I love those moments when a snack craving hits and I can whip up something quick without having to wait for the oven to preheat or a big pot of oil to heat up. That’s exactly where my air fryer comes in handy, especially for these golden and crispy flour tortilla chips. They’re light, crunchy, and just the right amount of salty—perfect for dipping into salsa, guacamole, or even a creamy queso.
What I enjoy most about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can keep them simple with just a sprinkle of salt, or go bold with smoky paprika, garlic powder, or even a squeeze of lime juice before air frying. In less than 15 minutes, you can have a basket full of chips that taste way fresher than store-bought and pair beautifully with any dip you love.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable, these form the base of your chips. Flour tortillas crisp up beautifully in the air fryer while still keeping a tender bite in the center. You can use regular or low-carb tortillas depending on your preference.
Olive Oil (or Cooking Spray): Just a light brush or spray of oil helps the tortillas crisp evenly and develop that irresistible golden color. Olive oil gives a subtle richness, but you can use avocado oil or even a neutral vegetable oil.
Salt: A simple sprinkle of salt right after air frying enhances the flavor of the chips and balances the natural taste of the tortilla. You can use fine sea salt or flaky salt depending on the texture you prefer.
Optional Seasonings: This is where you can get creative. Paprika for a smoky touch, chili powder for heat, garlic powder for savoriness, or even cinnamon sugar if you want to turn them into a sweet treat.
Ingredients List
- 4 flour tortillas (medium size)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or seasoning of choice
How to Make Air Fryer Flour Tortilla Chips
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
Lay the flour tortillas on a cutting board and cut them into triangles, just like you would slice a pizza. You should get about 6–8 chips per tortilla depending on the size.
Step 2: Add Oil and Seasoning
Lightly brush each triangle with olive oil or spray both sides with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt and any extra seasonings you’d like to try.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the tortilla triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap too much so the air can circulate and crisp them up evenly. You may need to cook them in batches.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Crispy
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove the chips from the basket and let them cool for a minute—they’ll crisp up even more as they sit. Sprinkle with a little extra salt if needed and serve with your favorite dip.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; chips need space to crisp properly.
- For extra flavor, squeeze a bit of lime juice over the tortillas before cooking.
- If you prefer extra crunchy chips, cook them a minute or two longer, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Store leftover chips in an airtight container for up to 3 days—though they’re best enjoyed fresh.
- Use flavored tortillas (like spinach or sun-dried tomato) for a colorful twist.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can! Corn tortillas make sturdier chips with a classic flavor, but flour tortillas give a softer, lighter crunch.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
It’s optional, but preheating for a couple of minutes helps the chips cook more evenly and become crispier.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
Make sure you don’t add too much oil and allow them to cool completely before storing.
Can I make sweet tortilla chips with this recipe?
Absolutely! Brush the tortillas with a little butter or oil, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and air fry until crispy.