I’ve always loved discovering new ways to make quick and tasty snacks, especially ones that don’t require a ton of effort. One day, I had a few leftover tortillas in the fridge and a craving for something sweet. That’s when the idea hit me—why not toss them into the air fryer with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar? The result was so good that I had to make them again the very next day.
These cinnamon sugar tortilla chips are perfectly crisp, lightly sweet, and so easy to whip up. They make a great after-school treat, a cozy movie night snack, or even a crunchy topping for ice cream. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable flour tortillas are the base of this recipe. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and provide the perfect canvas for the buttery cinnamon sugar coating.
Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the tortillas while also giving them that rich, golden finish as they crisp.
Granulated Sugar: Classic white sugar provides the sweetness and caramelized crunch that balances the buttery tortillas.
Ground Cinnamon: Warm, fragrant cinnamon pairs perfectly with sugar to create that nostalgic, cozy flavor we all love.
Cooking Spray (optional): A quick mist of cooking spray can help the chips get evenly crispy without overusing butter.
Ingredients List
- 4 medium flour tortillas
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cooking spray (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
Cut the tortillas into wedges, just like you would for tortilla chips. You can make them into triangles, strips, or even fun shapes with a cookie cutter if you want to get creative.
Step 2: Brush with Butter
Lightly brush both sides of the tortilla pieces with melted butter. This not only adds flavor but also helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 3: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the buttered tortillas, making sure every piece gets coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chips
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the tortilla pieces in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove the chips and let them cool for a few minutes—they’ll crisp up even more as they rest. Serve them warm on their own, with fruit salsa, or as a crunchy topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; a single layer ensures even crisping.
- If you want extra sweetness, sprinkle a little more cinnamon sugar on the chips as soon as they come out of the air fryer.
- For a lighter version, swap butter with cooking spray.
- Try using different tortillas—whole wheat, low-carb, or even flavored tortillas for a twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer for a minute or two before serving.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can! The texture will be crunchier and less soft, but they’ll still taste amazing with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps ensure the chips crisp evenly and start cooking right away, so I definitely recommend it.
Can I make these without butter?
Absolutely—use cooking spray or even a light brush of coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
What can I serve with these tortilla chips?
They’re fantastic on their own, but also pair well with fruit salsa, caramel sauce, chocolate dip, or even alongside ice cream.
How long do they stay crispy?
They’re best eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for a couple of days. Just pop them back in the air fryer for a minute to restore their crunch.