I’ve always had a soft spot for snacks that strike the perfect balance between crispy and light, and homemade tortilla chips are at the very top of that list. While the store-bought versions are convenient, they never quite capture that fresh, just-made crunch I crave. That’s why I started making tortilla chips at home in my air fryer—it’s quick, healthier than deep frying, and the results are so satisfying that I find myself making them almost weekly.
What I love most about these chips is how customizable they are. A simple sprinkle of salt is classic, but you can also jazz them up with chili powder, lime zest, or even a smoky seasoning blend for extra personality. With just a few basic ingredients and a handful of minutes, you can create a batch of golden, crispy chips that pair beautifully with salsa, guacamole, or even just on their own. Once you try them fresh out of the air fryer, it’ll be hard to go back to the bagged version.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Corn tortillas: These are the heart of the recipe. Opt for good-quality tortillas made from 100% corn for the best flavor and crunch. They’re naturally gluten-free and have a warm, earthy taste that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
Olive oil (or cooking spray): A light coating of oil is all it takes to achieve that golden crunch. Olive oil adds a subtle richness, while cooking spray makes the process even quicker. Either option ensures the chips crisp up without turning greasy.
Salt: A sprinkle of salt right after the chips come out of the air fryer brings out their flavor. Use fine sea salt for even coverage, or experiment with flavored salts like lime or smoked varieties if you want to mix things up.
Ingredients List
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
How to Make Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips
Step 1: Cut the tortillas
Stack your corn tortillas neatly and slice them into six equal wedges, just like you’d cut a pizza. This shape gives you the perfect chip size for dipping.
Step 2: Coat with oil
Place the tortilla wedges in a bowl or on a baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray both sides with olive oil. This thin coating helps the chips crisp evenly without burning.
Step 3: Arrange in the air fryer
Lay the tortillas in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as too many chips at once will prevent them from crisping properly. Work in batches if needed.
Step 4: Air fry until crispy
Cook the chips at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes since they can go from perfectly golden to overly browned quickly.
Step 5: Season immediately
As soon as you remove the chips from the air fryer, sprinkle them with salt. Doing this while they’re still warm ensures the seasoning sticks.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave before cutting—they’ll be more pliable and easier to slice cleanly.
- Don’t skip flipping the chips halfway through; it guarantees even crispiness.
- If you prefer extra-crunchy chips, add an extra 1–2 minutes of cook time, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Experiment with flavors! Try dusting your chips with chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or lime zest for a fun twist.
- Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but keep in mind that flour tortillas will produce a slightly different texture—softer and chewier rather than crispy and earthy like corn tortillas.
Do I have to use oil?
A little oil helps achieve the best crunch, but if you’re avoiding it, you can air fry them dry. Just know they won’t be quite as golden or flavorful.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the tortilla wedges in the oven at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still turn out crispy, just not quite as quick as the air fryer.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
Make sure they cool completely before storing, and keep them in an airtight container. Any trapped moisture will soften them.