Crispy, golden, and irresistibly crunchy—Air Fryer Homemade Tortilla Chips are your new go-to snack. Made with just a few ingredients, they’re healthier than store-bought chips and ready in minutes. Perfect for dipping, snacking, or building nachos!
Ingredients
- 6 small corn tortillas (white or yellow)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- Optional seasonings: chili powder, lime zest, smoked paprika, garlic powder
How To Make Air Fryer Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Prep the Tortillas:
Stack the tortillas and cut them into triangles (quarters or sixths, depending on size). - Coat with Oil:
Place tortilla triangles in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt and any additional seasonings you like. - Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange chips in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed).
Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning. - Cool and Serve:
Let chips cool for a couple of minutes—they’ll crisp up even more as they sit. Serve with your favorite dips!
You Must Know
- Corn Tortillas Work Best: Flour tortillas tend to puff up or stay chewy. Stick with corn for a true chip texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Chips need space to crisp. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Stay Close: They can go from golden to burned quickly—check often toward the end of cooking.
- Store Properly: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Topping Variations
- Chili-Lime Chips: Add chili powder and lime zest before air frying.
- Cheesy Chips: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or cheddar powder after frying.
- Spicy Kick: Use cayenne or chipotle powder.
- Sweet & Salty: Dust lightly with cinnamon and sugar for a dessert twist.
- Herbed Chips: Sprinkle with dried oregano or thyme for a Mediterranean touch.
Make It a Meal
- Classic Nachos: Layer chips with shredded cheese, jalapeños, beans, and bake or air fry until melty.
- Snack Board: Serve with guacamole, salsa, queso, and hummus for an easy party tray.
- Tortilla Chip Crust: Crush and use as a crust for chicken or fish fillets.
- Mexican Salad Topping: Add a handful to top taco salad for crunch.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Tortillas: Dry or old tortillas won’t crisp well and may taste stale.
- Cut Evenly: Uniform sizes cook more evenly and prevent burnt edges.
- Season After Cooking (for bold spices): Especially if using powdered cheese or herbs, they stick better after the chips are hot.
- Make-Ahead Trick: You can pre-cut and oil the tortillas in advance, then just toss into the air fryer when ready.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead?
A: You can, but they’ll have a softer, more cracker-like texture. Corn gives the best chip crunch.
Q: How long do homemade chips last?
A: Up to 3 days in an airtight container. Re-crisp in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes if needed.
Q: Do I have to use oil?
A: A light coating is recommended for crispness. For oil-free, spray lightly with water and increase air fry time slightly.
Q: Can I use store-bought tortillas that are flavored or colored?
A: Yes! Spinach, chipotle, or blue corn tortillas work great and add fun flavor or color.
Q: Can I make these in bulk?
A: Absolutely—just work in batches and store once fully cooled.
Air Fryer Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Snacks
Ingredients
- 6 small tortillas corn or flour
- olive oil cooking spray
- coarse salt
Instructions
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Slice your tortillas into 6-8 equal pieces, like a pizza.6 small tortillas
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Lightly spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with coarse salt.olive oil cooking spray, coarse salt
AIR FRYER INSTRUCTIONS
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Place cut tortillas in the air fryer basket, making sure to not overlap.
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Cook at 350 for 3 minutes, open the basket, flip the chips, spray with cooking spray & add more salt (if desired), and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until browned and crisp.
- Remove from basket and let cool to finish crisping.
