whole grains.
• Look for pita bread with a short ingredient list, avoiding those with preservatives or artificial additives.
• Opt for pita bread that is fresh and hasn't started to go stale. However, slightly stale pita bread can still work and may even result in crispier chips.

Thickness and Texture:

• Thickness: Thinner pita bread, such as pocket-style pita, tends to bake faster and results in crispier and lighter chips. Thicker pita bread will take longer to cook and will produce thicker, sturdier chips.
• Texture: Some pita bread has a softer, fluffier texture, while others are denser and chewier. For pita chips, a denser texture may hold up better during the cooking process and provide a satisfying bite.

Brand and Quality:

• Popular brands: Popular pita bread brands known for their quality include Toufayan and Costco.
• Natural ingredients: Choose pita bread made with natural, organic, or fresh ingredients whenever possible.
• Vegan and dietary options: If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, look for pita bread labelled as vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free to ensure it aligns with your needs.

Remember, the key to making great pita chips is starting with the right pita bread. Select a type, brand, and texture that aligns with your personal preferences and the desired outcome for your pita chips.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning are the key components of your pita chips. You can use any oil that works well at medium or high heat, such as olive oil, avocado oil, refined coconut oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil. For a more indulgent option, you could even use melted butter. The choice of oil will impart a subtle flavour to the chips, so it's worth considering the overall taste you want to achieve.

As for seasoning, this is where you can get creative and experiment with different flavours. Sea salt and black pepper are classic choices, but you can also try garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, Cajun spice, or za'atar. If you want to add a tangy twist, include some sumac, which has a tart, citrusy flavour that pairs well with dips. For a sweeter option, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the chips before air frying.

When preparing your pita chips, cut the pita bread into triangles or wedges, then drizzle or brush the oil onto the pita pieces. You can also add the seasoning at this stage, or sprinkle it on after the oil. Toss the pita pieces to ensure an even coating of oil and seasoning.

The amount of oil and seasoning you use will depend on your personal preference and the intensity of flavour you desire. However, it's important not to add too much oil, as this can make the pita chips soggy instead of crispy.

Cutting the pita bread

When using flatbread-style pita, it is best to cut the bread into wedges or triangles. You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to do this. Cut each pita bread into six to eight wedges, depending on the size of the pita and the desired size of the chips. You can also cut the pita bread in half and then into thirds or quarters.

If you are using pocket pita, it is recommended to cut the pita into equal triangles, just like slicing a pizza. Each pita should be cut into eight triangles.

Once the pita bread is cut into the desired shape, you can proceed to the next step of tossing the pita chips with oil and seasonings.

Air fryer settings

The air fryer settings will depend on the type of pita chip you want. For a crispy pita chip, set your air fryer to 325°F for 8 minutes. For a softer chip, set it to the same temperature for 6 minutes and for a crispier chip, set it to 325°F for 10 minutes.

If you want to make your pita chips in a larger batch, you can do so by splitting the batch into two to ensure the chips get crispy.

If you're using Lebanese pita bread, set your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes, flipping the chips over halfway through.

For Greek pita, set your air fryer to 320°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Dips and serving suggestions

Pita chips are a versatile snack and can be paired with a variety of dips and served in multiple ways. Here are some ideas for dips and serving suggestions:

Dips

• Hummus is a classic dip to serve with pita chips. You can stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different flavours like roasted red pepper hummus, dill pickle hummus, or spicy garlic hummus.
• Mediterranean-style dips like tzatziki, tyrokafteri (spicy feta dip), baba ganoush, melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), and muhammara.
• Other dip options include pesto, beetroot dip, spicy feta dip, tapenade, harissa yoghurt dip, chermoula sauce, guacamole, french onion dip, and salsa.

Serving Suggestions

• Pita chips can be served as a side with meals like Middle Eastern Stuffed Bell Peppers (Koosa Mih-shee), Mediterranean Quesadilla with Spinach and Feta, Kebab Hindi (Syrian Lamb Meatballs with Vegetables and Rice), or soups and stews.
• Create a mezze platter or a Mediterranean-themed dinner by pairing pita chips with Greek village salad, baked Greek eggplant, moussaka, Greek baked feta dip, or Greek oven-baked fish.
• Use pita chips as a substitute for croutons in salads or soups like tomato basil soup, lentil soup, or roasted carrot soup.
• For a sweet option, pita chips can be seasoned with cinnamon and sugar and served with a chocolate dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions