Save to Pinterest I was rummaging through the pantry one evening, craving something crunchy, when I spotted a stack of corn tortillas about to go stale. Instead of tossing them, I cut them up, tossed them with a bit of oil, and threw them in the air fryer. Eight minutes later, I had a bowl of golden, crispy chips that tasted better than anything from a bag. That night, I learned that the best snacks are often the ones you make on a whim. Now I keep tortillas on hand just for this.
I made these for a last-minute game night once, and everyone kept asking where I bought them. When I admitted they were just tortillas from the fridge, my friend grabbed the bowl and said she was never buying chips again. That moment felt like a small kitchen victory. Sometimes the simplest things impress people the most.
Ingredients
- Corn tortillas: Small ones work best because they fit easily in the basket and crisp up evenly without getting too hard.
- Olive oil: Just enough to help the seasonings stick and give the chips a light golden color, avocado oil works beautifully too.
- Sea salt: A must for that classic salty crunch, but you can go easy and adjust after tasting.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and a hint of campfire flavor without any heat.
- Ground cumin: Brings an earthy depth that makes these taste like they came from a taqueria.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up for a couple of minutes. This helps the chips crisp evenly from the start.
- Cut the tortillas:
- Stack them up and slice into six triangles, like youre cutting a pizza. A sharp knife or pizza cutter makes this quick and clean.
- Season the wedges:
- Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and spices until every piece is lightly coated. Dont skip the tossing or youll get bland spots.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Lay them in a single layer without overlapping, even if it means doing two batches. Crowding them makes them steam instead of crisp.
- Air fry and shake:
- Cook for six to eight minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly. Listen for that crackling sound near the end.
- Cool and crisp:
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel and let them sit for a minute. Theyll firm up as they cool and become perfectly snackable.
Save to Pinterest The first time I served these with homemade guacamole, my neighbor ate half the bowl before realizing they werent store bought. She looked at me like Id revealed a magic trick. That look reminded me why I love cooking, its not just about the food, its about the small surprises that make people smile.
Flavor Variations
Once you get the hang of the basic version, try tossing the chips with lime zest and a pinch of chili powder before air frying for a tangy kick. I also love adding garlic powder and a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without any dairy. On taco night, I sometimes dust them with taco seasoning and serve them warm right out of the basket.
Storage and Freshness
These chips stay crispy in an airtight container for up to three days, though they rarely last that long in my house. If they soften a bit, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for two minutes to bring back the crunch. Avoid sealing them while theyre still warm or condensation will make them chewy.
Serving Suggestions
I love piling these on a plate with salsa, guacamole, and a little bowl of sour cream for dipping. Theyre also fantastic crumbled over a taco salad or used to scoop up black bean dip. My favorite pairing is still fresh pico de gallo and a cold drink on a warm evening.
- Try them with queso or a spicy cheese dip for game day.
- Crush a handful over soup or chili for added texture.
- Pack them in a lunchbox with hummus or bean dip for an easy snack.
Save to Pinterest Theres something satisfying about turning a few tortillas into something this good with almost no effort. Once you make them yourself, the bagged ones just dont taste the same.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of tortillas work best?
Small corn tortillas provide the best crispiness and traditional flavor, but flour or whole wheat can be used with slightly adjusted cooking times.
- → Can I make these chips without an air fryer?
While an air fryer gives a crisp texture with less oil, chips can also be baked in a conventional oven on a sheet at 350°F until golden.
- → How can I add more flavor to these chips?
Try sprinkling chili powder, lime zest, or your favorite seasoning blends before air frying for added zest.
- → How long do the chips stay fresh?
Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain crispness.
- → What oils are best for coating the chips?
Olive oil or avocado oil both work well to help seasonings stick and promote even crisping.