Air Fryer Hack: Tortilla Crispy Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make tortilla chips crispy and crunchy without the need for deep-frying. With just a few simple steps, you can turn leftover tortillas into a delicious snack that's perfect for dipping. The process is straightforward: cut tortillas into triangles, add some oil or cooking spray, season with salt, and then arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. In just a few minutes, you'll have crispy tortilla chips ready to serve!

Use cooking spray instead of oil

Using cooking spray is a great alternative if you don't have any oil to hand, or if you want to reduce the calories in your tortilla chips.

First, place your tortillas in a stack and cut them into chip-sized wedges. You can cut them into triangles, or thin strips, depending on your preference. Then, spray both sides of the tortilla pieces with cooking spray. You can also add a sprinkle of salt at this stage, if you like your tortilla chips on the salty side.

Next, spread the tortilla pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with as little overlap as possible. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is not big enough. Set the air fryer to 350ºF and cook for 5 minutes. After 3 minutes, take out the basket and gently stir and flip the tortilla pieces. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown and crispy.

Your tortilla chips will continue to crisp up as they cool, so don't worry if they're not as crunchy as you'd like when you first take them out of the air fryer.

Cut tortillas into triangles

To cut tortillas into triangles, start by stacking the tortillas on top of each other. You can cut through several tortillas at once if you have a sharp knife. If your knife is not very sharp, cut three tortillas at a time. You can also use a sharp pizza cutter or a pair of kitchen scissors. Slice the tortillas into wedges, cutting each tortilla into six triangles, like a pie.

Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes

Once you've cut your tortillas into wedges, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Overlapping wedges will result in uneven cooking and prevent your tortillas from becoming crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tortillas in batches.

Set your air fryer to 350°F and let the tortillas cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Check on them once or twice during the cooking process to ensure they aren't overlapping and give the basket a shake if needed. The tortillas are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer your tortillas on the crispier side, you can let them cook for a few minutes longer. However, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Once the tortillas are done, remove them from the air fryer and dump them onto a plate. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Now you can enjoy your freshly made, crispy tortilla chips!

Corn tortillas are crispier than flour

The process of making corn tortillas, known as nixtamalization, is an important factor in their superior crispiness. Nixtamalization involves soaking and cooking corn in an alkaline solution of calcium hydroxide or limewater, releasing essential vitamins and enhancing the nutritional profile of the tortillas. This traditional process, used by the Mayans and Aztecs, results in a more authentic and nutritious tortilla.

The ingredients used in corn tortillas also contribute to their crispiness. Corn tortillas are made from 100% corn, making them a whole-grain food with higher fibre content. In contrast, flour tortillas are typically made with refined wheat flour, which can be less crispy. Additionally, corn tortillas are gluten-free, catering to those with gluten-related conditions, while flour tortillas contain gluten.

When it comes to air frying, corn tortillas are the preferred choice for achieving that epic crunch. They become extra crispy in the air fryer, making them perfect for tortilla chips or nachos. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air quickly and efficiently crisps up corn tortillas without the need for deep-frying, resulting in a healthier and crispier snack.

While flour tortillas offer versatility and a soft, pliable texture, corn tortillas take the lead when it comes to crispiness. Whether you're making tortilla chips, tacos, or tostadas, corn tortillas will provide that satisfying crunch that takes your Mexican-inspired dishes to the next level.

Store in an airtight container

Once your tortilla chips have cooled, it's time to store them. You'll want to use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If you're using a container, make sure it's airtight to keep your chips fresh. Your chips will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature.

If you're using a plastic bag, a zip-top bag works great. Again, make sure it's sealed properly to maintain freshness. Like the container, your chips will last for up to two weeks at room temperature.

It's important to note that you should not freeze or refrigerate your chips. Doing so could affect their texture and make them soggy.

Now you know how to store your homemade tortilla chips! Enjoy your crunchy, crispy creation for days to come.

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